The Sun and Its Effects on the Skin

Posted on January 7, 2008
Filed Under Skin |

People with skin and hair have a clear type of skin sensitivity and a high risk of sunburn, because of the lack of skin pigmentation. In them, the occasional sunburn (skin crab) increases the risk of skin cancer. People whose skin is white must be careful that people with dark skin.

We all love the sun, but the reaction to the rays varies from one individual to another. The number of cases of skin cancer has doubled in the past 20 years, which is probably due to the growing hole in the ozone layer, among other possible factors. So we must be careful when sunbathing.

However, we all have something in common: we are at it brown in the sun. This is due to our skin in the presence of a substance called melanin, which is responsible for having dark skin. It is considered as the protection of the skin to the sun. The speed with which we depend, therefore, bronzed by the speed with which the skin of each person is able to synthesize this substance.

However, the effect of solar radiation also depends on where we are the radiation intensity and type of skin we have. To maximize the sun without burning, without increasing the risk of skin cancer then it is better to tan gradually. This is achieved by avoiding the midday sun (from 12 to 15 hours), with the maximum possible time in the shade and using a sunscreen (factor 15 minimum). In children, it is advisable to bring light clothes and children under 1 year discouraged their exposure to direct sunlight, even if they apply sunscreen.

Sunscreens
The sunscreen is in the market operating in different ways to protect against the sun’s rays through the presence of chemical filters and / or physical.

The chemical sunscreen
These are substances that penetrate the skin after absorbing sunlight, thus preventing active in the deeper layers and cause injuries. Some chemical filters only provide protection against UVB rays (ultraviolet B), while others protect against UVA and UVB rays.

The physical filter
On the other hand, place a thin membrane like a mirror at the top of the skin and reflect sunlight. The filters tend to have physical color light, such as the white zinc oxide. Protect against both UVA rays, such as UVB.

UVC rays
That filters are the ozone layer and do not reach the ground.

The UVA rays penetrate deeper to the tissue and cause premature skin aging. UVB rays are those that affect the top layer of skin, and are the reason that we produce melanin and tan, but also those who burn and produce skin cancer.

For optimum protection, ideal, it is best to choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Those who tend to suffer from allergy to the ingredients in sunscreens should opt for others that did not submit and ultimately opt for the physical filter only.

How water proof or water?
If you want to swim and cool off at the same time be protected against injuries that can cause the sun on your skin, you must ensure that the sunscreen is water-or water-proof (waterproof). A sunscreen-proof water resistant 80 minutes of immersion baths 4 or 20 minutes without disappearing. If the sunscreen is water, can swim 40 minutes or 2 bathrooms 20 minutes without being removed. However, this only applies if the air is dry (no towel) and the amount recommended by the manufacturer. It is recommended to apply an additional layer in all cases, before each time you go to take a bath, as a measure that ensures optimal sun protection.

Apply a thick layer of protection is the key
An adult should apply a layer of sunscreen that is 30g or 40g, while a child needs about 20g to cover the entire body. Usually only used one third of the amount needed and, therefore, protection is not as effective as we believe.

Apply the protector before leaving
It is necessary to apply the sunscreen at least half an hour before sun exposure and in an amount sufficient so that the skin is completely soaked after having smeared the cream.

Can you use sunscreen on it last year?
Cosmetic manufacturers are not required by law on cosmetics, to indicate the expiration date if a product has a shelf life greater than 2.5 years.

Therefore, we must evaluate in a simple way that sun creams overran us last year, always bearing in mind that when in doubt, we must acquire new and dispose.
* Your scent should be equal to the previous year, and should never give off odors.
* We must ensure that they have not been exposed to the sun because the heat makes it lose its protective features. Should be left in a cool and shaded, it is best to leave them in the refrigerator when not in use.

What factors and what filter should I choose?
The number of the protection factor quantifies the protective capacity of the same, because the greater the latter, more hours of protection it can provide. The factor we choose depends on skin type and duration of our exposure. In general, the factor 15 is fine for most people of normal skin, and there is no big difference if you choose a higher factor.

Exceptions to this are children and adults who tend to suffer from eczema. Sometimes it is convenient to use a protective bar with a high factor in particularly exposed areas of the body such as shoulders, lips, ears and back of the nose.

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