It is important to know the protection rules.
Photo: Evgenia GUSEVA.
The sun, according to meteorologists, is already active. It’s easy to get burned by this. And what is even worse is that the active sun damages the skin with the same intensity: photoaging is stronger and the risk of cancer is higher. It is important to know the rules of protection that were recalled by dermatologist Maria Zhuravleva, author of the book “Under the skin cover.” They are as simple as possible, but after a long winter they are somehow forgotten:
1. Do not intentionally sunbathe in sunlight; try to be in the shade of trees, under a canopy or umbrella.
2. Stay out of the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. At this time, the sun’s rays fall to the ground almost at right angles and are most active.
3. Wear a hat and sunglasses.
4. Drink more water or other liquid (not alcohol).
5. Use sunscreen, apply it in sufficient quantity, renew it every two hours.
HOW TO CHOOSE SUN PROTECTION
1. What is SPF and what do the numbers next to it mean?
“SPF, literally “sun protection factor,” shows how many times the time we spend in the sun before getting burned increases with the application of cream, compared to without it, explains Maria Zhuravleva. – For example, at 12 noon, a light-skinned person can calmly lie in the sun for 10 minutes. When applying cream with SPF 10, this time will increase by 10 times and amount to 100 minutes. But there is an important nuance: this ideal protection is only possible if it is ideally applied in an amount of 2 mg per square centimeter of the body and in ideal conditions, when you do not sweat, do not swim and literally do not move. Of course, it is quite difficult to imagine this in real life. Therefore, the higher the SPF, the better your protection.
So: SPF 15 will provide protection against 94 percent of type B rays, SPF 30 – 97 percent, SPF 50 – 98 percent.
What is better? The medical community recommends using creams with an SPF of at least 30.
But the bottles with the number 100 are nothing more than a marketing strategy; the difference with SPF 50 will be several hundredths of a percent and it is not worth paying extra for them.
2. What is UVA (PPD), UVB or broad spectrum (broad spectrum)?
“This is broad-spectrum protection,” explains Dr. Zhuravleva. – These inscriptions indicate that the cream protects against various types of rays and prevents photoaging. The level of protection against UVA rays should be at least 1/3 of the SPF indicated on the label.
3. Waterproof, very waterproof.
This inscription does not mean at all that it is not necessary to renew the cream after bathing. Only it will protect you better if you sweat or droplets of water fall on your body.
WHAT DIFFERENCES PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL FILTERS
Ultimately, the difference lies in the operating principles of these filters.
There are only two physical filters: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
They work like a shield: they remain on the skin like a white mask that does not let the rays through and reflects them. They begin to act immediately after application. Zinc oxide is considered to protect against UVA rays slightly better than titanium dioxide. Zinc-based products are very popular among surfers.
Chemical filters work like a “sponge,” capturing the sun’s rays and transforming them. For a cream with chemical filters to “work” it needs to be absorbed, that is, it must be applied 15 minutes before going out.
“Chemical filters are absorbed into the skin, so some of them can cause an allergic reaction and sometimes even cause a paradoxical reaction of increased sensitivity to sunlight (photodermatitis), says Maria Zhuravleva. – But, in fairness, it must be said that modern chemical filters are much less likely to cause allergic and contact reactions than their predecessors.
WHO NEEDS WHICH FILTER?
For children and people with sensitive skin or skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, rosacea), products with PHYSICAL filters are suitable. Products based on physical filters are allowed for children from 6 months (earlier is also possible, if necessary). But it is worth remembering that babies burn very easily in the sun, overheat even more easily and find it extremely difficult to tolerate it. Therefore, it is not necessary to take unnecessary risks. It is very possible to buy one of these products for the whole family.
If you have healthy skin, do not want the cream to “whiten” or plan to apply the product under makeup, products with CHEMICAL filters are more suitable.
WHY AND WHO NEEDS SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
We are used to the fact that the body needs to be protected from the sun. And for this, light clothing is appropriate, in which it is not hot and at the same time you do not burn yourself. But there are already special garments with UPF protection factor: neoprene suits, hats with a linen fabric that covers the neck, etc. Protection against ultraviolet rays in this type of clothing is achieved by dyeing fabrics with special substances that absorb the sun’s rays, or by treating them with a chemical composition (for example, titanium dioxide), which reflects radiation.
Who needs it?
“First of all, for people who for some reason do not want to use sunscreen,” explains Maria Zhuravleva. – What’s worse than normal clothes?
The protection level of a basic t-shirt is only 5-10 UPF; If it gets wet, some of this protection will be lost. In specialized clothing, the UPF level reaches 50 and the special treatment of the fabrics makes it resistant to humidity. In my opinion, buying such a beach suit is very convenient for children, so as not to worry about accidentally forgetting to apply the cream. And also for patients at risk and those who are exposed to the scorching rays of the sun for a long time, for example, surfers and fishermen.
