1. The common opinion is that the southern sun is more dangerous than the central sun, but can you sunbathe without fear in the northern regions?
The location of the region where you are exposed to the sun or the ambient temperature is not as important as the UV index. Its value changes throughout the day, in the morning and evening – lower, during the day – higher. This information is published daily on weather sites and is available on almost any phone. The higher the UV index, the more dangerous it is to be in the sun. From this indicator you will be able to determine what degree of protection you need to provide yourself and your loved ones to avoid suffering from the sun.
2. Are only sunburns dangerous? Is it possible to sunbathe without getting sunburned?
Intense UV radiation can cause damage to the cellular genome. Tanning is the body’s attempt to protect cells from such damage by using the pigment melanin. Any redness of the skin indicates that natural protection was not sufficient and the skin was burned.
The carcinogenic effect of intense sun exposure can appear after 10, 15, 20 years and cause skin cancer or a malignant tumor as dangerous as melanoma. It all depends on the number of burns and the age at which they were suffered: the earlier the skin was exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the worse the consequences. Children under 3 years of age should be especially carefully protected from sunburn.
3. How to protect your child from the sun?
According to WHO recommendations, it is important to provide the child with a hat, glasses with SPF protection from ultraviolet rays A and B, and side screens, and light cotton clothing that covers the body as much as possible. It is necessary to apply sunscreen to exposed parts of the body, and when swimming, wear a special suit, the material of which has the property of blocking the sun’s rays.
Several companies even indicate the degree of protection, similar to sun protection cosmeceuticals with SPF. In the case of clothing, this index, corresponding to the degree of protection, is often called UPF.
4. Which sunscreens are best for children?
First, you need to find out which filters are used in the cream: mineral or chemical. The former “keep” UV radiation away from the skin and reflect it; the latter – absorb UV rays. Mineral screens are the safest for children, since their skin is more reactive and its own protective mechanisms are imperfect.
5. Who, besides children, needs careful sun protection?
People with so-called “intolerant skin”. This skin is more sensitive to the sun. In addition to those with the first phototype (fair skin, light eyes, blond and red hair, often with freckles on the skin), this category includes people who have recently undergone anti-tumor treatment, as well as treatments in which drugs were used that increase sensitivity to the sun. If the patient is receiving therapy, for example, tetracycline antibiotics, retinoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, then sun protection should be reinforced. For such people, a cream with a mineral filter would also be preferable.
6. How to understand brands? What and when to use?
The marking on the sunscreen indicates its strength according to the strength of the damaging factor. If you go swimming (or work) at 9 in the morning, when the UV index is not yet high, you can apply an SPF 15 photoprotector. But at 2 p.m. it will not be effective because at this time the exposure to ultraviolet rays is more aggressive. . For this time of day, an index of 30+ or 50+ is appropriate.
7. How often should you apply sunscreen?
Both chemical and mineral filters stop “working” after two hours: the SPF value decreases. This is due to the destruction of chemical filtering compounds under the influence of UV radiation. Mineral screens do not suffer, but are easily removed from the skin surface mechanically, with intense sweating or by wiping (for example, with a towel). Therefore, the sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours. This should also be done every time you get out of the water.
And don’t forget: sunscreen is just one way to protect yourself from the sun. It won’t provide reliable protection if you apply it in small amounts. To maintain protection at the specified SPF value, the product should be applied in the amount recommended in the instructions for use. Don’t repeat the procedure every two hours, stay in the sun for too long, and don’t protect yourself with clothing and glasses – you will suffer, but the cream is not enough.
8. Is it possible for people who are undergoing treatment (or have been cured) of cancer to be in the sun?
Regardless of whether a person is sick, he can go to the sea if the treating doctor, who knows the patient’s entire situation, allows him to do so. Like everyone else, a person who has suffered from the disease must follow all sun protection rules. The 50+ index will suit you perfectly. It’s also important to remember that most cancer medications increase sensitivity to the sun, so you should wear sunscreen both during and after treatment.
9. Is it possible to escape the sun in the water?
No, water acts like a lens, enhancing the impact of the sun on the skin. Therefore, in southern countries it is better to swim in light clothing or, more reliably, in special swimsuits with UV protection.
10. Is it true that radiation from devices also negatively affects the body?
Recently, scientists have shown that cumulative blue light exposure from devices is identical to sun exposure. Therefore, not only those who went on vacation to the south are at risk, but also those who spend several hours a day in front of a monitor or phone screen. Doctors recommend using cosmetic products with ultra-broad spectrum protection that block blue light.
