The warm rays of the sun can give some peace to some of us, while some of us may be happier and hyperactive in sunny weather, but I owe it to myself and my profession to say that it is especially dangerous for our skin. 50% of the sun’s rays are visible light, 44% infrared rays and 6% UV ultraviolet rays. These ultraviolet rays (UV) are the most important causes of skin cancer and cause premature aging of the skin.
While UV-A reaches and spreads to the deep layers of the skin (dermis), UV-B damages the upper layer of the skin (epidermis). While UV-A does not change throughout the year and at different times of the day, seasons and weather conditions, UV-B is more intense in summer and at high altitudes. Although our upper layer of skin tries to protect ourselves from the effects of these harmful rays by reflecting, scattering and absorbing, unfortunately, since the ozone layer has been depleted, we must learn all the methods to protect our skin from this monster. How much do clothes protect us? It can protect 20-25%, but silk and dark clothes are very protective. I can say to those who say that the weather is cloudy, 85% of the sun’s rays pass through the clouds. But how should we be protected from the most active sun;
– Let’s take care not to go out in the sun between the hours of 11.00-16.00, when the rays are strongest. Let’s sit in the shade. Let’s use umbrellas, hats and light-colored clothes. Make sure to use sunscreen creams. Let’s use high factor protective creams in children regardless of skin type.
As a dermatologist, my advice to you about these products is; Most sunscreens are said to be ineffective because they are not used correctly and in sufficient quantities, or using the product effectively is paramount. Since the amount of sunscreen product in an adult is 2 mg/cm2, approximately 6 full teaspoons of product are needed for the whole body. In a dermato-cosmetic product, it is stated that the method of application according to the content of the product, how long after the application will be out in the sun, water resistance, how much protection it will provide, be sure to see. Pay attention to the product shelf life. And use a product that you have opened within 1 year. Use products that contain both UV-A and UV-B filters. I always prefer products with good skin absorption, resistant to water, sea, perspiration, evaporation, friction, and long duration of action. As for the protection factors, the FDA has classified sunscreen products as SPF2-<15: low, SPF 15- <30: Medium, SPF 30-50: High, SPF 50+: Provides the highest protection. Using SPF50+ on your children is extremely important to me in terms of their sensitivity and exposure time to the sun.
Let me give you a little practical information about frequently used bronzers. In these products, which color change is observed 1 hour after the application, this color change continues for 5-7 days. It has SPF 3-4 level of protection. It can absorb a small amount of UVA but not protect against UVB.
My dear readers; Have plenty of sun but with UV protection. Wishing you healthy days.
