The sun is actually the main factor that makes us age. That’s why the most effective anti-aging cream is sunscreen. I consider it essential to make priority investments. You ask why?
The skin consists of two layers. We can sort it as epidermis (upper layer) and dermis (lower layer). When we say sun, we are talking about two types of light. We can separate one as UVA and the other as UVB rays. While UVB rays stay in the upper layer of the skin, UVA rays can pass into the lower layer.
UVA rays, which are effective even on cloudy days and even seep through the glass, make up 95% of the ultraviolet rays reflected on the earth’s surface. These rays cause the collagen and elastin fibers, which are the supporting structures of the skin, to lose their texture, which we call photoaging, and cause skin tightness to decrease. In addition, it is the cause of the complaints of redness, itching, polymorphous light eruption, known as sun allergy. Pregnancy mask causes frequent dark spots on the shoulders, cheeks and forehead, and even skin cancer.
In short, what comes to mind when we say UVA;
- Aging
- sun allergy
- stain problems
- skin cancerWe should definitely use sunscreen to prevent it.
Let’s come to other UVB rays..
UVB rays make up 5% of the sun’s rays. They cannot pass through clouds and glass, but they can penetrate the upper layer of the skin. When we do not provide a good barrier function against reactive oxygen radicals, they are responsible for tanning, sunburns, sun allergies and skin cancers.
In short, when we say UVB, from sunburns‘ we are talking about.
When choosing a sunscreen, we must pay attention to the fact that it provides both UVA and UVB protection. Choosing the right sunscreen can sometimes be confusing. I would like to mention a few tips to pay attention to when reading labels. It is extremely important to write broad spectrum (broad band) for UVA and UVB joint protection.
- UVA PROTECTION: PPD / PA
UVB PROTECTION: SPFmeasured with values.
SPF has four different levels of protection: low (6 -10 factors), moderate (15 -25 factors), high (30 -50 factors), and very high (50+ factors) . So what do these SPF numbers mean?
If a product with an SPF factor is applied to the skin, the burn time (how many minutes your skin turns red) is multiplied by the protection factor and the number of minutes you can stay in the sun without getting burned is determined. So should we trust this? Never.. The more you apply sunscreen, the more protected you will be. For this reason, we recommend applying it 30 minutes before going out and renewing the creams every 2 hours. In the sea, water-resistant formulas should be preferred during periods of long stay in the water. Sunscreen should be reapplied after swimming, excessive activity and drying.
The protection response will also vary according to your skin type. It still seems safe to prefer filters containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create physical barriers in pregnant and children, but these creams leave a white color and give a sticky texture. Physical filters; They reflect light, preventing it from being absorbed through the skin, but chemical filters absorb the light and return it as harmless heat or light. Among the chemical filters, PABA, cinnates, salicylates and benzimidazoles are the main UVB preservatives; benzophenonans, methyl anthranilate and camphor compounds are effective against UVA rays. For blemished skin, colored sunscreens come to the fore; We recommend staying away from chemical filters for sensitive skin with rosacea or redness.
SUMMARY;
We expect a good sunscreen to be both UVA and UVB filtered, water and sweat resistant, high protection factor content, affordable and sustainable, and not allergic or irritating.
For personalized application, we definitely recommend choosing a product under dermatologist control. Remember, skin care carries the magic of knowledge. So, what is the most indispensable part of your travel bag?
Dr. Işıl Kamberoğlu Turan
Dermatology Specialist
Medicana Bursa
