Sun protection: tips and myths from a dermatologist

With the onset of spring, we are faced with the question of how to effectively protect the skin from active sunlight, protect the skin from burns and pigmentation. Dermatologist Ksenia Konovtseva gave effective advice in a commentary to UNN.

Sun protection is important for everyone, regardless of age, as the sun's rays can damage our skin, increasing the risk of cancer. Although we need the sun to synthesize vitamin D, sun exposure can damage the skin, causing hyperpigmentation and other problems. Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin inflammation and worsen chronic conditions such as acne or seborrheic dermatitis. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and keep it healthy, youthful, and evenly toned,

Details

The dermatologist notes that it is important not only to focus on the weather conditions, whether it will be cloudy or clear, but also to pay attention to the UV index, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Even in cloudy weather, when the UV index is low, it is recommended to use sunscreen daily throughout the year. It is also important to take into account the change in the UV index during the day: for example, it may be low in the morning but increase in the afternoon, especially in hot weather. It is always recommended to use sunscreen when the UV index is 2-3 or higher, especially for people with sensitive skin, pregnant women and others who need additional protection,

The dermatologist also told us how to choose a sunscreen.

The choice of sunscreen depends on many factors, including skin type, treatment, characteristics, and needs. For example, for dry skin, scaramide-based creams may be suitable to provide moisture. If your skin is prone to breakouts, you may want to consider creams with salicylic acid or other acids. For sensitive skin, creams with the prefix "cycle" and other soothing ingredients such as aloe or panthenol may be suitable,

She explained that sunscreen should be chosen by its filters, as there are several types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA1, UVA2, UVB, and UVC, which can cause skin burns.

There are two main types of sunscreen filters: chemical and physical, each with its own characteristics. Chemical filters, which include older components such as oxybenzone and octocrylene and newer ones such as titanium and others, absorb ultraviolet radiation and convert it into heat energy. Physical filters, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, reflect the rays like a mirror, which provides protection. Older chemical filters are not recommended for children and may have some health effects, while newer filters have a higher safety standard. Both types provide protection, but physical filters are more resistant to water, making them an ideal choice for outdoor activities,

It is also important not only how you apply sunscreen, but also how you wash it off.

We can additionally apply a moisturizer before applying sunscreen, waiting 5-10 minutes for it to absorb into the skin and not rub off. Then apply the sunscreen according to the recommendations - according to the two-finger rule. If we plan to go outside, we can apply sunscreen 5 minutes before we leave, or 15-20 minutes before going to the beach, especially if it is sunscreen with physical filters. For this purpose, you can use hydrophilic oil or micellar water, taking care to remove the remaining cream from all exposed areas of the skin, including the nose, neck and ears. As for sunscreens with chemical filters, they can be washed off with a gel or foam cleanser. In general, there is a wide range of sunscreens on the market today with a variety of additional properties, such as antioxidants, vitamins and other beneficial ingredients,

Another dermatologist debunked one of the popular myths about the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. In fact, the difference between them is minimal: - SPF 30 provides 97% protection, - SPF 50 - 98% protection.

As for applying sunscreen, the doctor says that this is always the last step in skin care, after which it should not be used on top of other cosmetics.

If you use foundation or powder, you should apply sunscreen first, followed by other cosmetics. You can use a spray or powder with SPF to renew your protection during the day, but it is important that this is only an additional measure, not the main protection,

When it comes to sun protection, it is important to remember that applying sunscreen alone does not guarantee complete protection. Ultraviolet radiation can damage the eyes and the skin around them, so don't neglect sunglasses and hats that provide shade to the face.