Today we increasingly hear that the sun is fraught with many dangers, that ultraviolet radiation threatens health, and sunbathing is harmful, contrary to universal fashion trends. Perhaps this is just another “horror story” of our time, of which there are a dime a dozen today? Is the sun really that dangerous, what is its threat, how to avoid it, and does it exist in principle? safe tan?
Today we increasingly hear that the sun is fraught with many dangers, that ultraviolet radiation threatens health, and sunbathing is harmful, contrary to general fashion trends. Perhaps this is just another “horror story” of our time, of which there are a dime a dozen today? Is the sun really that dangerous, what is its threat, how to avoid it, and is there, in principle, a safe tan?
WHY IS SUNBANNING HARMFUL?
Whatever you say, the golden days were when the kind “cartoon Aibolit” prescribed for children sunbathing, exclaiming optimistically: “The sun is from rickets best protection!” have already passed. People are slowly getting used to the idea that today there is much more harm from the sun than good. And the wonderful properties of ultraviolet radiation - the production of beneficial vitamins D and F2 in the body, hormones and enzymes, strengthening the immune system - immediately pale in comparison to evidence of the harm of ultraviolet irradiation.
So what happened to the respected luminary? The sun, in fact, continues to shine, just as it did in the times of the surgeon Pirogov. Only the Earth's ozone shell is no longer what it used to be. Through the ozone holes formed in it, very aggressive and hard substances penetrate to the surface of the earth. Sun rays- ultraviolet irradiation type B (UVB), type A (UVA) and infrared rays (IR).
CAUTION: UV EXPOSURE!
Ultraviolet irradiation of the skin causes sunburn, and, even worse, provokes malignant formations of skin cells. Number of people diagnosed with skin cancer in last years, has grown hundreds of times, and it is the sun’s rays, precisely their ultraviolet irradiation, that doctors around the world consider to be the culprits of this tragedy on a planetary scale.
Skin cancer appears in the form of pale, wax-like pearly bumps or scaly red spots. Solar ultraviolet irradiation also provokes the transformation of completely harmless, benign moles into threatening melanomas - malignant tumors. Under his influence birthmarks may increase in size, change color, begin to bleed, and ooze. They often take on an asymmetrical shape and uneven boundaries.
We recommend that people whose arms, backs and other areas of the body are strewn with moles avoid going to the beach altogether! Well, or at least cover birthmarks and moles with clothes or even cover them with adhesive tape. Please don't ignore this advice! And be sure to monitor your condition own skin, especially in the hot season. If you suddenly notice something suspicious, consult a doctor immediately! Today, most types of skin cancer can be cured if detected at an early stage.
Malignant tumors are certainly the most terrible punishment for “solar abuse,” but not the only ones. There are also not so tragic, but rather unpleasant consequences of unsuccessful communication with the sun's rays.
THE SUN IS THE CAUSE OF EARLY AGING!
The harmful rays of the sun penetrate deep into the skin, destroying its structure. Begins in the human body enhanced education free radicals leading to oxidation processes in the skin, just as metal rusts under the influence of moisture or the white flesh of an apple turns brown under the influence of air. The result of this process is a change in skin color (tanning, actually), collagen and elastin in the skin are destroyed (and it is thanks to them that its density and elasticity is ensured), dark spots And spider veins. So we grow old ahead of time, due to the insidious rays of the “gentle sun”.
IS THERE A SAFE TAN IN PRINCIPLE?
It’s a pity, but you’ll have to disappoint many - tanning, by definition, is never safe, sunbathing is harmful! Let's try to explain why.
What is tanning? It's nothing but ordinary defensive reaction skin, its attempt to protect the body from ultraviolet radiation. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the brown pigment melanin, which is a natural sunscreen, quickly rushes to the skin surface to absorb ultraviolet radiation and scatter its rays. Simply put, our body in the sun is brought into a state of complete combat readiness, when it seems to us that we are resting and relaxing by sunbathing. In fact, in the body, so to speak, “an alarm goes off”, the active production of the enzyme tyrosine begins, the main task of which is to stimulate melanocyte cells to produce melanin. In addition, the body “forces” upper layer the skin thickens to prevent the sun's rays from penetrating deep into the skin. However, no amount of melanin can provide complete protection from ultraviolet radiation.
To put it bluntly, a “healthy” tanned skin tone obtained after sunbathing, is a clear demonstration that serious damage has been caused to the skin. And the darker the skin, your regular color, the more trauma she suffered. Safe tanning is a myth, nothing more than a play on words. Sunbathing is harmful - and this is simply a fact. A modern absurd tribute to fashion - a dark brown tan from the sun on the body - by the way, in the old days it was considered throughout the world as something not very decent, at least evidence of the low social origin of its owner.
WHAT IS UV RADIATION?
As you already understand, tanning is simply a protective reaction of the human body to exposure to ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays, in turn, are of two types: A and B.
TYPE B RAYS These rays penetrate through the stratum corneum of the skin, the cuticle (epidermis) to the basal cell layer. Actually, they are the reason why the dark pigment melanin is formed in melanocyte cells. In addition, UVB rays provoke a thickening of the stratum corneum - the skin thus tries to provide the body with protection from ultraviolet radiation. As a result of excessive sunbathing, the body lacks its own protective resources, and then the skin gets sunburned. Closer to noon, the intensity of UVB rays increases.
TYPE A RAYS. These rays are long, penetrating deep into skin. UVA rays destroy the supporting structure of the skin - collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, the skin becomes wrinkled prematurely, loses its elasticity, and becomes flabby. Another feature of type A rays is that it is impossible to protect yourself from them even in winter, and even in the city, among concrete and glass. Moreover, concrete reflects the sun and increases the strength of this ultraviolet radiation.
INFRARED RAYS. In addition to ultraviolet rays, infrared rays (IR) also hit us. These rays warm the skin and at the same time warn the body about the danger of getting sunburned - we feel an unpleasant burning sensation on the skin. But if you sunbathe in windy weather or splash in the water periodically, it is easy to miss this warning and get sunburned. After all, 60% of the sun's rays penetrate through the water to a depth of half a meter. In addition, it is infrared radiation that causes overheating of the body, and as a result, heat stroke.
HOW TO SAVE FROM THE SOLAR THREAT?
Escape from the destructive effects solar radiation possible with the help of sun filters.
These filters act like mini-mirrors, reflecting rays different lengths at the same time: and UVA rays, and UVB rays. As you understand, a filter is not needed for infrared rays; if it were not there, we would not feel the body overheating. Filters come in different origins: organic, inorganic, mineral (often titanium dioxide). Scientists believe that mineral filters are the least allergenic because they remain on the surface of the skin without penetrating deeper. These filters are included in any sunscreen or other similar product: milk, gels and lotions.
HOW TO CHOOSE SUNSCREEN?
Sun protection products always have a number on the packaging. The so-called SPF - Sun Protective Factor, translated from English means “sun protection factor”. This index shows us how many times the time of safe exposure to the sun increases under the influence of this product. By safe time we mean time before our skin turns red. The SPF index in creams varies from 3 to 50, and you need to select a protective product for tanning in the sun taking into account your skin phototype, that is, your individual barrier from the sun, the natural level of protection of the body.
Taking into account these characteristics, you can find out how much time each person needs to sunbathe in the sun, and which sun tanning product to choose for you.
The best self-protection of the skin in dark-skinned people with dark eyes and hair. Protective melanin is quickly and easily formed in their body. The skin of such people can become sunburned in about 40 minutes. At the opposite end of this scale are red-haired and freckled people with white, delicate skin. Their skin burns instantly, in 5-10 minutes, and never darkens. These people have some problems with the formation of the melanin pigment - it is practically not produced in their body.
Light-skinned, blue-eyed, blondes are protected a little better - their natural level of protection lasts for 10 - 20 minutes. People with fair hair and fair hair feel even more calm and confident. brown hair And brown eyes. They tan quite quickly, their skin is naturally slightly dark. Such skin can get sunburned in 20–30 minutes.
Of course, this scale is very arbitrary; it characterizes the dependence of the safe time spent under the sun on the content of natural pigment in the skin, hair and iris of the eyes.
Therefore, if you, as in the children's fairy tale, are “red-red-freckled”, and your skin is normal conditions becomes crimson in 5 minutes, then if you smear yourself with cream, sun protection factor which is 30, you will extend your time by about 30 times. The calculation is as follows: 5 minutes × 30 (SPF) = 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours for a “safe tan” - after 2.5 hours you will get sunburn.
The skin of the face is more delicate and more susceptible to the daily harmful effects of the environment: sun, wind, precipitation, and frost. It is already under threat, so sunscreen for the face should always be used, and when on a sea holiday - stronger and more often. It is better not to expose your face to the rays at all, and use sunscreen, not sunblock.
Sunscreen for children has a special category; children need to choose the cream intended for them. Although in its absence, sunscreen for children can be replaced by using sunscreen for adults, the strongest UV protection.
RITUAL MURDER
OR RULES FOR SUNTANNING
For many years, people living in countries with variable or cold climates have developed an amazing tanning system that resembles a kind of sacrifice to Yarila, the ancient pagan god of the Sun. Everyone, as one, rushed to the beach on the very first hot day, trying to spend at least 3 hours there in a row, exposing first one side or the other to the sun. By evening, crimson sunburns would certainly have formed on the skin, which they carefully lubricated with kefir stored in advance, groaning either from pain or from pleasure…. And the next day we went to the beach again. A special moment of this ritual action was the peeling of the skin...
I'm glad if you don't recognize yourself in this description! Because the rules of tanning in the sun have nothing to do with sacrifice:
- - Never go to the beach without wearing Sunglasses and Panama. Do not forget that bright sun provokes the appearance small wrinkles that without a hat, your hair in the sun can become brittle and dull.
- - The rules for tanning in the sun suggest that you change your body position every 5-10 minutes, without fail! When sunbathing, alternately expose your tummy, then your back, then one side to the sun, then the other. If you plan to stay on the beach for more than one hour, then be sure to take shelter under an umbrella or canopy from the direct rays of the sun. In general, avoid being in open spaces exposed to direct sunlight. Don’t worry that the tan won’t have time to “stick” to you; if you’re in the shade, it will. It is absolutely impossible to hide from the sun on the beach near the water!
- - The sun is most active and dangerous during the period: from 12.00 to 16.00 or from 10.00 to 17.00 - in countries close to the Equator. When asked how long you need to sunbathe in the sun, we responsibly advise: the duration of sunbathing at the beginning of the “beach season” should not be longer than 15-20 minutes, then you can gradually increase the time, but no longer than two hours with mandatory breaks in the shade and coolness.
- - As for the tan itself, it is better to take it not in supine position, and while on the move, take sunbathing in the morning and evening.
- - After sunbathing, rinse your body with a cool shower clean water, and apply nourishing lotion.
BASIC RULES FOR SUNTANNING
RULE #1: Sunscreen for tanning in the sun must be used by everyone without exception; the only ones who, perhaps, can ignore this rule are blacks of advanced age (it’s too late for them, and they have nothing to lose - just kidding, of course). Even those with natural dark skin need to protect their skin, unless, of course, they want to grow old prematurely or develop a malignant tumor. In the first days of rest, dark-skinned people can allow themselves to use sun tanning cream with a protective factor of 8 or 12, gradually moving to index 4. However, they cannot stop using sun tanning cream in the sun, even when it seems that the skin has completely adapted.
RULE #2: In the first week of stay in sunny regions, people with fair skin you need to use sun cream with maximum sun protection (20 or even 30), gradually moving to lower, weaker indices.
RULE No. 3. Apply sun cream at home 20 minutes before going out. This time Your skin needs to absorb sun filters as much as possible. Don't be fooled into thinking that solar radiation can only be harmful at the beach. Get severe burns you can get away from the sun on the way to the sea, and in fact then applying sunscreen will be useless, especially if it is sunscreen for the face.
RULE No. 4. Some areas of the skin are particularly susceptible to burning quickly: the nose, forehead, shoulders, chest, knees and insteps. It is better to apply the strongest sunscreen to these sensitive areas, always.
RULE No. 5. The sun tanner must be waterproof. Remember that ultraviolet radiation penetrates into the water column up to 0.5 meters. And there they also “do their dirty work.”
RULE No. 6. You need to understand that when you dry yourself with a towel after swimming, you have wiped and protective layer from the skin. Therefore, it is necessary to apply tanning cream in the sun again, restoring the saving shell.
RULE No. 7. In the sun, even the happy ones must “watch the clock.” By reapplying sunscreen to the face or other areas of the body, it is a mistake to think that you have increased your safe exposure to the sun by 20-30 times. You have just restored the protective layer, and as for your time, it has already been running for a long time, from the very moment you smeared yourself with cream at home and only appeared in daylight!
RULE No. 8. Don't be greedy! You will have time to get a beautiful, safe tan without even “smoking” from morning to night on the beach. The sun becomes especially aggressive towards noon, so go into the shade from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Listen to the doctors!
RULE No. 9. When returning from the beach, be sure to take a shower using pH-neutral, non-alkaline detergents. After this, apply a special milk or after-sun cream to your skin. These products contain moisturizing components and vitamins E and B5, necessary for the skin. Vitamin B5 promotes the regeneration of skin cells, because some of them have been destroyed under solar radiation. Vitamin E is able to neutralize free radicals that cause oxidation of skin cells, and in addition restore the supporting structure of the skin. As for moisturizing and nourishing components, these are: glycerin, aloe vera, lanolin, all kinds of oils that provide skin care, giving it a healthy appearance and elasticity. Thanks to all this, the tan in the sun will last longer, because the skin is protected from peeling.
RULE No. 10. The most important rule: CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS OLD ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED TO BE IN THE OPEN RAYS OF THE SUN! Small children can only sit in the shade, but their skin simply needs help. Therefore, always try to use special children's protective equipment, sunscreen for children with the maximum level of protection. When traveling to hot countries with their baby, mothers and fathers need to be aware of the risk they are exposing their baby to.
REMEMBER: Sunburns received in childhood can turn into malignant skin tumors decades later!
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES! AND LET THE SUN BE YOUR JOY!
A little more about how to protect yourself from negative impact sun:
There is no doubt - chocolate-colored skin with a bronze tint looks impressive and seductive; a visual tan gives a person a fresh and rested look, and hides minor skin imperfections.
At the same time, everyone has long known that in a thoughtless desire to achieve the coveted shade, we expose ourselves to the risk of serious diseases, including incurable ones. How to enjoy summer vacation and the long-awaited sun and at the same time avoid further “revenge” from nature?
The Invisible Threat
If we overexpose ourselves to the sun's rays, our skin quickly loses its firmness and elasticity and premature aging occurs, accompanied by the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Superficial skin burns can later serve as a direct cause of the development of melanoma (skin cancer). According to statistics, representatives of the fair sex are susceptible to this insidious disease three times more often than men. In addition, if previously melanoma was found mainly in older people, now its age limit has dropped to 30 years of age. Today, melanoma ranks second (after breast cancer) in the prevalence of cancer in young women. In terms of mortality, this disease ranks second after lung cancer. As you can see, the statistics are disappointing, which means you need to approach tanning very carefully and responsibly. In addition, the consequences of thoughtless and frivolous ultraviolet radiation can be not only oncological.
Greater caution should be exercised in relation to the sun by those who have experienced mastopathy. Even if the disease is a thing of the past for you or is asymptomatic, excessive uncontrolled tanning can lead to hormonal imbalance, which in turn activates mastopathy. A separate issue is topless tanning. Burns to the nipples often provoke the appearance of cracks, painful boils, and the development of inflammation of the mammary glands.
And now for the good stuff
In addition to harm, the sun's rays also have miraculous properties. The sun improves blood circulation, gives vigor, and helps cope with depression. Has a beneficial effect on the skeletal system, because... Only under its influence does our body produce vitamin D3, which promotes the absorption of calcium. Tanning promotes cleansing sebaceous glands, thus effectively helping to cope with acne and other dermatological diseases.
Reasonable approach
What is needed for the sun to turn from an insidious enemy into a caring friend? How to enjoy the sun's rays and at the same time protect yourself from sad consequences? First of all – moderation! You can be under direct sunlight for no more than 3 hours a day, and at the beginning of your vacation - no more than an hour, strictly taking into account the time of day. The most safe sun - morning (before 10 am) and evening after 17 until sunset. be under open sun at noon - life-threatening!
In order to protect yourself as much as possible from the aggressive effects of ultraviolet radiation and at the same time enjoy your vacation, you need to strictly follow simple but mandatory rules security:
When exposed to the sun, apply a special sunscreen to your skin, which should match your skin type and climate type of area;
Apply the cream 15-20 minutes before. before going to the beach and renew after each swim;
Try not to sunbathe in direct sunlight, but even when sunbathing in the shade, do not neglect your hat;
Perfumes and lotions containing alcohol can cause burns and the appearance of ulcers, so it is better to avoid them both on the beach and in the solarium;
Our life is unthinkable without the sun, just as it is unthinkable without a body the color of chocolate in the summer. But how can you get the desired tan and at the same time maintain the beauty and health of your skin?
They say that the great Coco Chanel became the trendsetter for tanning. Returning from a Mediterranean cruise, she went to show off her luxurious bronze hue to Parisians. And then, following the example of Mademoiselle Chanel, European fashionistas parted with wide-brimmed hats, fans and veils and began to expose their once aristocratic-pale faces to the sun. Since then, controversy surrounding tanning has not subsided. Some say that ultra-violet rays useful: they help the body produce vitamin D and dry out oily skin. Others warn of the dangers that lurk as a result long stay exposure to the sun, photoaging, pigmentation problems and even cancer. But nevertheless, every summer on the streets of cities there are no fewer happy owners of a bronze skin tone, causing the envious glances of those who have not yet had time to go on vacation. So is it possible to get a beautiful tan without harming your health? Follow some simple guidelines.
1 Prepare for tanning in advance
Scientists have proven that sunlight promotes the production of vitamin D, which improves immunity and mood. Well, in order for the tan to stick to the skin better, you will need completely different vitamins. First of all, it is vitamin A. It positive influence on the skin, including its pigmentation, has long been known. In the body, it always works in tandem with another no less useful vitamin— E. In addition, vitamins C, E and A are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals produced in the skin under the influence of UV radiation. The action of these free radicals leads to premature aging, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. Antioxidants are precisely designed to counteract this dangerous influence. So, if you plan to get the maximum tan without harm to your health, take these vitamins and include carrots, tomatoes, apricots, citrus fruits, seafood and spinach in your diet.
Carrot juice contains a large number of beta-carotene is a pigment that, like melanin, is deposited in the skin and can give it a yellowish tint. This way you can better prepare your skin for sun exposure. But we should not forget that beta-carotene deposits are not tanning.
2 Protect your skin even in water
Water surface reflects the sun's rays, which means that the chances of tanning near a pool or pond increase many times over. But at the same time, the risk of sunburn increases. Sand, concrete and snow also reflect more than half of the rays, which then penetrate the skin.
Use waterproof protective products. Thanks to special water-repellent components, these products will effectively protect your skin even during bathing. Try not to stay in the water for a long time; when going out onto land, reapply the product. After bathing, dry your skin thoroughly, as the water droplets remaining on it, like micro-lenses, enhance sunlight, which can also cause burns and damage.
3 Choose sunscreen
To reduce the negative impact of the sun on our skin, we first need a strategic supply of cream with high SPF. SPF is a “sun protection factor” that is calculated based on the minimum erythemal dose, that is, the time of sun exposure after which redness occurs on the skin. Naturally, for each skin type and shade this indicator will be individual: for blondes and redheads you need an SPF of at least 25-30, and for brunettes - 15-20. The closer to the equator, the higher SPF level worth choosing - 50−60.
Many owners dark skin They believe that they do not need sun protection at all, because their skin is already dark, which means they have no risk of getting sunburned. Indeed, by its nature, their skin is better protected from group B rays (the same ones that cause burns). But a dark skin tone does not protect you from dangerous rays of group A and group C, which provoke premature aging and cancer, and you cannot do without products with an SPF factor.
When choosing sunscreen, pay attention not only to your natural skin tone, but also take into account how long you are going to spend on the beach or street. After all, the level of required SPF protection is also affected by the time of exposure to radiation. If you plan to spend an hour or two on the beach, then you should choose a product with more high level SPF
It is equally important to choose the right texture of the product. If you use protective creams and in winter, you may need to purchase a new tube in summer. Winter remedies may be too heavy on the skin in warmer months.
Those with oily and acne-prone skin should switch to lighter, fat-free gels and fluids. For dry skin, you can use a cream that combines moisturizing and protective properties. Well, if you have sensitive skin, you should not choose products containing chemical sunscreen agents (substances that absorb light and come into contact with the skin). They are quite allergic and can cause irritation. In this case, it is best to protect the skin with physical sunscreen agents that create a reflective screen, or apply a product with physical protection under one with chemical agents.
A product with an SPF factor should be applied to the skin 15-20 minutes before going outside, and do not forget to cover your shoulders under the straps of your swimsuit, ears and neck. Repeat the procedure every 2 hours, as the cream rubs off on clothes and towels.
IN A SPECIAL POSITION
There are areas on our skin that should be treated with extreme caution and, if possible, hidden from the sun. So, if you have a lot of moles on your body, you should be careful, because under the influence of UV rays they can develop into a malignant tumor - melanoma. The presence of moles, or nevi, as doctors call them, on your body should not bother you, but you should periodically examine them for changes. There are several signs that can help determine whether a mole is dangerous. If it changes its size, is unevenly colored or has an irregular shape, then before going to the beach you better consult a dermatologist and oncologist. To protect moles and age spots from UV rays, it is necessary to locally use sunscreens with the maximum index SPF protection 50+ or creams marked: Sunblock. If these remedies are not at hand, then an ordinary piece of plaster, cut in the shape of a mole, will help you.
Unlike nevi, the sun is unlikely to damage scars, but it will not change their color either. After all, they consist of connective tissue, the fibers of which do not contain pigment cells. So, unfortunately, against the background of tanned skin, the scars will only become more noticeable.
4 Go on holiday to the right place
Sunscreen is far from a panacea for all ills associated with prolonged exposure to radiation. It is equally important to choose the right place to relax. Go to a place where it is warm, but solar activity has not yet reached its peak.
For example, in May the best place for holidays - Spain. The resorts of the Canary Islands are known all over the world, but Lanzarote especially stands out among them. The sun at this time of year is already quite hot, but not scorching. Remember that in the spring our skin should be protected especially carefully, because it has become unaccustomed to ultraviolet radiation over the winter.
In June you can safely go to Greece, the sea has already warmed up quite well for swimming, but the sun is not yet strong enough to harm your skin.
At the height of summer, it is better to choose a vacation spot away from the equator. Therefore, if you have long been interested in surfing and diving, koalas and kangaroos, you can go to Australia in July. There will be a winter on the Green Continent, which has nothing in common with ours. For example, in Queensland at this time the temperature is optimal for relaxation.
In August, the climate of many seaside resorts is more welcoming than in midsummer. At this time you can get a great tan in Montenegro or Croatia.
So, if you dreamed of a trip to the sea, but were too afraid high temperatures and the scorching sun, now you can choose a suitable tour and pack your bags.
Protect your eyes with dark glasses, and put a wide-brimmed hat on your head or tie a scarf - this way your hair will be safe.
After sunbathing, try not to eat immediately, especially fatty and spicy foods, since it will be very difficult for an overheated body to absorb it.
Drink as much still water as possible.
5 Watch your time in the sun
Many of us, when we go to sea, strive to spend as much time as possible on the beach or by the pool on the first day. It seems that we have arrived completely short term and we won’t have time to tan properly. Just remember that the next day after taking a heavy dose of sun, you will most likely look like the leader of the Redskins. Skin cells, having received a certain dose of ultraviolet radiation, instruct pigment cells to produce melanin, which protects the epidermis from damage. With constant sun exposure, the thickness of the skin increases and the risk of getting a burn decreases. But such changes can only happen to residents of southern countries, whose faces are constantly exposed to the sun and are accustomed to ultraviolet radiation. Imagine what will happen to a person who lives in a region where cloudy weather prevails. His skin, accustomed to the absence of UV radiation and not producing additional melanin, will suddenly receive too much radiation, which will cause a burn.
To avoid problems, our basic principles in sunbathing should be moderation and accuracy. After all, it is not the radiation itself that is harmful to the skin, but its excess.
So, when you come to the south, start tanning gradually. On the first day, you should not be in direct sunlight for more than 10-15 minutes. If well tolerated, you can increase your time in the sun by 5-10 minutes every day. It is better to take a place under the southern sun in the morning - from 8 to 11 or in the afternoon - from 15-17.
6 Protect your skin from problems
Too much intense impact solar radiation on the skin can lead to the most unpleasant consequences: burns, acne, premature aging, the appearance of age spots, loss of collagen. It is better, of course, to protect yourself from such problems, but even after they appear, you should not panic.
Sunburn familiar to anyone who has lingered on the beach. This is a very unsightly redness of the skin, which is also accompanied by pain, swelling, and sometimes even fever and the appearance of blisters. A burn is a kind of protective reaction of the skin. With its help, the body signals that it is time to stop sunbathing for a while and use moisturizing and soothing products. Cleansing “sun-weary” skin should be extremely gentle and non-irritating.
Another problem that can befall tanning enthusiasts is acne. It would seem that in the sun oily skin should dry out and become cleaner, but it’s not that simple. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, our skin goes into defense mode; the immune cells responsible for health go out to fight ultraviolet radiation and often lose. It takes at least 10 days to restore them. During this time, your skin is absolutely defenseless - its natural the immune system does not work. Therefore, a few days after sunbathing, you may notice acne on your face and body. To avoid this, you need to use sunscreens that do not clog pores, and under no circumstances try to “dry out” the rash either on the beach or in the solarium - this will cause an even stronger inflammatory process.
Intensive ultraviolet radiation may cause hyperpigmentation. The skin color we have is the result of the activity of melanocytes - cells that produce pigment. They react extremely sensitively to all changes occurring in our body, and the main irritating factor for them is the sun's rays. Therefore, try to use protective products with high SPF. If pigment spots do appear, then you should hide from the sun and also refrain from peeling or hair removal. At daily care focus on exfoliating and bleaching products that crush the pigment.
The opposite problem of hyperpigmentation is vitiligo, or hypopigmentation. With this disease, certain areas of the skin lose the ability to produce melanin and do not tan. Problems with the endocrine and nervous system. It is better for people suffering from hypopigmentation to avoid sunbathing, because against the background of tanned skin, areas devoid of pigment will only become more noticeable.
Main reasons premature aging These are free radicals and UV radiation. If at normal age-related changes As all layers of the dermis become thinner, photoaging causes thickening of the stratum corneum and epidermis. The skin becomes rough and wrinkled. That is why the use protective equipment It is so necessary to preserve youthful skin!
7 Moisturize your skin after sunbathing
Unfortunately, a tan acquired in the south washes off quite quickly. This happens because the skin tries to quickly return to its normal state and exfoliate cells filled with melanin. Therefore, after sunbathing, additional hydration will be required, because ultraviolet radiation dehydrates the skin. Use special cosmetical tools with the note: “After tanning.” They are enriched with moisturizing and nourishing components and antioxidants that eliminate photochemical reaction products. Moreover, by maintaining the required level of moisture in the skin, we prevent age-related changes, create conditions for its normal functioning and strengthen immune properties.
RADICAL MEASURES
During some chemical reactions, including under the influence of ultraviolet light, important electrons can be separated from skin molecules. Molecules that have become “inferior” are called free radicals.
Their main feature is an unusual chemical activity. They are trying with all their might to regain the lost electron, taking it away from other molecules. Due to such “radical” actions, many important functions of the skin are disrupted, including restorative ones.
Antioxidants can save us from such radical molecules. When a free radical reacts with an antioxidant, it becomes a full-fledged molecule and stops encroaching on other people's electrons, and therefore, the skin returns to its normal state.
Cosmetics with antioxidants are very often used to prevent skin photoaging; they reduce the effects of excessive solar radiation. But remember that antioxidants are most effective at protecting your skin when applied before sun exposure, not after.
We thank the Clinique training department and personally Yulia Verezey for their assistance in preparing the material, as well as Ekaterina Turubara, head and medical expert of VICHY Laboratories