People only seem to care about sun damage to their skin during the summer months, but the truth is that we should be protecting our skin from the suns rays, all year round.
Firstly, we need to have a better understanding of the sun and the science that applies to it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiCYlLuHnpn/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1usq8wnxvje5f
There are two types of rays that we need to be cautious of- UVA an UVB. The UVA rays are at their most intense before 11 am and they pass through glasses, umbrellas, hats and can even cause damage to the skin on a cloudy day. These rays are the number one cause of premature ageing as well as brown spots, elastin and collagen degradation and more undesirable things. UVB rays, on the other hand, are most prevalent between 11 am and 4:30 pm and these are the ones that cause sunburn and are responsible for skin cancer. These rays are not able to pass through glasses, hats, or umbrellas in the way that UVA rays do but they are still dangerous.
Some facts about the SPF – Sun Protection Factor
SPF 15, 30+ 50+? What does SPF mean according to the number?
SPF means that you are 30 times protected from the moment you apply to the sunscreen compared to if you had not applied it at all. A 30 SPF sunscreen allows 3%of the suns rays get to your skin, a 5 SPF sunscreen allows 2% of the sun rays reach your skin- there is very little difference between a 99+ SPF sunscreen from a 15 SPF sunscreen, but it is recommended to use a higher SPF sunscreen during the summertime.
How to protect us against the sun?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWLf11wh88-/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1gor65xt523es
Here we should note the difference between everyday exposure, like urban exposure ( less time in the sun), and the beach exposure, or while hiking, in a boat, and in high altitude above the sea level ( longer exposure ). Remember that the UVA can pass through all manner of materials.
- During our everyday exposure, we should apply a 15+ – 30+ sunscreen. The sunscreen is better applied 10 min before going out.
- At the beach, on a boat, while camping or while hiking you should apply 50+ SPF and this must be reapplied after 2 hours and every time that you get out of the water.
- Make sure to choose a sunscreen that contains zinc and/or titanium dioxide, elements that are found in nature and are not synthetic, also safe to be used on newborns.
- Make sure that you apply sunscreen 10 min after you are exposed in the sun any moment before 10:30 am, and 10 min before you get to sun exposure after 10:30 am. This is done in order for our bodies to absorb the right amount of the Vitamin D, especially if you are into full sunblocks.
- We should be well aware that the exposure at the peak of the intensity is dangerous no matter how safe the sunscreen is or how high the SPF is.
- Avoid the application on the skin of photosensitive elements. Your hydration cream shouldn’t be applied during the day if it contains photosensitive elements like the citrus family, oranges, lemons, mandarin, bergamot, lime, grapefruit, which definitely are very beneficial for your skin in avoiding the sun damage but should only be used indoors and after the sun exposure. This also applies to masks containing these ingredients, especially to the people who have a sun allergy or who have inflammation of any degree.
- Have a diet rich in beta-carotene which helps with melanin production, as well as the production of vitamin B and C. Studies show that people that have the tendency to develop brown spots are vitamin B deficient- you can find vitamin B in spinach, avocado, moringa, acai berry, carrots, tomatoes, watermelon, melon, cucumber, red peppers, dried fruits, chia and hemp seeds, spirulina, blueberries etc.
- Spray after the sun because during sun exposure the skin loses a lot of its water content. Spraying a toner and drinking lots of water keeps your skin hydrated and supple. A toner with lavender and aloe vera gel will hydrate as well as keeping the insect bites at bay.
- After the sun. After the sun would be great to use a light oil on the skin to nourish it as well as to help prolong the deep tan you have been so carefully cultivating.
- The sun tan oil should be started only after 5 days of sun exposure at the beach or during the vacations and must be applied only before and after the UVB intensity. As simple suntan oil which you can do yourself daily is olive oil grapeseed oil and carrot juice.
- The Hair. The skin gets protected by melanin production, whilst the hair remains difficult to take care of. If you are a lover of swimming pools you must consider the high levels of chlorine and other chemicals that are present int he water as well as considering the drying effect of the sun. Try using a hair and scalp protector or even a swim hat.
- The clothing. You must include sunglasses with UVA protection, hats that cover your shoulders, cotton white/ light colored clothes ( avoid black )
- The moles. The ones defined as dangerous by your doctor should be protected more and sunscreen should be reapplied more often. You can also consider using the highest SPF throughout your entire sun exposure on moles alone. Avoid using suntan oil on them.
The sun protection requires the combination of all the strategies as there is no single, fail-safe solution for ultimate protection from the sun. Be aware that there is no sunscreen that protects you 100% from the suns rays so you must ensure to adhere to the other points as well. The key is to enjoy the sun, respect the sun, and be aware of the effect it can have on your body.
Anxhela Panxhi
Holistic Beauty Creator
Herbalist Practicioner
Holistic Esthetician
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2EU9JEL
LinkedIn – http://bit.ly/2FkTkqz
Gmail: [email protected]
Follow The Balkanista!
