A dangerous pleasure
The sun makes us feel healthy, beautiful, full of life and benefits the body. But the sun also can burn our skin, dry it out, cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. It can also cause allergic reactions and other more lethal effects such as skin cancer. Using common sense and taking certain precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of the sun with fewer risks.
+ Today we know that sun tan is a sign of a damaged skin and that ultraviolet rays cause irreversible damage.
Sun light is an electromagnetic radiation similar to X-rays. There are three categories of ultraviolet light; each affects the skin differently. The invisible rays, known as ultraviolet-A (UVA) are lower in energy and remain constant during the day and throughout the year; penetrating the deepest skin levels and affecting collagen and elasticity. They can provoke wrinkles, signs of premature aging, loss of skin elasticity and make the skin more susceptible to infections and melanomas. Ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays are not constant they depend on the temperature, latitude and are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. They cause the most serious damage to the skin because they interact with DNA, causing sunburns, reddening, spots, aging and play an important role in the spread of skin cancer. The Ultraviolet-C (UVC) rays are potentially the most dangerous even though the ozone layer filters these rays.
PROTECTING YOUR SKIN IS ALL IMPORTANT
No one should expose his or her skin to sun without applying a sunscreen. Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays away from the skin. If you have sensitive or fair skin you should use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Many dermatologists recommend using a SPF 15 sunscreen on your face and neck everyday. Consult your doctor if you are using a SPF higher than 30, because ingredients can cause allergic reactions.
BENEFITS OF THE SUN
- • Activates the production of vitamin D in the body, an essential nutrient for building and protecting the bones.
- • Prevents rickets in children, and osteamalacia and osteoporosis in adults.
- • Increases the production of red blood cells.
- • Increases the production of antibodies and helps the immune system defend the body against viruses and bacteria.
- • Brings a sense of well-being, physically, mentally and emotionally.
HOMEMADE RECIPE FOR CLEARING SPOTS
Mash 10 large cucumbers with a fork and place in a bowl. Add 1 glass of rose water. Cover the bowl with clean gauze and allow to sit for a day. Filter the mixture and apply the liquid on the spot with a cotton ball, 3 times a day. Once you've used the product, place in a tightly closed bottle and keep in the refrigerator. Shake before using.
BASIC RULES
- • Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every 2 hours (or depending on your activities) and after swimming.
- • Choose the right product for your skin type and make sure the lotion blocks UVA and UVB rays.
- • Use a higher SPF on more sensitive areas (lips, nose, and shoulders).
- • The first day of sun exposure, don't go over 20 minutes and increase the amount of time gradually.
- • Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- • Use a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses with UV filters.
- • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol when out in the sun.
- • Don't use perfumes or cosmetics that contain substances that can interact with the sun and cause allergic reactions.
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