The Sun is an essential element for life and offers us immense benefits, as it is a precursor to vitamin D, it plays an important role in bone growth and health, regulates our body's rhythms, as well as having a huge impact on our well-being. Despite the important advantages, it must be safeguarded that it can also be considered a threat to our health if exposure to the sun is not done responsibly and in a measured manner.

The damage caused can be slight or cause serious long-term consequences, as the radiation to which we are exposed damages our skin over time. Damages such as sunburn, skin blemishes, skin photoaging, melanomas, actinic keratosis, are some examples of the marks that the sun can leave on us.

UVA and UVB radiation:

Solar radiation is composed of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which penetrate differently. UVB radiation only penetrates a more superficial layer of the skin (epidermis) while UVA penetrates deeper into the dermis.

UVB radiation is mainly responsible for redness (erythema), sunburn and is also the radiation responsible for leaving a tan tone on the skin as it acts on melanin, which is the substance responsible for giving color to the skin.

UVA radiation is responsible for the premature appearance of wrinkles (photoaging) and blemishes.

Both radiations are major factors in the appearance of skin cancer, and there are studies that show that they also have an impact on the immune system.

Figure 1 - Sunburn I Photoaging

Prevention is the best medicine…

Sun exposure does not just occur when going to the beach or on vacation, there are many activities in our daily lives that expose us to solar radiation and should be considered, such as: practicing outdoor sports, hiking, working in the field or even long hours of driving, the windows, in addition to not providing protection, also reflect radiation.

Radiation that is reflected, for example from snow (85%), sand (20%), water and grass (5%) is dangerous because although it does not fall directly on the skin, it ends up exposing our body to radiation. without us realizing it. An example of this is solar erythema that occurs even when we are sheltered from sun hats, despite protection from direct UV rays, the radiation reflected from the sand reaches our skin.

 

The ideal is to measure your exposure to the sun by always using sunscreen and following some tips:

• Gradually expose yourself to the sun for your skin to adapt;
• Avoid direct sun exposure between 12pm and 4pm;
• Use sunscreens with a high sun protection factor (30 or 50+) and pay attention to their composition (they must have UVA and UVB filters);
• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure and renew the application throughout the day (every 2 hours is recommended);
• Up to 2 years of age, choose a mineral sunscreen, avoid direct radiation;
• Use sunglasses with UV protection for both children and adults (dark lenses are not synonymous with protection);
• Protect sensitive areas with dark clothing, hats and whenever possible clothing with UV protection, especially for children.
• Avoid solariums

Currently, there are sunscreens with different textures and different types of applications, so the excuse of not wanting to use it because the texture is not pleasant or leaves stains no longer applies. There are transparent gel textures that are great for those with a lot of fluff, fluid textures and lotions that are easily absorbed, transparent sprays that are very comfortable, sticks that are great for placing on sensitive areas such as scars or blemishes (also widely used in sports with high sun exposure such as surfing and skiing).

In addition, there are some protectors that already have calming substances in their composition (such as calamines) and even anti-inflammatories to prevent erythema that can arise with allergies and sun intolerance. Cosmetically, there are also protectors that are very pleasant to the touch, such as mists that are easy to touch up, colored compact powders that replace foundations, with nacres (shiny particles) that are great for that sparkling tan effect, tan-stimulating protectors, moisturizers among other options.

Skin care

The sun's rays make the skin drier, dehydrated (and may even peel), become dull, lose elasticity or even create spots on the face or other areas of the body.

To take the best care of your skin, you must hydrate it regularly and more rigorously after sun exposure, thus promoting its repair. Exfoliating after your vacation is also advantageous for removing dead cells on the skin's surface, thus helping cell renewal and improving the absorption of moisturizing products that you should apply after exfoliation.

Hyperpigmentation spots and signs of skin photoaging are more common in lighter skin or in people who are excessively exposed to the sun and mainly appear on the face, hands, neckline, arms and shoulders.

The best way to avoid stains is to measure exposure and protect yourself, as once a stain has set in it is not always easy to remove. To correct blemishes, you must use products that act on melanin, reducing its production and eliminating excess, never forgetting to constantly use sunscreen in these areas to avoid worsening the blemishes, you must therefore be persistent as the blemishes do not disappear in one day to the next.

Pregnant women should be extra careful, due to hormonal changes they are more prone to the appearance of spots (the well-known “pregnancy patch” or Chloasma).

If you want to age without blemishes and with fewer wrinkles, you already know that your best ally is protection.

Actinic Keratosis

You have certainly come across cases of this skin disease, but it is not always easy to diagnose. This solar keratosis caused by prolonged exposure to solar radiation is a precursor to skin cancer.

This pathology is characterized by a small, rough, red or whitish area, sometimes with pain or itching or even a small wound or mark that refuses to disappear.

It is located in areas most exposed to the sun such as the scalp, ears, nose, face, hands and arms and generally occurs more frequently in the elderly, although cases are increasing in individuals under 40 years of age.

This disease occurs mainly in sensitive skin, which easily gets sunburned and which has been exposed to UV radiation for years (professional activity, sports, etc.) and in immunocompromised people (for example: due to organ transplants).

All cases of actinic keratosis must be treated and monitored by specialists.

Skin cancers: watch out

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and is expanding the most, but it is also the easiest to prevent by adopting the care we have already discussed and also by monitoring your skin regularly.

You are at particularly high risk if:

• Have fair skin or are prone to sunburn;
• He suffered sunburn as a child;
• Had a lot of exposure to the sun (at work or leisure);
• Periodically expose yourself to the sun (for example, on vacation);
• Use solariums;
• There are more than 50 “signs” (nevi) on the body;
• He underwent an organ transplant.

 

ABCDE Method:

You should examine your skin for signs every 2 months, looking for signs that:

• Have undergone any change in size and/or shape;
• They look different from the rest;
• They are asymmetrical or with irregular edges;
• They are rough or scaly (you can feel the lesions before they become visible);
• They have several colors;
• They make you want to scratch;
• They bleed or release liquid;
• They have a pink appearance;
• They look like a wound, but they don't heal.(1,2)

The ABCDE method is simple and can help detect melanoma:

If you find two or more warning signs, see your doctor or dermatologist.

Protection is the best medicine, but don't forget to enjoy the sun and its vast benefits, and above all the well-being it provides for our body and soul!!

Good vacation!

By: Sylvia Rodrigues