How To Protect Yourself From The Sun Optimally? Tips And Advice

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

To spend your summer holidays in complete serenity and in full health, it is important to adopt some good gestures to be able to protect yourself from the sun in an optimal way. After all, sun protection is crucial during the hot months and not only! Contrary to popular belief, the face is not the only part of the body that requires sunscreen. Hair, lips, hands and any other exposed area also need optimal protection. And in this vein, Deavita.fr will reveal to you all the necessary information on skin care in summer to avoid sunburns that are so annoying and unpleasant.

Protecting yourself from the sun in summer is crucial: what should you know about UV rays?

Every dermatologist will tell you: sun protection is essential especially for sensitive skin. It's no secret that prolonged exposure is very harmful as UV rays not only increase the risk of skin cancer, but also promote skin aging. Before continuing with the different methods of protecting yourself from the sun, it is worth asking yourself "What should you know about UV rays?" ". So, it turns out that there are three types divided according to their frequencies: A (UVA), B (UVB) and C (UVC). More details below.

First of all, it is important to clarify that all UV rays have an adverse effect on the skin. The rays of the first type, UVA, reach the skin cells and promote the formation of free radicals, which in turn can cause allergies to the sun. Capable of penetrating the epidermis, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, damage DNA and can lead to skin cancer. Regarding UVC rays, they are extremely dangerous for the skin and the eyes, but fortunately they are stopped by the ozone layer.

To protect ourselves from the sun optimally, we must also take into consideration the UV index, whose mission is to inform us when the sun is the most dangerous. This is a number indicating the intensity of the sun: the higher it is, the greater the dangers to the skin. You can check the UV index by opening the weather app on your smartphone. To better clarify the subject, please discover a small diagram below distributed by the World Health Organization:

• UV Index 1-2: The risk of sun damage is low and you don't need any protection.
• UV index 3-4-5: the risk is moderate; remember to stay in the shade at noon and arm yourself with a hat and sunscreen.
• 6-7, high risk; follow the advice given above.
• 8-9-10-11, very high risk; stay sheltered, hat and sunscreen are essential
• 11-16: here, the risk is extreme and the skin burns very quickly; therefore follow the advice above.

How to protect yourself from the sun in summer according to your phototype?

The ability of each skin to react differently to sun exposure is due to the six phototypes that we decipher in the following lines. By determining yours, you could be optimally protected from the sun. Take into account, moreover, that whatever your phototype, it is advisable to always use cream, a hat and glasses.

• The skin type 1 is the most sensitive to light and is characterized by very white skin who burn but do not tan. Sun exposure is not recommended and sun protection with an SPF 50+ is preferred.
• Very fair skin belongs to phototype 2 and is characterized by a slow and light tan. These people should protect themselves from the sun by wearing glasses, a hat and, of course, using sunscreen with SPF 50+.
• The phototype 3 includes the intermediate skin that sunburns are occasional and also requires a high protection (SPF 30-50).
• Dark skin that tans easily is part of phototype 4, but in case of intense or prolonged exposure, the risk of burns is always present. An SPF 20-50 is recommended.
• The skin type 5 is characterized by a dark brown skin, hair and black eyes. Since this skin tans super easily and burns are rare, it is permissible to opt for an average SPF (15-25).
• The phototype 6 includes black skin which is known for its fast tanning and requires medium sunscreen (15-25).

Note: Whatever your skin type, never overlook the importance of sunscreen and apply it even when it rains! To better protect yourself from the sun, avoid exposing yourself between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. or stay in the shade.

How to avoid sunburn?

The action of natural light on the skin plays an essential role in the production of vitamin D. In addition, the sun has a beneficial influence on the body and morale, but it should not be abused! To be able to protect yourself from the sun in an optimal way, it is important to remember a few rules in order to avoid painful burns. Let's start with the right choice of sun protection! Experts advise to favor hypoallergenic screens which form a white layer and which protect for longer and in depth. The highest index, SPF50 +, is in order.

As mentioned above, it is strongly recommended to avoid exposure between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. and especially at solar noon, the times of the day when the Sun is highest in the sky. Don't forget to equip yourself with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, of course.

Protecting yourself from the sun even in the shade is the third essential factor to take into account in order to avoid burns. Take into consideration that a cloudy sky does not mean you have to neglect sun protection. On the contrary ! UV rays manage to pierce clouds which, for their part, do not protect against sunburn.

Limiting the exposure time also helps to protect yourself from the sun optimally. Dermatologists recommend small tanning sessions early in the morning and / or at the end of the day. Long afternoon stays are rather to be avoided.

Preparing your skin before sun exposure is also an important step that must be done gradually. Moreover, this excludes tanning beds, which are considered carcinogenic.

How to relieve sunburn?

It is a universally known fact that prolonged exposure to the sun weakens the skin's ability to regenerate and it becomes more susceptible to burns. And what to do in case of sunburn? So, apart from the cosmetic products offered in pharmacies, there are some grandmother's tips that effectively relieve burns. We are talking about yogurt and cottage cheese as well as pieces of cucumber or onion having a soothing effect on the affected areas. For your information, aloe vera gel regenerates and hydrates the skin thus promoting wound healing.

Protecting yourself from the sun in summer: how does sun protection cream work?

Sunscreen acts as both a physical and a chemical filter. The first type repels the sun's rays while the second creates a protective film on the skin and turns UV rays into harmless energy. According to studies, around 3 teaspoons of sunscreen are sufficient for the entire body. It is advisable to wait until its complete absorption before exposure to the sun. Apply the product to the forehead, nose, ears, neck, shoulders, feet and neckline.

When it comes to sun protection in summer, experts recommend the use of waterproof, sweat and heat resistant sunscreens. These SPF products are primarily designed to nourish and hydrate the skin and apply before makeup.

Note: Lips and hands also need sun protection. In this case, we prefer balms and creams with an SPF.

How to protect children's skin from the sun?

Taking care of the skin of the little ones is an essential step because a strong sunburn during childhood doubles the risk of skin cancer. Children should not be exposed to direct sunlight until the end of their first year and should wear light long-sleeved T-shirts and long pants for optimal protection. As for sunscreens, we focus on those intended for children, without parabens, benzophenones or oxycinate.