By Dannica Abate, trainer at Ridha Cosmetiques
Sun rays are essential, not only to life, but also to morale. Let’s demystify the positive and negative effects of the sun so that you can enjoy the beautiful season in total safety.
The sun gives off invisible rays called UVA and UVB. UVAs having a wavelength deeper than UVB, act on the inner layers of the skin and are responsible for premature aging. UVB, more superficial, cause sunburns as well as several skin cancers.
In addition to cancers, prolonged and unprotected exposures to the sun cause a phenomenon called “solar elastosis”. It is manifested by a deterioration of collagen fibers in the skin and breakage in its DNA chains. Its consequences are skin aging activation or the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sluggishness and age spots. It is important to note that some products and medicines photosensitize the skin; making it more fragile in the sun. Among these are alcohol products, including perfumes, fruit acids (AHA) and vitamin A often marketed as retinol. Add to this list the family of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anovulants as well as acne medications.
Among the many benefits of the sun, note the synthesis of vitamin D. Indeed, vitamin D is essential for fixing calcium and phosphorus to the bones. This synthesis helps to prevent certain diseases such as osteoporosis in addition to being beneficial to the growth of children. In small doses, the sun temporarily improves certain skin diseases such as eczema and acne. Moreover, perhaps you have noticed, exposure to the sun promotes the growth of hair and nails!
In summary, as everything in life is a matter of balance, expose yourself reasonably and responsibly.
Our advices: Pay special attention to protect the skin of your face. The latter being thinner than the rest of the body, the deterioration of its cells will manifest itself more rapidly. Feel free to wear a hat on your outings to the beach. Never neglect a sun protection factor with a UV index equal to or greater than a SPF 30. Choose the physical screens with broad spectra (UVA and UVB) over the chemical screens. And most importantly, thoroughly reapply the sunscreen after every bathing, intense sweating or after 1h30 of exposure. Indeed, as sunscreens are mainly made of minerals, they oxidize after 90 minutes of contact with oxygen and lose their effectiveness. Finally note that all your sunscreens, once opened, have a lifespan of one year only.
Happy sunny season!