2024-04-29 17:28:50
For those who intend to be outside for a longer period during this period, experts recommend using cosmetic products that protect against sun exposure, as well as headgear and sunglasses, as UV radiation can be harmful not only to the skin, but also to the eyes.
Sunburns in spring are one of the most common
Dr. Paulina Grušelionytė, a dermatovenerologist at Revu clinic, says that sunburns can be very common especially in spring, because after a cold and wet period, you want to enjoy the first rays of the sun as long as possible, in addition, there is a false belief that at this time of the year, sun protection is still is not necessary.
When asked what is the difference between spring and summer sun, the doctor emphasizes that it is at this time of the year in our climate zone that the angle of solar radiation changes, so we receive both more and more dangerous rays.
“In Lithuania, spring sunlight reaches the earth at a steeper angle and passes through a thinner layer of the atmosphere, due to which UV light is less absorbed and scattered by the atmosphere before reaching us. Therefore, at this time of the year, we receive more UV radiation, and the index of ultraviolet light increases, which reaches its peak in summer,” says P. Grušelionytė.
According to her, in this case, it is important to pay attention to the UV index, which can be found on hydrometeorology websites and in weather apps on many smartphones. The higher the UV index, the more you need to protect yourself from the sun.
Most dangerous for children and the elderly
According to the dermatovenerologist, the youngest and older people can suffer the most from the spring sun, as well as those with very light skin, light eyes and hair, because the skin of these people has less melanin, which protects the skin from UV radiation damage.
“If the skin is not protected from the sun, it becomes dehydrated, its sensitivity increases, and therefore pigment spots may appear on the skin in the long run. Skin exposed to direct ultraviolet sunlight also reduces the amount of collagen, it becomes less elastic, it sags, wrinkles and facial skin pores become more prominent – the skin ages faster. “Chronic skin burns can increase the risk of cancer,” the dermatovenerologist points out.
According to the doctor, regardless of whether the sun shines outside the window or it is cloudy, the skin and eyes need a sun shield in the spring, which is created by clothes, glasses and special cosmetics, denoted by the letters SPF (sun protection factor).
“SPF products should be used all year round, and in the spring it is recommended to use protection products with a filter of at least SPF 30. I would advise using cosmetic products with an even higher filter – SPF 50 – for owners of extremely light skin tones or those who are prone to certain skin diseases.” , – explains P. Grušelionytė.
Choose SPF protection according to needs and exposure
BENU Healthy Skin Institute expert, cosmetologist Ramunė Uosienė says that when choosing products with SPF protection, it is important to pay attention to your skin type and the composition of the protective cream. According to her, there are a variety of SPF protection products currently available that differ in both texture and composition. We can usually distinguish two types of sunscreens: with mineral or chemical filters.
“The mineral cream contains very few ingredients and works on the principle of light reflection. Due to the simple principle of operation and the small number of ingredients in the cream, this type of sunscreen is especially recommended for children and those with sensitive skin. The relative disadvantage of this cream is its thick texture, which does not absorb into the skin as quickly, and often leaves a whitish sheen on it.
Meanwhile, a cream with a chemical filter has a much more liquid texture. It is much easier to apply on the skin, and this cream absorbs faster. However, it contains much more various components than the mineral one, and the latter can irritate the skin more quickly, especially for owners of sensitive skin”, R. Uosienė mentions the differences between sunscreens.
Reminded of the rules for using SPF protection
According to the cosmetologist, depending on the types of creams, sun protection also begins to work differently: creams with mineral filters start working immediately, while after applying a cream with a chemical filter, sun protection appears only after approximately 15 minutes. R. Uosienė emphasizes that despite the different compositions and speed of operation, both types of filters – both mineral and chemical – protect the skin from the sun in exactly the same way.
“When choosing sun protection, it is no less important whether these products do not irritate your skin or whether you feel comfortable after applying such a cream, especially when it comes to the skin of the face. Therefore, when considering which cream with SPF protection for the face to choose, it is appropriate to pay attention to what additional substances are included in such a product. For example, if your skin is oily, protective creams that absorb excess oil and provide matting are more suitable.
For those with combination or normal skin, it is advisable to choose a sunscreen with a more liquid texture and containing antioxidants, such as vitamin E or coenzyme Q10. Meanwhile, owners of dry skin are better suited to sunscreens that contain allantoin and shea butter,” explains an expert from the Healthy Skin Institute.
According to R. Uosienė, a higher number of protection factor SPF does not mean that such a sunscreen will have a stronger effect, simply by applying such a product you will be able to stay in the sun longer. According to her, it is important to remember to reapply the cream in order to maintain protection from the sun during long periods in nature – it is agreed that the sun protection is effective for about 2-3 hours on average.
If you wash or bathe and dry your skin with a towel, you should apply sunscreen immediately after these procedures, because the protective filter is rubbed off.
2024-04-29 17:28:50