Apply a filter, a sunscreen is essential to protect the skin, from childhood, from damage due to exposure to UV rays. Skin aging, erythema and sunburn are risk factors for some forms of cancer, including melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. In addition to the cream, especially in summer, it is necessary to carefully manage exposure to the sun, limiting it in the hottest hours and protecting yourself with a hat and glasses, in order to avoid eye damage. These are some of the tips reported in an article published in ‘Allies for Health’ (www.alleatiperlasalute.it), a portal dedicated to medical-scientific information created by Novartis.
To make the right choice and protect the skin adequately, it is necessary to take into consideration some important elements, first of all theSpf or sun protection factor, which indicates how much the product is able to block UVB rays, responsible for erythema and burns. This is a scale now adopted internationally which has a maximum value of 50+. 4 categories of protection can be distinguished: low (Spf from 6 to 10); medium (Spf 15 to 25); medium-high (Spf between 30 and 50) and high (Spf 50+).
In addition to UVB rays, it is also important to shield yourself from UVA rays, which are able to penetrate deeper into the skin and which can cause skin aging, wrinkles and spots. Furthermore, to protect the skin from grape rays, lamps and sun beds are absolutely to be avoided, because their radiations emit in large quantities.
In choice of sunscreen – we read in the article by Allies for Health – it is therefore necessary to take into consideration those that offer both anti-UVB and anti-Uva protection. In this regard, the European legislation provides that a good solar filter must offer an anti-UV protection equal to 1/3 of that of UVB. The SPF to be taken depends above all on the phototype, i.e. the tone of the eyes, complexion and hair. A light skin type, for example, with red or blond hair and skin that burns easily, must always use a high factor. Protection against UVA rays must remain high even for darker skin types.
Avoiding sunburn is very important from an early age, to reduce the risk of even very serious problems later in life. For this reason, especially in the little ones, it is better to avoid sun exposure in the hottest hours, i.e. from 11 to 16, and to use a t-shirt, hat and glasses. Sunscreens must have a high protection factor and be water resistant. Sweat, baths, showers and drying still tend to remove the cream, which must therefore be reapplied at least every 2 hours and especially after the child has been in the water.
There are several specific sun products on the market that are generally characterized by Spf 50+ and the absence of preservatives, dyes, nickel, perfumes and allergenic substances, elements that can irritate the delicate skin of children. In the case of particular pre-existing problems, it is advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist.
Creams always carry one Expiration date, beyond which complete effectiveness is no longer ensured. However, this is an indication that refers to the intact product, while once the package is opened, the cream must be used within 1 year.
In order not to invalidate its action, the cream must be stored in an appropriate manner, away from direct sunlight and contact with the sand; moreover, it should not be left open and in too hot places such as the car.
The complete article is available on: Skin protection: guide to the use of sunscreen (aleatiperlasalute.it)