2024-05-02 21:43:56
15 minutes in the sun is enough
First of all, it is important to use skin protection products. The sun may not be hot, but ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage. Doctor dermatovenerologist prof. Dr. Matilda Bylaitė-Bučinskienė notes that people worry that SPF protection reduces the production of vitamin D in the skin.
The professor emphasizes that such a mindset can cause harm, and contact with the sun must be moderate. Lack of vitamin D is not a reason to damage the skin.
“It is enough for us to be in the sun for 15 minutes, 3 times a week. If even then there is a lack of vitamin D, it means that it should be obtained together with food supplements”, explains M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė.
These are not “dropped” numbers. Such recommendations were made by researchers from the United Kingdomlooking for a balance between the positive effects of sunlight on vitamin D production and the risk that UV rays cause skin cancer.
Studies have also confirmed that the level of vitamin D in the blood of people using SFP creams is almost the same.
SPF protection is a daily ritual
The dermatovenerologist says that it is necessary to look at the sun more carefully when the temperature outside rises above 10 degrees Celsius. However, you should take care of your skin all year round, not only in the warm season.
Exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, including a particularly aggressive form of the disease, melanoma.
“Everyone knows that smoking causes lung cancer. But many do not realize how important the skin is, protecting us from harmful external factors.
Not a day goes by that I don’t apply SPF cream. I have been doing this every day for many years. I can be happy that I have well cared for skin. But that requires knowledge and daily rituals”, explains M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė.
She adds that sunscreen is essential to maintaining beautiful, youthful skin and delaying the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Solar radiation is most dangerous between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these hours, both adults and children are suggested to spend time in the distance, avoid direct sunlight. Thus, a child’s skin can be damaged even when walking home from school every day. This is important because sun damage is cumulative.
“At midday in the hot summer sun, you need to cover all possible parts of the body, and what’s left is to apply sunscreen. SPF 50+ should be applied to the face, nose, neck, scalp and hands, and the rest of the body can be SPF 30,” advises the dermatovenerologist.
Doubly harmful effect
According to the professor, SPF cream is necessary for everyone who likes to spend time in nature.
“If we are in the mountains, fishing near the water, or doing sports, it is appropriate to realize that the sun will have a more harmful effect, because snow and water reflect the rays. The harmful effect on the skin will be twofold.
If you are going to do sports, travel, engage in active water sports, winter sports, or simply play football or tennis outside, you must consider that open areas of the body receive too much sun, they will burn.
After being outside for more than half an hour, you have to think about what you should do so that the skin is not damaged, and the trip to nature is fun and not ruined,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė.
It is wrong to think that brown skin is a sign of health. If you want your skin not to be white, especially in early spring or early summer, it is better not to sunbathe, but to use self-tanners, advises the professor.
2024-05-02 21:43:56