Sun protection in summer
Summer is arguably the time of year when sunscreen is a must-have in your shopping cart. But are we doing it right? The Skin Cancer Foundation reminds us why applying sunscreen year-round can prevent sunburn and skin cancer 365 days a year. They also debunk some common myths about sun protection that we tend to believe.
Apply sunscreen year-round, yes or no?
UVB and UVA rays should be taken into account every day of the year when engaging in certain activities. While it's true that the winter sun affects our skin less, the reality is that solar radiation increases year after year, and with it, the risk of developing skin conditions.
Tips from the Foundation for Skin Cancer Prevention (to protect yourself from the sun all year round)
- During the winter months, you'll need a minimum SPF of 15 for outdoor activities. Remember that UV rays penetrate clouds, so you're not fully protected even in winter.
- Choose a UVB and UVA sunscreen.
- Apply every 2-4 hours depending on your skin type.
One of the recommendations often given to the general public is to apply sunscreen to the neck, lips, ears, scalp, and feet . In many cases this is taken for granted, but the truth is that sunspots can appear on the lips as well, for example.
- Tanning can pose serious health risks. Premature skin aging is just one of the many problems that result from overuse of tanning salons.
Extra protection from the sun: supplements that protect the skin
It's no secret that UV rays are increasingly damaging to the skin. Given this, the production of free radicals from sun exposure requires more than just topical sunscreen. Therefore, more and more people are adding oral photoprotectors, which are supplements that enhance the effects of sunscreen and also protect the eyes.
Among these, the best known is astaxanthin , which is an antioxidant and sunscreen.