The sun is a double-edged sword. It is a friend that pampers and caresses your skin early in the morning, but then at midday it bites deep into your skin, stings and penetrates without mercy.
Do you know what UVA and UVB rays do to your cells? Well, now that we are in the middle of summer, with all these heat waves, it is good that you know the effects that the sun produces when you do not wear sunscreen.
The two faces of sunbathing without sunscreen
Positive effects of sun exposure
The sun is a promoter of life. We and all other living things on earth need it to maintain our existence.
A dose of sunshine is great for your skin to activate vitamin D production. This vitamin is responsible for increasing bone absorption of phosphorus and calcium, thus strengthening our entire bone structure.
We need the sun to activate circulation. The increase in body temperature caused by the sun's rays causes the blood vessels to dilate, which makes it easier for the blood to flow.
Not only that, but the sun stimulates the immune system, alleviates the symptoms of depression, causes an increased production of melanin (the pigment that gives us our tan) and it is this dark pigment that is a natural protector against UV rays.
And if that's not enough, sunbathing improves the quality of sleep, awakens sexual desire by increasing testosterone production and helps metabolise bad cholesterol and reduce it.
So many benefits of sunlight! Do you want to know both sides of the coin?
Harmful effects of sunlight on our skin
There is no good that does not bring with it an evil. The sun is also a messenger of disease if we abuse the time of exposure.
UVA rays from the sun enter the dermis - the middle layer of the skin - and distort the functioning of our atoms. They convert them into free radicals and cause photoaging and sun allergies.
These harmful effects appear after many years of abusive exposure. Our unconscious attitude has created holes in the ozone layer so that in several countries the rays penetrate with force and there are high percentages of the population with skin problems.
The sun's UVB rays reach the epidermis or surface layer. These mischievous friends cause redness on very fair skin, sunburn or sun erythema and even oedema, depending on the intensity.
In addition to photoageing, we should also be concerned about photoimmudepression. Yes. Too much sun lowers the immune system and it is normal for cold sores to appear.. And in some cases, the sensitive mucous membranes in the eyes are damaged and lead to cataracts.
There are many skin conditions linked to the sun and misinformation is the driver of risky behaviour.
The sun is doing its job every day, with or without clouds its rays penetrate and reach our skin, so we should use sunscreens or sunscreen; wear long-sleeved clothing; use hats and sunglasses - bought from a reputable centre - and of course, staying in the shade during the most critical hours, which are between 12:00 and 16:00.
Photoprotector and palliatives for protection
On the market there are numerous photoprotective products -We can use sunscreens that are suitable for different skin types to protect us from the sun. Some are chemical sunscreens and others are physical sunscreens that do not allow UV rays to penetrate.
Another all-natural product that we sometimes have on hand at home is the aloe vera. For redness caused by the sun, you can apply natural aloe vera juice or gels containing aloe vera, and relatively quickly you will notice the improvement and freshness in the area.
Thanks to its moisturising properties, its richness in antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E, aloe vera is an ideal ally to moisturise the skin after intense days in the sun.
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Remember, the sun's harmful effects are not immediately visible (unless you suffer from burns). Its damage is a cumulative process and affects the superficial and inner layers of the skin with preventable diseases such as skin cancer. While it is true that detected early, 95% of skin cancers can be cured, we should not be delusional, lose the perception of risk and walk around without taking action.
Our advice is to enjoy the summer to the full. It's time to be outdoors and enjoy the good weather, but take precautions and protect yourself.
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