The sun is essential to our survival and our health. Among its many functions, we can mention the stimulation of the production of vitamin D, the prevention of depression thanks to the activation of the release of serotonin or the strengthening of our immune system.
Nevertheless, it can also have harmful effects on our skin if we do not take the appropriate protective measures.
Why is the sun dangerous for our skin?
The sun emits 3 categories of electromagnetic waves:
- Ultraviolet (UV)
- visible light
- infrared
Imperceptible to the eye, ultraviolet rays are the most harmful. Depending on their class, they act at a greater or lesser depth of our skin:
- UVA rays, whose wavelength varies from 315 to 400 nm, represent more than 90% of the UV rays that reach us. They are emitted all day long, in summer and winter, and even on cloudy days. They penetrate deep into our skin, reaching the dermis, and are responsible for the loss of its elasticity as well as its premature aging and dehydration. Note that UVA rays even pass through the windows.
- UVB, whose wavelength is between 280 and 315 nm, constitutes about 5% of the UV rays that reach us. Being able to penetrate the epidermis, they cause sunburn, burns and tanning. They are also the cause of the majority of skin cancers. Their intensity varies according to the time, the season and the geographical area.
- UVC is very powerful, but retained by the ozone layer.
How to protect yourself from UV rays?
The best way to protect yourself from UV rays is to use sunscreen. You will find on the market 4 main categories of cream which are distinguished by the level of protection they offer:
- SPF 6 and 10: low
- SPF 15, 20 and 25: medium
- SPF 30 and 50: high
- SPF 50+: very high
Here are also the elements you will need to take into account to find the product that is right for you.
- The UV index, or the intensity of the UV rays that reach the Earth: the higher it is, the more protection will have to be strong.
- Your skin type: Regardless of the UV Index, opt for broad-spectrum protection products if you have sensitive or very fair skin.
- Your age: there are sun creams specially designed for your children, whose skin is still very fragile.
Also, it is recommended to avoid chemical (or organic) filters if you have sensitive skin, as they may contain allergenic ingredients.
Protect yourself !
To conclude, we note that no sunscreen protects you 100% against the UV rays of the sun. As a result, you can tan even when opting for an SPF 50+ product. But it also means that the risks of burns, sunburn or cancer are always present following prolonged exposure.
That's why you need to take extra steps to protect your skin. Stay in the shade between 11:16 a.m. and XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. when UVB rays are strongest, and always wear a hat and appropriate clothing when going out.