Protect yourself from the sun: Comprehensive guide to radiant and healthy skin

The sun can be wonderful, but it is also important to be aware of its harmful effects on our skin. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health problems, including skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to take effective measures to protect yourself from the sun.

UV radiation and the skin

UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. It consists of UVA, UVB and UVC rays, of which UVA and UVB rays are the most relevant for our skin. These rays can penetrate our skin and cause damage.

Risks of exposure to UV radiation

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin burns, premature ageing, sun allergies and can increase the risk of skin cancer. It is important to be aware of these risks and take measures to reduce them.

Types of skin cancer and other skin problems

Sun exposure can cause several forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Besides skin cancer, UV rays can also cause other skin problems, such as sun spots, sunburn and sun allergies.

Sun protection techniques

Use of sunscreen

Sunscreens are specially designed to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. They contain SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor. This factor indicates how long you remain protected from the sun compared to if you did not use sunscreen.

Wearing protective clothing

Consider wearing clothes with built-in UV protection, such as shirts, trousers and hats specially designed to block UV rays. These garments often have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates how much UV radiation they block.

Searching for shaded areas

During the hours when the sun is strongest, usually between 10am and 4pm, it is advisable to stay in the shade. Shade provides extra protection from direct sun exposure and reduces the risk of sunburn and other harmful effects of UV radiation.

Limiting exposure time

It is important to know that the sun has different intensities at different times of the day. Try to plan your outdoor activities outside the peak hours of UV radiation, such as early morning or late afternoon.

Summary

• Limit the time you spend in the sun, especially during peak hours.
• Find shady spots regularly to give your skin some rest.
• Plan outdoor activities like hiking or exercising early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is less intense.
• Make use of covered areas or umbrellas when you are outside, especially at the beach or poolside.
• Take extra care in high mountains or on water, where the intensity of solar radiation increases.