protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and blue light

Protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and blue light

The long-awaited spring is here! Although this year is much different around the world than in other years, some areas remain the same - the sun's activity increases significantly in the spring, so there is an urgent need to think about protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation - both UVA and UVB rays. In addition, blue radiation is becoming increasingly important. Or does it affect our skin? These nuances are explained by Natalia Gavrilchenko, a beauty consultant at BENU Pharmacy.

Now that public activities have been abolished and sports and leisure facilities have closed, many are spending more time in nature, which at the same time contributes to strengthening immunity and helping to respect social distancing. However, it should be taken into account that currently the activity of sunlight is already high and when going outdoors, it is necessary to take care of skin protection from the sun.

With what to start?

If you have stopped using sunscreen in the winter, then you need to start with a change of habits - it means that you have to learn and remember to take care of skin protection from the sun on a daily basis! It should be noted that during the dark months of the winter and autumn seasons, our skin has become lighter and therefore more vulnerable to sunlight. So, when the sunny season arrives, it is initially recommended that everyone choose a sunscreen with the highest sun protection index or 50 SPF.

In addition, spring is characterized by a drastic change of weather, when dark and cloudy days are suddenly followed by very sunny, which we want to enjoy. However, such changes are too rapid for our skin and even dangerous without sunscreen. Even if you use sunscreen responsibly, you should not overdo it in the first sunny days by being in the sun. You need to allow your skin and body to get used to the arrival of spring, starting with the shorter periods of time you spend in the sun. You can also go for a walk in a more shady place, such as in the forest, on nature trails.

Which protective cream to choose?

Sunscreens are currently available in a very wide range and in various forms - creams, sprays, lotions, explains the beauty consultant. Everyone can choose the shape according to their taste and need. 

However, the most important thing to consider when choosing sunscreen is its degree of protection or SPF (sun protection factor). This number indicates the sun protection of the product. Accordingly, the higher the number, the stronger the protection. For example, SPF 50 protects the skin from 98% of the sun's rays and is recommended for people with fair skin and hair, including children and adolescents. Meanwhile, protective products with SPF 30 will be more suitable for people with darker skin and brown hair. However, they will block less sunlight, which in turn can contribute to skin burns and photoaging, so it would not be advisable to use sunscreens with lower protection when sunbathing.

Products with SPF 10 to SPF 20 are intended for everyday use when we spend a large part of the day indoors and when a person does not visit the beach. But for the beach and longer time in the sun, this level of protection is too low! Remember, without protection in intense sunlight, the skin can burn in 10-20 minutes!

Last season's protective cream is no longer suitable!

One of the most common mistakes is to resume using the sunscreen you used last summer in the spring. First of all, the products used in the summer and at the end of it can be too weak, because in the spring our skin needs higher protection from the sun! Secondly, an open sunscreen stored for a long time (half a year) unfortunately loses its effectiveness and no longer fully performs its protective functions. Therefore, when choosing sunscreen, consider how long you need it and choose the right volume. It is best to buy the cream for one season - it will protect the skin to the maximum, because under the influence of heat and air the creams oxidize and the protective filters no longer work.

UVA and UVB rays

Distinguishes between UVA and UVB rays. UVA is general daylight. These rays are much longer than UVB rays, they pass freely through clothing and penetrate the skin, breaking down collagen and elastane fibers, thus very adversely affecting our skin.

UVB rays, on the other hand, are shorter, burning rays. They cause redness of the skin as it causes the skin to burn. These rays dry out the skin, cause premature aging and skin cancer. They can be stopped by clothing. The effects of these rays can often be observed by seeing how the skin tanned under the influence of clothing, for example, the hand burned to the sleeve.

Blue light

Nowadays, we hear more and more about blue light and its effect on our body. The use of smart devices and computers, which has now increased even more during social distancing, makes us quite exposed to this blue light. But does it also affect our skin? The specialist explains that blue light or HEV (High Energy Visible light) affects a person's healthy sleep, vision and promotes the aging process of the skin. These rays are the shortest, the blue rays disperse best. HEV, like UV radiation, promotes the formation of free radicals, which in turn contribute to skin aging and pigmentation disorders. They accelerate oxidation processes by breaking down the skin's protective barrier, thus reducing skin tone, promoting pigmentation disorders and the formation of wrinkles.

It would also be very important to protect the eyes from HEV, as this blue light also causes a tired eye effect. Special goggles and lutein supplements can be used for this purpose.

To protect the skin, pharmacies have facial creams that protect the skin from blue rays. These products contain both thermal water to strengthen the skin, antioxidants to combat oxidation processes, as well as hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin.

While thinking about the beauty and health of the skin, do not forget about food supplements, which also contain antioxidants - vitamins C, E and A, grape seed extract, resveratrol.

Take care of the beauty and health of your skin every day!