Sun protection, skincare for summer
Posted by Xanit Internacional Xanit Internacional | Posted in ALL ABOUT CANCER | Posted on 20-06-2016
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With the arrival of the summer heat we spend more time at the beach, in the swimming pool and doing other outdoor activities, increasing our skin’s exposure to the sun’s rays, leading to the need to take greater care of our skin. We would like to share the importance of taking care of your skin in the sun. Sun exposure without adequate sun protection can result in conditions such as skin cancer, sun sensitivity and photoageing (pigmentation, wrinkles, severe dryness, etc).
In summer, when spending so many hours at the beach and the pool, it is necessary to protect yourself from UVA rays, especially if you are pale skinned. Pale skinned people suffer most as the paler your skin the more quickly you burn and the less time you should expose yourself to the sun. Applying sunscreen every day and reapplying it every two hours whilst in the sun is recommended with avoidance of exposure to the sun in the middle of the day (from 12.00 to 16.00). Remember to take extra care with young children who need considerably more protection from the sun, especially in comparison to winter.
When carrying out outdoor activities wearing a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses is recommended in addition to sunscreen. These help to protect you from the direct effects of the sun on your skin. Keeping your body continuously hydrated is also advisable.
It is also important to make sure that your skin is adequately hydrated, although this is something we should do all year round, increasing hydration even more is recommended during summer. The use of soap appropriate for your skin type will also help you to protect it.
Although it might not be apparent, nutrition is a significant factor in the care of your skin as well as your body. Intake of antioxidants such as fruit, vegetables or vitamin supplements for example, can help to reduce skin damage that may be caused by the sun. A balanced diet helps to improve your general health and the health of your skin.
Remember to check your skin periodically and visit the dermatologist if you notice anything unusual. In summer the appearance of skin blemishes is common, they are normally caused by the sun. If you notice a mark/blemish appearing after sun exposure then you should visit the dermatologist for a diagnosis, as they can occur for many reasons.
If you have a lot of moles, especially more than a total of 50, if you have a personal or family history of melanoma or if you notice a change in any mole (asymmetry, edges, colour, diameter, elevation…), you should also visit the dermatologist who will check to make sure that there is no reason for concern.
Advice for protecting your skin
- Use high factor sunscreen appropriate for your skin type.
- Apply sunscreen every two hours and avoid sun exposure in the middle of the day.
- Increase sun protection in young children.
- Wear a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses.
- Continuously hydrate your body.
- Use an appropriate soap for your skin type.
- Take antioxidants and vitamin supplements
- Have a periodic skin check-up.
Dr. HERRERA ACOSTA
Head of Department of Dermatology at Vithas Xanit International Hospital.