All products are selected in full editorial autonomy. If you purchase one of these products, we may receive a commission.
The sun, we know, is very important not only for the body but also for the mood. Maybe just a single walk on a day full of light is enough to bring morale to the stars. The thing is scientifically proven: the sun, in fact, generates the increase in the hormone of happiness. In addition, it is necessary for the organism, as thanks to its light the skin synthesizes vitamin D, essential for fixing calcium in the bones and keeping them healthy. But there is another side of the coin: you need to be aware of the risks associated with excessive sun exposure. We will never tire of repeating that protecting yourself from the sun is essential to avoid damaging effects on the skin (sunburn, blemishes, skin aging and diseases). With the arrival of summer, “it is important to expose yourself and expose yourself well”, says Doctor Mauro Mazzeo, dermatologist and aesthetic doctor, who provides a series of golden rules to be absolutely respected.
Physical filters and chemical filters
“The sunscreens are substances that are used more and more fortunately and that protect the skin from the harmful action of UV rays. Physical filters they work thanks to the action of some mineral powders dissolved in them. This mechanism is based on the refraction that the sun’s rays encounter when finding these creams. Chemical filters, instead, they have compounds that protect the skin by absorbing most of the sun’s rays and preventing them from reaching the epidermis. However, watch out for the environment! Many of the commercial sunscreens (especially with chemical filters) contain substances that can damage the phytoplankton that fish feed on, destroying marine flora and fauna ».
How to apply the cream?
“Every three to four hours. There are different textures: cream, fluid cream, spray, milks, it doesn’t matter. You can choose the one that suits you best, as long as it is put on every three / four hours. Everyone must use sunscreens, from children to the elderly ».
Yes to clothing with anti-UV properties
«Today there are garments with built-in filters on the market. These UV filters are extremely effective, we took an example from Australia, which first used these garments, especially for surfing. Despite their action against UV rays, use in combination with sunscreens is strongly recommended. Furthermore, let’s not forget that, just like sun creams which tend to lose their effectiveness over time, even garments with an integrated screen suffer the same fate ».
When is sun exposure recommended?
“It is important to go to the beach, but never during the hottest hours, ie in the period between 12 and 16. This is because the percentage of UV rays that hit the earth in this time slot is difficult to counter even with sunscreens.” In the hottest hours, especially in the summer months, it is good to take the opportunity to rest and recover energy, looking for cool places as much as possible to stay in the shade and hydrate well to recover lost fluids.
Check the moles
Skin care also involves careful prevention. For this reason, Dr. Mazzeo states that “checking the moles before and after sun exposure is highly recommended. Never forget to take a good look at your skin. If you see a nevus grow / change or grow, go to your trusted dermatologist immediately “.
Children and sun exposure
The skin of children is at least 20% thinner than that of adults and has not yet completed its development, therefore it is more sensitive to external agents and tends to dry out more. Furthermore, it has a lower concentration of melanin which, as we know, works as an ultraviolet (UV) filter, and its deficiency makes the skin more exposed and prone to sunburn. Can children therefore use the same creams as adults? «Basically yes, but let’s remember that children’s skin is atopic-prone skin. It is possible that a newborn’s skin may become sensitized to some allergen present in sunscreens. The convenient thing is to use specific products for pediatric age or for atopic patients, in such a way that the possibility of sensitization towards an allergen is very low », says Dr. Mazzeo. Furthermore, babies and children are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of sun exposure, such as erythema, redness, hyperpigmentation and sunburn, which is why it is extremely important to use adequate sunscreen.
Melanoma, the importance of prevention
Staying on the subject of risks resulting from incorrect exposure to the sun, from May, melanoma prevention month, one of the most widespread and aggressive skin cancers, the campaign has restarted Beyond the skin – Prevention at the center, promoted by Novartis with the patronage of scientific societies and patient associations. New diagnoses of melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer, are on the rise and are likely to be even more so in the future due to global warming. The effects of climate change, in fact, can also be measured in terms of the increased risk of developing skin cancers, and in particular melanoma. Worldwide, and Italy is no exception, it is estimated that in the last decade cutaneous melanoma has reached 100,000 new cases a year: an increase of about 15% compared to the previous decade. Although it is a growing tumor, however, melanoma can be successfully prevented. A message that Beyond the skin – Prevention at the center, now arrives in the squares. With an invitation to stop physically at the exhibition, but not to stop at appearances, and to go deeper with the periodic checks of the moles.
Since 2021, the campaign has launched a series of specific activities on the importance of melanoma prevention, promoting dermatological visits for the control of moles, the main prevention tool. A rich program of activities to learn about and prevent melanoma, also developed thanks to the contribution of experts, doctors and patients, through the Facebook page @OltreLaPelleMelanoma, a community that has been active for over two years, and a dedicated page within the Allies portal for Health .
Under this sun, yes, but with an eye on well-being! In the gallery solar cosmetics with high SPF, perfect for adults and children.
Face serums with Spf: the beauty novelty that changes skincare
How to choose the right solar system for the city too
Under this (record-breaking) sun, we are focusing on next-generation sunscreens \
Source: Vanity Fair