The weather doesn't let up and we are already at the height of summer. The hot August nights and scorching days arrived, inviting the cicadas to sing and where it was even difficult to breathe. We do everything we can to shelter ourselves from the small breezes or enjoy the refreshing luxury of the air conditioning.
The beaches become authentic seas of people, where children perfect their diving technique and adults wisely choose to rest and replenish their energy, not forgetting, of course, the beach custom – the Berlin ball.
But, while snoozing on the beach or reading, there is certainly a common goal among most vacationers, that of becoming dark. After all, it is already indispensable when talking about returning to work after the holidays, commenting on skin tone. Interestingly, we seem to associate the quality of a vacation with the intensity of our tanned skin.
In the past, dark skin was associated with lower socioeconomic classes, due to work in the field that required prolonged sun exposure.
It was from the Roaring Twenties onwards – when Coco Chanel returned from her vacation on the French Riviera – that caramel-toned skin became popular. chic and it became, in Western countries, a trend, which represented luxury, wealth and health.
This is how being dark became popular. Tanning oils began to appear and even in the 70s Malibu Barbie was created, with tanned skin.
In the last article we talked about the Sun as a vitamin complex, without the need for a medical prescription and the importance that this element has on health.
However, everything has its benefits and risks, so, with the knowledge we currently have, we must find a balance between these, with the ultimate objective of promoting well-being, without harming health and vice versa.
Therefore, the big question to be explored in this article is: how can we enjoy the heat and light of the Sun, without our health being scalded?
Sunlight is made up of a spectrum of rays: infrared, visible light and ultraviolet (UV). UV radiation has a shorter wavelength than visible light; They are invisible to us, yet we can feel them.
Among UV rays, we can divide them into UVA, UVB and UVC. The latter are usually blocked by the ozone layer, so the ones that have the greatest impact on our skin are UVA and UVB.
However, there are some differences between these, which I would like to explain.
UVA is active throughout the year, including on cloudy days, and can penetrate the deepest layer of the skin, the dermis, leading to the formation of free radicals – highly reactive molecules, which quickly interact and attack essential components of the skin, such as collagen (a protein that guarantees skin elasticity and firmness) and DNA.
Thus, the long-term effects of UVA are associated with premature aging, inflammation, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer.
UVB are neutralized by clouds and penetrate the epidermis – the most superficial layer of the skin – which is why they are responsible for tanning, but also for sunburn, allergic reactions to the sun and skin cancer.
In fact, tanning is simply the body protecting itself from UV radiation. Let me explain: melanocytes (skin cells), in response to exposure to UV rays, produce melanin, a brownish pigment that darkens the skin. This pigment absorbs UV radiation, thus preventing the penetration of these rays into the deeper layers of the skin and, in turn, damage to the cells.
Another defense mechanism is the growth of keratocytes, cells located in the epidermis, which create a thickening of this layer of the skin, thus forming a greater physical barrier against the penetration of UV rays.
However, these protective mechanisms may not be sufficient, especially when tanned skin is culturally valued, and sun exposure is constantly sought after.
The occurrence of skin cancer has increased dramatically in recent years. It is estimated that, in Portugal, there are 13000 new cases of skin cancer every year, of which 1500 are due to malignant melanoma – an aggressive type of cancer associated with a poor prognosis.
With these facts and figures, it is imperative to be aware and informed of how we can prevent the various changes associated with sun exposure and protect our largest organ, the skin.
So let's explore the essentials: care with sun exposure.
We must, firstly, try to avoid the so-called “hottest hours”, which roughly cover the period from 10 am to 00 pm. Since this is the period when the sun's rays are closest to the earth, it is the time when UVB radiation is most intense.
If you are on vacation and have lost track of time, I give you another tip – if your shadow is smaller than your height, it is because the sun's rays are more vertical, that is, closer to the earth's surface, and therefore this should avoid direct exposure.
In order to filter UV radiation, you must apply and insist on reapplications of sunscreen. Protection against UVB rays is measured using the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) system, categorized as: low (SPF 6-10), medium (15 to 25), high (30 to 50) and very high (50 +).
Before choosing a sunscreen, you must first know your skin type and know which protection will be most suitable for you.
I'll give you an example: Maria, who has fair skin, gets burned after sun exposure for more than 10 minutes. Now, if Maria applies a sunscreen with SPF 10, she may be able to stay in the sun for 100 minutes (10 × 10) without getting burned. Despite everything, it is advised to apply sunscreen every two hours.
In addition to the skin, you should not neglect the eyes and, often forgotten, the scalp. So, don't forget your sunglasses, and choose a hat that highlights your personality and protects you.
Another aspect that I would like to discuss with you is about skin self-examination, carried out by you, and at no additional cost. For the most vain, it is a very valid reason to look in the mirror.
It's important to know your body, and by the way, (sorry for repeating) your own signals.
If you notice that you have a lesion that does not heal, a new mole with a suspicious appearance, or one of your moles has taken on a strange, asymmetrical, multi-colored or large shape/texture, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation. targeted. The truth is that, when detected early, 90% of skin cancers are curable.
So, not wanting to elaborate further, and because I hope you can enjoy the remaining summer day, I end this month's article with the following reflection: As the singer António Variações said, “when the head has no sense, the body pays ”. Is it worth burning ourselves, consecutively and deliberately, out of vanity or social pressure?
Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen. Turn it into must have of your daily routine, for all seasons.
These are the best anti-aging measures, but also the ones that can help you live longer and with healthy skin.
You have everything at your fingertips to enjoy the benefits of the sun, without putting yourself at risk. Take care of yourself!
Author: Adriana Justo Correia is an Internal Physician in General and Family Medicine and writes every month on Sul Informação
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