2023-07-11 16:47:18
Summer is here and it’s tempting to get outside and soak up the sun – but it’s important to be careful. Here’s how.
Several European countries are currently experiencing heat waves, and following long hours spent in front of the screen on weekdays, it can be tempting to bask in the sun at the first opportunity.
However, in the short term, it can be easy to burn, while in the long term, the effects of the sun are not only aesthetic.
Doctor Fayne Frey, an American dermatologist specializing in independent reviews, explains that “the sun emits ultraviolet rays, which come in different wavelengths: shorter wavelengths called UVB rays and longer wavelengths called UVA rays that can pass through glass.
She points out that “these ultraviolet rays actually damage the DNA of cells”. This damage has both short-term effects, such as sunburn, and long-term consequences, such as an increased risk of skin cancer.
Dr. Frey advocates a comprehensive program and points out that sunscreens do not block 100% of UV rays. “The most important thing is to avoid the intense midday sun,” she told L’Observatoire de l’Europe Next. If this is not possible, the most effective way to protect yourself is to cover your skin with clothing and wear a brimmed hat.
As for babies, sun protection measures must be closely followed because their skin is thinner and more fragile.
Then, once these steps are completed, sunscreen should be applied to the exposed skin.
How to choose a good SPF?
Sunscreen must cover both UVA and UVB protection, which has been a legal requirement in the EU since 2006.
An important detail often overlooked when entering a sandy beach is the need to apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen. On average, half a teaspoon is recommended for the face and a shot glass is recommended for the body.
“I don’t think most consumers apply sunscreen thick enough. You have to put it liberally to get the SPF listed on the label,” says Dr. Frey.
Also, when it comes to SPF, the rule can be summarized as “the higher the better”, with a minimum of SPF 30 recommended for all skin types.
“If you have a darker complexion, you certainly have natural protection, but you don’t have SPF 30 protection. Sunscreen should be applied to all skin types, regardless of the amount of pigment produced by your skin,” she says.
Mineral or chemical sunscreen?
If you are unsure of the wide selection available, be aware that sunscreens can be divided into two categories: chemical and mineral.
Chemical sunscreens use a chemical reaction to convert UV rays into heat, while mineral sunscreens create a barrier that reflects UV using ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide filters.
The French Society of Dermatology favors mineral sunscreens because they do not penetrate the skin, reducing the likelihood of side effects.
In addition, certain components that can be found in chemical sunscreens worry researchers. Last week, it was revealed in a press leak that the French Health Agency (Anses) had called for a ban on sunscreen containing octocrylene.
Octocrylene degrades over time, generating benzophenone, an endocrine disruptor that can cross the skin.
This request is part of an ongoing assessment under REACH, the European regulation that identifies and assesses chemical substances in Europe, as explained by France Info.
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