The sun is the most important source of energy for living things on earth. All living things owe their vitality to the heat and light of the sun. Sunlight consists of electromagnetic rays of different wavelengths. The Ultraviolet (UV) part of these rays is responsible for the harmful effects on the skin. While UVB is responsible for most of the harmful effects, in recent years it has been determined that UVA also contributes to this. The negative effects of UV on the skin have been noticed especially in the last 50 years, and how to protect from the sun has begun to be discussed. It is impossible to be completely protected from such an important and necessary energy source. Instead, it would be a better approach to try to benefit from the sun correctly.
When exposed to the sun for a long time, skin burns may develop in the form of early reddening and water-filled blisters. With the suppression of the immune system, herpes infections and various sun-related allergic reactions may occur. When exposed to the sun for many years, signs of premature skin aging can be observed, including small vascular cracks, spots, wrinkles, loosening and sagging of the skin, which is called photoaging. Most importantly, this chronic exposure accelerates the development of various skin cancers. In addition to long-term sun exposure, solariums and tanning lamps can also cause these effects.
So how to benefit from the sun correctly?
Protection against the harmful effects of UV is the first priority. It is provided with clothing. It is recommended to choose long-sleeved, tightly woven clothes that cover the neck and neck, and to use a hat. Light-skinned people, children, and people who have had skin cancer before have a higher risk. It is especially recommended for these high-risk groups to use clothes and hats with UV filters. The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) value, which shows the sun protection rate, is written on the labels of these products. Protection of the eyes and the area around the eyes should not be forgotten; sunglasses with UV filters should be preferred.
Sunscreens are our most effective weapons in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV. The effectiveness of these products is based on the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) value. 10 minutes in the sun without SPF protector If you are turning pink and red, the time it will take for the redness to develop will be 150 minutes when a protector with SPF 15 is used. While the Skin Cancer Association recommends the use of at least SPF 15 and above on a daily basis, it recommends the use of products with SPF 30 and above at the beach and in open areas.
When using sunscreen:
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Broad spectrum products that provide protection against both UVA and UVB should be preferred.
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A sufficient amount of product should be used to provide effective protection. This rate is 2mg/cm2. Accordingly, it is recommended that an average adult apply approximately 29gr (about a handful) to areas outside the swimsuit and ΒΌ-1/3 teaspoon to the face. The product should be distributed equally to all areas.
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Protectors should be used not only at the beach, but also in daily life, even in cloudy weather.
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Sunscreens. It should be applied 20-30 minutes before going out and should be repeated every 3-4 hours if you are going to stay outside for a long time.
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Although water and sweat resistant products have been developed in recent years, if you stay in water for a long time, the product should be applied every 3-4 hours. should be repeated.
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Rubbing and wiping with a towel reduces their effectiveness.
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Sunscreens should be consumed within 6 months after opening.
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Sunscreens do not provide complete protection from the sun. For this reason, one should not be exposed to direct rays of the sun between 10:00 in the morning and 16:00 in the afternoon. Staying in the shade is a protective measure. However, it should not be forgotten that if one stays in the shade for a long time, sun damage may occur due to reflected rays.
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Babies and children are much more sensitive to the sun. Babies under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is not recommended to use sunscreen in this age group. It is recommended to use mineral filtered sunscreens and wear clothes with UPF value for children older than 6 months.
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With the increased use of sunscreens, various allergic skin reactions have been observed in people using them.
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