Sun protection.

Tips to enjoy the sun safely.

The beneficial properties of the sun

The sun has beneficial properties for the body such as the biosynthesis of Vitamin D, the strengthening of the immune system, the reduction of the level of cholesterol in the blood, the increase of oxygen transport, the activation of hormone secretion and of course the antidepressant action.

The negative effects of the sun

However, prolonged exposure to the sun in combination with the significant reduction of the ozone layer can cause damage to the skin. For this reason the correct use of sunscreen products is essential.

UV radiation consists of UVA (320-400nm), UVB (290-320nm) and UVC (200-290nm) radiation. UVC is absorbed by ozone and does not reach the earth. UVB is partially absorbed by ozone while UVA even less.

UVB radiation causes sunburn while prolonged exposure to UVB is responsible for premature skin aging. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and is responsible for phototoxic and photoallergic reactions, premature aging and reddening of the skin. Both types of radiation cause erythema as well as DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

How we can protect ourselves

The normal reaction of the skin to sunlight in order to protect itself is the production of melanin. However, this defense mechanism is not enough to fully protect the skin from sunlight. For this reason the use of sunscreens with wide UVA / UVB filters is essential.

In the series Rona Ross Sun Care, Greenyard Helios and Lee Hatton Photo-Protection you will find sunscreen products for face, body and hair, of all forms - oils, emulsions, creams, light emulsions in sprays, gels - from SPF6 to SPF50 which effectively protect against UVA and UVB radiation. They are also enriched with moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that prevent dryness, irritation, discoloration and photoaging and with melanin activating ingredients that give a golden tan.

Remember:

• Use a sufficient amount of sunscreen. Apply it well even on the parts of the body that we often neglect as you step, between the fingers, the back of the ears.

• Renew it every two hours and especially after bathing or wiping.               

• Avoid the sun during the hot noon hours (11: 00-14: 00) and excessive exposure.

• Do not expose babies and young children to direct sunlight.

• Use hats, sunglasses and light, light-colored, cotton clothes.

What is the SPF?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicators show us how long a person can stay under the sun without getting burned from the moment they apply their sunscreen depending on the phototype of their skin.

Example: If you have skin that starts to redden after 5 minutes of sunbathing and apply a sunscreen with SPF20, then your skin will be protected for 5x20 = 100 minutes.

Remember that the sunscreen should be renewed every 2 hours to maintain its effectiveness even if you use high protection factors.

Due to different skin phototypes, everyone endures a different amount of time in the sun without getting burned. Light skin is less durable.

The SPF shows the protection from UVB radiation, which is responsible for direct sunburn. Depending on the SPF, the sunscreen must also contain filters that protect against UVA radiation. Adequate UVA protection is indicated by the UVA indication in a circle.

Find your phototype

The skin phototype describes how the skin reacts to the sun during the first exposure. There are 6 skin phototypes. In more detail:

Be careful because:

Apart from the phototype of the skin, age and health also play an important role in how sunlight affects the skin of each person. People over the age of 50 and under 5 as well as people with chronic diseases and a weakened immune system are generally more sensitive to the negative effects of sunlight.

Also, although people with darker skin are less likely to develop skin cancer than people with lighter skin, they should be protected from UV radiation because there is still a chance of skin cancer, photoaging and other negative effects of solar radiation.

Proper protection from the sun is essential for any phototype.

Important tips

• The sunscreen has the role of a protective shield, so it should always be the last in the sequence of the skin care routine. Apply it after the product you have applied before is well absorbed (cream, serum).
• Do not use products containing AHA during sun exposure as they may cause irritation.
• In the hot months, moisturize your body internally with water and fruit.
• Apply scrub once a week to free the skin from dead cells and not to block the pores from the constant use of sunscreen.
• Apart from your skin, protect also your hair from the sun with the appropriate sunscreen product.
• Remember that UV radiation is reflected by the sand, it even passes through the dense clouds, while UVA also passes through the glass. This is why using sunscreen is necessary all year round, as well as if you spend many hours next to a window that gets a lot of sunlight.
• To take advantage of the sun you can only be exposed for a few minutes without sunscreen and not at noon. If you are going to stay in the sun for more than 10 -15 minutes you must take care before leaving the house to apply your sunscreen properly and repeat its use to maintain protection.
• Do not forget to protect your lips from the sun with the appropriate products but also to take care of your skin after sunbathing to keep it in good condition.

Skincare after sunbathing is essential.

After sunbathing, treat your skin with special after-sun products. In our range you will find moisturizers, lotions, cleansers and gels that repair the skin from irritation and the effect of sunlight. They restore the moisture balance in the skin by fighting dryness and enhance it with anti-aging and antioxidant agents. In case of erythema or burn, they remove the inflammation and redness, restoring the skin and preventing peeling and finally, they help to maintain the tan.

With the right products and controlled exposure we can safely enjoy the sun!

Discover all suncare & after-sun here: