It is not possible to unequivocally state that the sun is bad and completely forbid going outside. Dermatologists and pharmaceutical companies often exaggerate to scare people when they speak in mere negatives about sunlight. It is worth asking a simple question, „Could there be life without the sun?” Of course, the answer is no! „Abide only in the sun, because nothing beautiful grows in the dark.” If it were not for the sun, its heat and light, mankind would not have evolved. Even the houses that are being built, are designed to get as much sunlight into the room as possible, not only to save energy, but mainly to feel better and avoid depression. Sunlight strengthens bone-forming processes, hardens the skin to the adverse effects of UVB radiation, and can prevent and treat many diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, rickets, cataracts, tuberculosis, colon cancer, diabetes, psoriasis, tooth decay, and accelerate wound healing and relieve premenstrual tension symptoms. Occasional sunbathing throughout the year is healthier than avoiding the sun altogether. Without light, people feel more sleepy and unhappy.
After a long winter, everyone is thirsty for sunshine. In spring, people have more energy and desire to live. However, it is important to remember that the sun in excess does harm. It leads to burns, premature skin aging and cancer. Photodermatoses are a group of conditions provoked or aggravated by the sun. These lesions most often appear on the face, neck, décolleté, forearms, i.e. wherever ultraviolet radiation is most likely to reach. The cause may be in genetic and metabolic disorders or as phototoxic and photoallergic reactions caused by the use of a drug (painkiller, circulatory, neurological, diabetic, antibiotic), cosmetic or plant juice that has sensitized the skin to the sun.
Sunlight contributes to faster skin aging. Wrinkles are thicker, more prominent, there are deeper blemishes and the skin of older people is not thinning but thickened with hyperkeratosis. Often there are telangiectasias, brown spots, an earthy appearance and pre-neoplastic conditions. Elastin, consisting of tiny fibers of elastic tissue and granular deposits of tropoelastin, is excessively deposited. In fibroblasts, elastin gene expression increases, and then in the extracellular matrix there is a decrease in the amount of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. To prevent these changes, it is necessary not to overdo the sun in the summer, and to use retinoid(all-trans retinoic acid) creams, with alpha-hydroxy acids and antioxidants after summer.
Chemical filters are absorbed into the superficial layers of the epidermis. They are molecules with an aromatic ring with a contained carbonyl group, which absorb radiation energy when they isomerize. Therefore, after the application of such a product, there may be a sensation of
Heat after exposure to the sun. They do not reflect UV rays. They change light energy into heat energy, eliminate free radicals and show antioxidant activity. They work better with UVB waves. Chemical filters are divided into: low-range filters (protection against UVB radiation), high-range filters (protection against both UVA and UVB radiation) and medium-range filters (protection against UVA radiation). Sunscreens must not lose their protective properties after application to the skin or during sun exposure. They also should not absorb into the dermis or cross the general circulation barrier. Modern chemical filters do not dissolve in water, so they remain on the surface of the skin for a long time. They do not contain anti-inflammatory agents, as they would mask the actual tanning effect.
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Examples of chemical filters: cinnamic acid esters, phenylbenzoimidazolosulfonic acid, octocrylene, para-aminobenzoic acid, benzophenones.
Physical filters do not penetrate the skin but form a protective film on its surface. They reflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, they are unsightly because they are white after application, dry to the touch and stain clothes. The modern ones are already more transparent. They are almost not at all allergenic and irritating. They are mainly substances of mineral origin.
Examples: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide.
Complete sun protection does not exist. However, the right way to apply the product to the skin and the correct amount is of great importance. The correct amount of cosmetic applied is 2mg of product per cm2of bodysurface . Another issue is the question of the durability of the preparation. Factors such as contact with water, physical activity, friction of the skin by clothing or towels, reduce protection from the sun. The SPF factor should be appropriate to the phenotype of the skin and the method of sun exposure.
To increase UV protection, formulations should have multi-component filter combinations. A good photoprotective preparation should have features such as photostability (retention of ray-protective properties during sun exposure), long-lasting protection, water resistance, broad spectrum photoprotection and good cosmetic quality.
1FriedrichSchiller, poet, philosopher (1759-1805)
If you go on vacation, where you spend most of your time in the sun, and you don’t want to return with blemishes and wrinkles, I recommend using sunscreen even on cloudy days. Burns are caused by UVB radiation, while wrinkles are caused by UVA, which penetrates clouds perfectly.
When our skin sweats a lot and we don’t want to put too many layers on it – a good sunscreen foundation is enough (if we are not lying on the beach but, for example, going to the bus stop or shopping). On the other hand, if we are exposed to the sun between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm then I recommend applying a sunscreen first on the whole body and then additionally a sunscreen foundation on the face. On the market we have a huge selection of cosmetics, sunscreen creams, so if any specific one does not suit us, because, for example, the consistency too oily, the smell suffocating, it is worth trying another. If we have a choice between a protective cream, or a care cream plus protection, then of course I recommend to choose the latter option. Then such a cosmetic will have a 2-in-1 effect without adding unnecessary layers – first one day cream and additionally a filter – with oily skins it will be a nightmare, because the skin will sweat even more. If you are lying on the beach or enjoying a swim in the sea, lake, etc., you must unfortunately remember to add protection every 2,3 hours even if the cosmetic is waterproof. Let’s remember to also grease the ears, the back of the neck, and the mouth. The scalp, even if it is very hairy, with prolonged exposure can also burn, I also recommend a hat – it will also protect us from stroke.
mgr Agnieszka Pyrzyk
Zapraszamy na profesjonalną konsultację w Face & Body Institute. Nasz zespół ekspertów pomoże Ci dobrać idealny zabieg.
