Summer has come into its own, and the beginning of the week comes with temperatures of over 30 degrees in our area, a perfect day for swimming and sunbathing. At the same time, however, we need to know that prolonged exposure to the sun can be dangerous.
Vitamin D – or “sun vitamin” – is vital for health, but just as important is protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Vitamin D strengthens the body’s immunity and therefore prevents infections, whatever they may be. When there is a vitamin D deficiency, we are more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. In general, the effects of vitamin D are visible to the naked eye. Beyond combating fatigue, it supports fragile hair and brittle nails and gives a radiant look to the skin.
When UVB rays from sunlight reach the skin, an early form of vitamin D is formed. This chemical travels to the kidneys through the liver, where it is processed into active vitamin D. It is now ready to be used by the body. Vitamin D captures calcium from food so that bones can grow and stay healthy. It has several other important roles, such as supporting healthy immune function and cell growth, but it is difficult to say how much sun a person needs to get enough vitamin D because it depends on many factors, including skin color and sensitivity. .
On the other hand, the sun’s UV rays are dangerous. Prolonged sun exposure leads to skin burns, premature aging and even skin cancer. Sunburn, if it occurs in childhood, for example, can increase the incidence of skin cancer by up to 70% in adulthood.
Sunburn is an inflammatory skin reaction that occurs after excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The symptoms of sunburn appear a few hours after exposure and are accompanied by pain, redness of the skin and the appearance of blisters with fluid. Sometimes they are followed by headaches and fever. Less well known is that solar radiation and high temperatures can increase the risk of stroke. Hyperthermia affects the nervous system in the brain, which can lead to cerebral edema, by alternating thermoregulation, the natural process by which the body maintains an optimal temperature. Hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease never go well with hyperthermia, which can trigger various pathological situations in the nervous system. Limit sun exposure as much as possible when you know you have a condition of this nature.
To reduce the risk of these undesirable consequences, the following tips should be considered:
- Avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 16:00
- Wear sunglasses, big-brimmed hats, wide and long clothes.
- Choose shady places and avoid direct sunlight.
- Use sunscreen 30 or 50
- Drink fluids regularly, daily, at least 2 liters, especially water, as exposure to the sun can cause fluid loss.
Sunscreens or lotions are applied with approx. 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. These products should be selected in conjunction with the SPF (sun protection factor) index, skin phototype and sun exposure time. Depending on the SPF, the products are grouped into 4 classes:
- SPF 6 = very low protection
- SPF 15 = medium protection
- SPF 30 = high protection
- SPF 50 = very high protection.
People who want to be protected to the maximum and not to tan will use the products with SPF 50. The application of the cream is done in a thin but visible layer, about 2 tablespoons all over the body and necessarily on the nose, cheekbones, ears, neck, shoulders and toes.
To be effective, the product must be reapplied every 2 hours. According to the specifications in the leaflets, some products are water-resistant (which are active for up to 30 minutes after leaving the water) or may accelerate the appearance of bronze to reduce the time of exposure to the sun.
Note: The health information provided is obtained from third party sources and links and is not verified, the content being for informational purposes only. These are no substitute for professional advice for a doctor.
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