It is known for a long time that the action of the sun on the skin is not just a beautiful tan… Sun’s UV and especially UVA radiation is responsible for negative changes in our skin, both the ones that appears right after sun exposure and those long postponed. UVA causes erythema, has immunosuppressive properties, and skin exposed to its action is aging faster. It is connected to destroying influence of UVA radiation on elastic and collagen fibers, but also on skin cells responsible for their production, epidermis regeneration and immunity.

Skin exposed to UV with age is getting thinner, has uneven colour and structure, dilated blood vessels and discolouration appear. And most importantly, it can lead to the development of malignancies including melanoma, which hardly meets the skin protected from UV. The most negative effects give periodic, intensive sunbaths or solarium tanning.  To prevent photo-aging you should protect from sun radiation with properly chosen and used products, as well as the right way to benefit from the sun.

It is worth to know that sun radiation is a synergy of UVA and UVB radiation. Sunscreen products should protect us from the whole spectrum. In addition UVA radiation penetrates through the glass, clouds and cotton clothes, therefore we are subject to its action throughout the year, regardless of the time of day.

In our latitude we should reach for products with a moderate degree of sun protection in both spectrum UVA and UVB (factor 25-30). Mineral substances used in colour cosmetics are great filters against UV. Moderate sun protection will allow synthesis of Vitamin D, so necessary for the proper functioning of the body – bone growth, maintenance of bone mass, regulation of metabolism.

Products with maximum sun protection (SPF 50+ where factor SPF/PPD <=3) should use all-year-round:

• People who suffer for photodermatitis (Lupus erythematosus, polymorphic light eruption)
• People taking light-sensitive drugs (antibiotics, hormone drugs, herbal medicine)
• Patients after dermatological and cosmetic treatments (laser therapy, exfoliation)

Let us remember that sunblocks should be applied appropriately thick layer, for several minutes before sun exposure, then put on again every 2 hours after contact with water, perspiring or toweling.

Excess of mineral filters applied to the skin, especially the young with a tendency to seborrhea can have comedogenic effects, worsening the course of acne. In older can cause “loading” of the skin and deepening of wrinkles. Chemical filters have a stronger allergenic potential and are not in excess recommended for allergy sufferers. It is the best to use formulations containing a mixture of several substances with radiation-absorb properties.

And what about when we have to much sun?

Reach for products with soothing, moisturising properties, which fill up lipid barrier. Choose mild cleaning processes, which don’t contain alcohol and detergents with kind to skin formula. In creams you should pay attention for content of alantoin, vitamin PP, panthenol and irreplaceable plant origin substances like aloe vera extract.