The book of Genesis states that “God created the light and said that it is good.” But world-renowned professor of dermatology Dr A. Kligman commented that “God did not say anything about ultraviolet radiation”
The solar spectrum that reaches the earth’s surface is: • Infrared radiation 56% • Visible light 40% • UVA-UVB 4% UV radiation
In this article we will talk about this small percentage of 4%, which however is what causes immediate and chronic skin diseases.
UVA-UVB UV-RADIATION
Man receives daily:
a) Direct radiation
b) Reflected by soil and water
c) Scattered solar radiation from clouds, glass and pollution.
Of course we should mention that the intensity of solar radiation is affected by:
- Time of day
- Latitude
- Clouds-Water
- Altitude
- Atmospheric pollution
UVA – The invisible enemy
It penetrates the skin and penetrates the skin. It is absorbed by skin chromophores and affects certain cellular functions. Causes:
- Erythema (less intense than UVB)
- Photoaging
- Photocarcinogenesis
UVB: Absorbed mainly by the skin and leads to mutations and genes critical for cell survival. Causes:
- Erythema / Burn
- Inflammation
- Pigmentation / Skin Discolorations
- Photoaging
- Photocarcinogenesis
WHAT CAN WE DO?
The answer is the set of methods aimed at reducing the effects of sunlight on the skin, in other words PHOTO PROTECTION. The general photoprotection measures are:
- Avoid sun exposure between 10am-4pm
- Natural protection measures: Shade, protective clothing (hat, goggles) as well as special transparent membranes that are attached to the common windows of buildings / vehicles and reduce the permeability of UVA by 98%. Plain glass does not pass UVB, only 70% of UVA
- Sunscreen: Substances that prevent the penetration of ultraviolet rays and prevent or minimize the harmful effects of the rays on the skin. They are divided into: a) Natural filters, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (Zno), which offer protection against UVA and UVB, do not penetrate the skin (reflect it), are safe and are recommended for children and people with photodermatitis. b) chemical filters, which penetrate the skin but absorb UV rays. Caution: no chemical filters in children and infants !! Modern sunscreens are a combination of chemical and natural filters, which offer combined protection from UVA / UVB, product stability as well as reduction of unwanted side effects.
CHOICE OF A SUITABLE SUNSCREEN
- Wide spectrum protection: UVA and UVB
- Phototype of a person
- Being stable under different conditions of heat and humidity
- SPF (Sun Protector Factor): It is a relative indication of the extra time spent in the sun, without the occurrence of erythema. Eg SPF 20: It means that we have an extension of the “safe” time of stay in the sun by 20 times more than the usual time required for the appearance of erythema. It mainly concerns the protection from erythema
- Easy to use, invisible and not stained
- Do not cause toxic or allergic dermatitis
- Affordable price
In addition to the right choice, the correct use of sunscreen is also important:
- Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure
- Sufficient quantity
- Renew every 3 hours during the exhibition
- Protection of all body areas (nose, ears, lip)
AND DON’T FORGET:
- Even under the umbrella I need sunscreen as 50% is reflected from the sand
- 80% of UV penetrates clouds and water
- No sunscreen offers 100% protection
And as the Hippocratic principle says: “It is better to prevent it, than to cure it”
HAPPY SUMMER
