How to care for your skin in summer?
When our skin is exposed to sunlight, we need to pay special attention to areas where pigmentation changes occur. In this case, photoprotection will be essential.
Sunscreens are designed to effectively protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays. Additionally, they must be photostable and cosmetically acceptable, while also having minimal harmful effects on human health and the environment.
The role of sunscreens is to prevent the negative health effects of UVR. Scientific studies show that regular use of sunscreens reduces the risk of developing melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and also inhibits the development of actinic keratosis. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of photoprotection in delaying skin photoaging, both at the clinical and molecular levels. Protecting the skin from erythema through properly applied photoprotection is also crucial, as skin burns are considered a risk factor for melanoma.
Great importance should be attached to sun protection in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, as well as in patients after organ transplantation.
Which UV filter should you choose??
They can be organic (chemical) or inorganic (physical, mineral) and can absorb or reflect UVR. Organic filters come in liquid or solid form and have the ability to absorb photons from UVB and UVA rays and convert the absorbed energy into heat.
The effectiveness of cosmetics that protect against UVB radiation is measured by the standardized international SPF. The higher the SPF, the higher the standard of sun protection. The most important feature of a good sunscreen is broad protection against UVB and UVA waves. Photostability and water resistance are also crucial. Filter structure can be damaged by factors such as high temperatures (exposure to direct sunlight, in closed cars). Therefore, caution should be taken to avoid improper storage of creams containing UV filters.
Products should also be waterproof and safe. Water resistance is determined by determining the SPF before and after two 20-minute water baths. To be labeled "water resistant," the SPF after bathing must reach at least 50% of its pre-water value. To be classified as very water resistant, the same SPF must be achieved after four 20-minute water baths. Due to the numerous parameters that determine the effectiveness and safety of sunscreens, it is crucial to carefully check the composition of the product.
Effective protection only with proven cosmetics
There are products on the market that may contain compounds that are harmful to the body, causing allergies, hormonal disruptions, or even carcinogenic effects. Therefore, it is recommended to choose cosmetics only from reputable companies experienced in the production of specialized cosmetic products, such as Mesoestetic with an SPF of 50+. In addition to protecting against the negative effects of solar radiation, they moisturize the skin by retaining water, stimulate the epidermal defense process, and also have antioxidant properties and stimulate anti-aging processes.
If you notice moles, discolorations, or other skin lesions, it's especially important to check them regularly. If you notice a lesion growing, changing color or shape, bleeding, itching, or causing any concern, it's worth consulting a dermatologist in Lublin, who will assess its condition and recommend further treatment.
Protection of skin lesions against UVB radiation
Skin lesions such as pigmentation spots or scars require exceptionally effective protection. A spot-applied sunscreen with a high SPF, such as the Sun Protective Repairing Stick SPF 100+. For comprehensive skin protection, use Melan SPF 130+ Pigment Control, which combines an optimal combination of physical, biological, and chemical filters to even out skin tone and reduce imperfections.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
How to care for your skin in summer?
In summer, it's especially important to protect your skin from sunlight. Regular photoprotection is crucial, especially in areas with moles, discolorations, pigmentation spots, scars, or other skin lesions.
What is photoprotection?
Photoprotection is the protection of the skin from solar radiation. The article emphasizes that sunscreens should protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays, as well as be photostable, safe, and cosmetically acceptable.
Why is it worth using sunscreen creams?
Protective creams help prevent the negative effects of UV radiation. Regular use of protective products can reduce the risk of developing melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, inhibit the development of actinic keratosis, and delay photoaging of the skin.
Which UV filter should I choose?
A good sunscreen should provide broad protection against UVB and UVA radiation. A high SPF level, photostability, water resistance, and safe ingredients are also important.
What does SPF mean?
SPF is a standardized, international factor that determines a cosmetic's effectiveness in protecting against UVB radiation. The higher the SPF, the higher the standard of sun protection.
What is the difference between organic and mineral filters?
UV filters can be organic, meaning chemical, or inorganic, meaning physical and mineral. They can absorb or reflect UV radiation. Organic filters absorb photons from UVB and UVA rays and then convert the absorbed energy into heat.
Why is the photostability of a sunscreen important?
Photostability is important because high temperatures can damage the structure of filters. Therefore, sunscreens should not be exposed to direct sunlight or stored in hot, closed cars.
What does it mean that a preparation is “water resistant”?
The term "water resistant" means that the product retains some protection after contact with water. The article states that the SPF after two 20-minute baths should be at least 50% of the pre-water value.
How to choose tanning cosmetics?
It's worth carefully checking the ingredients of tanning products and choosing cosmetics from reputable companies experienced in producing specialized cosmetics. The article points out that some products available on the market may contain compounds that are harmful to the body.
How to protect moles, discolorations and scars in summer?
Moles, discolorations, pigmentation spots, and scars should be particularly well protected from sunlight. High-SPF sunscreens and spot-applied products, such as sunscreen sticks, can be helpful.
When should you consult a skin lesion with a dermatologist?
It's worth consulting a dermatologist if a skin lesion grows, changes color or shape, bleeds, itches, or causes any concern. A dermatologist will assess the nature of the lesion and recommend further treatment.
The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for advice regarding specific symptoms, ailments, or health conditions.