 while also helping improve mood and support overall wellbeing. However, if you won't protect your body when sunbathing or just walking during the dangerous sun hours, it may cause damage to the skin.){kind=link}
Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D and helps reduce symptoms of several skin diseases (such as psoriasis) while also helping improve mood and support overall wellbeing. However, if you won’t protect your body when sunbathing or just walking during the dangerous sun hours, it may cause damage to the skin.
Even though some people think that sun protection is required only during the summer months, the truth is that we need to use sunscreen all year round. In addition, it is essential to properly apply sunscreen since it affects how effectively it will work. In addition, you need to know the types of sunscreen products, ways to moisturise the skin after sunscreen and many other things to make sure you get benefits out of the sun while avoiding health issues that UV rays can cause.
What is Ultraviolet Light?
Ultraviolet (UV for short) light is invisible to the human eye and is the element of sunlight that provides the most effect on the skin. UV lights are divided into three types based on their wavelength:
- Ultraviolet A (UVA);
- Ultraviolet B (UVB);
- Ultraviolet C (UVC).
All types of UV light can damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is the body’s genetic material that can quickly lead to severe health diseases like cancer. Among other skin damages from sun exposure can be premature skin ageing and wrinkling. Sunburn can also be caused by UV light, mainly UVB. Therefore, there is no safe level of UV lights.
The amount of UV lights that reach the earth’s surface is rapidly increasing, which especially happens in the northern latitudes. This increase is сonditioned by the depletion of the protective ozone layer. Being a naturally occurring chemical, ozone is used to block most UV light from reaching the surface of the earth. The chemical reaction that happens between ozone and chlorofluorocarbons is depleting the amount of ozone found in the protective ozone layer.
The amount of UV rays that reach the earth also depends on other factors. Your parents probably told you that it is best to hide at the hotel between 10 AM and 4 PM. This is because the UV light is more intense during these hours during the summer. Other factors that affect the amount of light reaching the earth are high altitudes and low latitudes (such as at the equator). For instance, glass, heavy clouds, and smog usually filter most UV light, although they may pass through light clouds, fog, and about 1 foot of clear water. Therefore, you may get sunburn.
How Our Skin Reacts to UV Lights?
Our skin is the largest external organ in the body which undergoes certain changes when exposed to UV rays, protecting us from the damage. The uppermost layer in the skin is the epidermis thickens, allowing it to block UV lights. The melanocytes (which are responsible for dark pigment) produce increased amounts of melanin, resulting in a tan.
This is why tanning can work as natural protection against UV rays, since melanin in the skin absorbs the energy of UV light, protecting damaging skin cells and penetrating deeper into the tissues. However, getting a tan has no benefits for health. To be more specific, constant tanning on light skin is dangerous to overall health.
Our sensitivity to UV rays and sunlight depends on the amount of melanin in the skin. Therefore, people with darker skin tend to quickly get the tan while usually avoiding dun burn. Comparatively, those with light skin, light eyes and hair can’t get the tan but always get sunburns. However, it is worth noting that darker-skinned people are still vulnerable to sun damage, but they will probably experience long-term effects of exposure to UV light.
How to Protect Skin?
Always Apply Sunscreen, Even If It’s Cloudy
You should also apply sunscreen even if it’s winter. Therefore, sunscreen is required all year round.
Apply Sunscreen Correctly
To let the sunscreen work, you should know how to apply it correctly. It is advised to apply at least one ounce of sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house. Not everyone knows that lip balm is also required. So choose the lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Use a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
It is highly advised to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect your skin against both UVA and UVB radiation. It is best if the sunscreen is water resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher.
Reapply Sunscreen Every Two Hours
You should also reply every time after swimming or sweating.
Consider Purchasing CBD-Infused Products
CBD is a natural cannabinoid found in industrial hemp strains that don’t have any intoxicating effects. However, topicals like CBD balm, cream or lotion are a great solution for skin after sun exposure, as they help moisturise the skin to protect against sun damage and, in some cases, work as a sunscreen. Such products may also help reduce swelling, pain and redness after sun damage due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Limit the Amount of Time Being Outside
As we mentioned, the bigger risk of getting sunburn is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, as the UV rays are the most intense. Try to check your shadow. If it is shorter than you, the UV rays are at their strongest, so go and find a place to hide.
Wear Sunglasses and a Hat
Add a hat that shades your face and a pair of sunglasses to your look whenever you leave the house during these dangerous hours. Make sure that your sunglasses have lenses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to guarantee optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding area.
Final Thoughts
We all love to enjoy sunbathing from time to time to get this beautiful chocolate tan. Sun is also vital for our skin, as it helps us get vitamin D and improve our mood. However, sun exposure can also be damaging, so you need to know some tips to protect your skin.