Just how dangerous is the sun for the skin?

The key to beauty and youth lies in maintaining healthy skin. As hair removal specialists, we come across the underestimation of the dangers of sun exposure on a daily basis, so we’ve decided to explain briefly and clearly what the real problem actually is:

This is probably the first time you’ve heard that:

Each of us has a certain level of resistance to the sun. In other words, the skin can only protect itself against a certain amount of UV rays. Once this capacity is exhausted, the body is no longer able to repair the damage caused by the sun. This means that if you start exposing yourself to the sun from early childhood, you will use up your resistance capacity more quickly. That is why it is so important to help your skin by using effective protection from an early age.

Types of effects caused by exposure to the sun:
EARLY changes – these include all degrees of sunburn and skin damage, whether mild or severe, as well as various phototoxic and photoallergic reactions.
Oxidative changes – these are the more serious changes: premature ageing of the skin, hyperpigmentation and the possible development of benign and malignant skin tumours.

Irradiation:

UVA and UVB rays have the greatest effect on the skin; they differ in wavelength. UVB rays reach the upper surface of the skin, causing pigmentation – i.e. a tan – but can also lead to varying degrees of sunburn. UVA rays, however, penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and, over time, lead to the breakdown of elastic and collagen fibres – that is, they damage the skin at a cellular level. The effects become apparent over the course of years – the appearance of a large number of moles, pigmented patches, noticeable skin ageing, as well as, in some cases, health problems such as certain skin tumours.

Which species are most at risk:

People with fair, Scandinavian-type skin – phototype 1 – are considered to be at risk. This risk group also includes people with numerous moles or nevi. It is advisable for them to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist.

What to do:

• avoid exposure to the sun between 11.00 and 16.00, when its rays are at their most dangerous
• to dress appropriately when out in the sun – light-coloured, lightweight clothing, sunglasses with high protection, and wide-brimmed hats
• Let’s not underestimate cloudy weather – the sun’s rays still reach our skin and cause damage
• and OUR MANTR: apply sun cream with an SPF of at least 50 and reapply it every 2 or 3 hours when you’re out and about!

Here at Body Aesthetics, we regard an excessive tan as our enemy – even at its most beautiful, it leads to changes in the skin and its premature ageing. What’s more, it prevents us from carrying out laser hair removal. We’re delighted that the trend for deep tans in Bulgaria has now passed, and we’re thrilled to see every fair and healthy complexion we come across! Take care and enjoy the summer!

The material Just how dangerous is the sun for the skin? was first published on Body Aesthetics.