For each of us, the sun is synonymous with vacation and well-being. And it is true that the sun is the source of many benefits: it brings energy and joy and it is very nice to be bronzed. The sun is also essential for the growth of our children because it stimulates vitamin D in women, it makes bones stronger and thus contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis.
In contrast, prolonged sun exposure and unprotected has harmful effects, such as sunburn or sunstroke, solar urticaria, premature aging of the skin and cataracts. The most serious of these is the skin cancer which, despite information campaigns implemented in recent years because more and more people (6,000 new cases of melanoma each year). Skin cancers are the leading cause of cancer death in young adults. However, it is shown that the risk of developing melanoma is associated with repeated sunburns during childhood.One way to avoid it: the skin protection in all circumstances, against the sun's ultraviolet rays.
UVA and UVB: why should we protect ourselves?
Sunlight is composed of different types of radiation, including ultraviolet light, UV-A and B. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, are mostly set by the stratum corneum or outer layer of the epidermis. UVA rays are most dangerous because about 30% of them reach the deep dermis where they destroy cells and cause the formation of free radicals. These are molecules produced continuously in our body by chemical reactions related to the repair activity of cells. If too many free radicals, repair processes are outdated and upsets occur, as the aging of the skin and especially cancer.
Customize sunscreen to your skin type
Protect themselves from ultraviolet rays of the sun is not to expose themselves more than the type of skin allows. Specialists classify the skin according to a "phototype" which ranges from 0 (intolerant skin to sunlight) to 6 (dark skin).More schematically, we can distinguish two types of skins, depending on their ability to react to the sun: the first corresponds to the skin that burn and do not tan or whatever is the case of subjects with red or blond skin and eyes clear. The second category includes the skins ability to protect themselves more naturally from the sun, where people with brown or auburn hair and olive skin.So to avoid any adverse effects or long-term exposure to sunlight, a single rule: know your skin type and adapt its strategy of protection.
The index of protection: how to find?
As its name implies, a protection factor defines the product's ability to protect against the sun: the higher it is, more protection is important and the longer the duration of exposure can theoretically be extended. Thus, for example, an index 10 means it will take 10 times longer to get a sunburn in the absence of cream.Thus, for those blondes or redheads with sensitive skin, use a product to a high protection factor (20 or more) is recommended. There are also sun index above 50, reserved for intolerant skin in the sun or very bright. In contrast, naturally dull skin can be satisfied with a lower protection factor of about 10. Know that the words "sunblock" means nothing, it is best that displays "high protection" that protect against UVB and almost completely prevents sunburn, but UVA protection is partial and cancer risks are not spared. The choice of protective index is actually not so simple because there are actually two types of indices: the anti-UVB or CPS ("sun protection factor) is evaluated by a method, validated European level, which calculates the time a person may spend in the sun without taking a sunburn, which determines the time index, the problem is more complex with regard to the index UVA because it does there is no standardized method and manufacturers have therefore used various techniques (eg RPI or "Immediate Pigment Darkening" and PPD or "Persistent Pigment Darkening) which make comparisons difficult. Anyway, it is regrettable that the evidence listed on product labels do not specify if they rarely affect the protection against UVB and UVA. In fact, many dermatologists and the National Institute of Consumer advocate abandoning the term "index", its value is very relative since it can vary up to 30% depending on the individual. According to experts, a statement to the protection category (low, medium, high or very high) would be far more appropriate and would provide consumers with clearer information.
Cream or milk?
Sunscreen products exist today in many forms, to meet all consumer tastes.More moisturizing, sunscreen creams are rather intended for the face and backs of hands, and the sun milks are better for body protection and children because, more fluid, they apply more easily. Gels and sprays are designed to face as the body, they are particularly suitable for children because they allow for rapid implementation. The products are also broken down according to their specific properties: water-resistant products, formulas for sensitive or reactive skin, tinted creams, wrinkle, etc.. Beware of "sunless tanning" (capsules that are swallowed 15 days before the show) because they do not protect from the sun: it is not the sun! Whatever the product chosen, it will give you maximum protection if used properly, that is applied in sufficient quantity and renewed every two hours or after swimming. Moreover, in any case, the application of a protective product should get you to expose to the sun longer. Expose yourself gradually and avoid the hottest hours (between 12 and 16 h).
Do not forget that the sun does not replace the protection clothes and hat are essential in frail (skinned, children ,...).
How to protect children?
Too often, families go to the beach with the hottest hours and stay for hours.Unfortunately, the surveys showed that only 50% of parents think so many times to renew the application of barrier cream on the bodies of their children.And yet, just a severe burn to double the risk of skin cancer in adulthood! So, look for sunscreens with high index if your child has sensitive skin or when sunlight is very important. And even if your child is already tanned, Do not stop to protect him. Finally, if Reapply often bathe much.
To adapt your protection and that of your family, Solar Security Association establishes a daily weather with a solar UV index (intensity scale UV) protection and advice tailored for each level of radiation. It is available through Minitel (3615 sun safety) or internet.
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