THE SUN: EFFECTS KNOWN

The first departures on holiday began and we all hope to finally enjoy the sun as expected, which has already been languishing for months. Relaxation or outdoor activities, basic precautions to protect themselves from the sun are essential and advice will still be widely discussed as we continue to see children unprotected in the sun ! It is also an opportunity to dispel some misconceptions and advance in our knowledge about this star.

• 80% of the damage caused by sunlight on the skin occurs before the age of 18!
• Upon exposure to UVB, we manufacture vitamin D, whose quantity does not increase indefinitely. It reached a plateau in effect and that maximum production is obtained in skinned people in half an hour against three or more hours in patients whose skin is more pigmented.
• Our ability to synthesize vitamin D diminishes with age. Thus, for the same sun exposure, people over age 62 have 4 times less vitamin D.
• The sun can affect our morale, but the skin has nothing to do. Visible light is perceived by our eyes, ringing in our brain, which in some cases helps to fight against SAD.
• The tan produced by UV lamps do not protect from the sun. Even if the skin is already tanned, it is essential to use a barrier cream of high index.
• Attention UVA emitted by tanning lamps can cause a benign summer light eruption (skin disease triggered by the sun).
• Benign summer light eruption would affect 10% of French people, particularly young women. Appearing during the first exposure to the sun, it recurs every year if nothing is done. Prevention involves gradual exposure and protected by sunscreen reinforced into UVA.