Protect Yourself from the Sun This Summer

The sun plays a very important role in our lives. It stimulates vitamin D synthesis, creates tanning and increases psychological wellbeing. However, excessive and uncontrolled exposure can cause a lot of damage to the skin. In the short term, erythema (sunburn) appears. In the long term, it creates immunosuppression, photoageing and skin cancer. Of the whole solar spectrum, we must protect ourselves from UVB and UVA radiation, as these have the ability to penetrate the skin and cause greater damage.

SUN DAMAGE CAUSED BY RADIATION

UVA (320-400 nm) UVB (290-230 nm) Photoageing, sunburn, sun allergies, immunosuppression, cellular damage, tanning and vitamin D synthesis. The body has developed different strategies to protect itself from the sun: thickening of the stratum corneum, tanning, antioxidant systems and DNA repair systems. But they are not enough with constant and prolonged exposure, or when the sun is very intense. That is why photoprotectors are needed. Photoprotectors are products that allow us to be exposed to the sun without it being harmful to our skin. To do this, they contain sun filters, components that prevent solar radiation from penetrating our skin. But as protection is not total, it will depend on how we use them. It is good for their formula to also include active ingredients that internally protect our cells. The natural process through which melanin is synthesised is called melanogenesis; this is the natural protection against the sun and the pigment that gives tanning. This process has several phases in which a photoprotector can act, especially those that prevent spots or hyperpigmentation, which we discussed specifically in an older blog post (see here). As for the facial range, they offer a good UVB/UVA balance, which should be as close to 1 as possible, and exclusively contain a patent, Bioprotection®, which protects cell DNA, preserves and stimulates the skin’s immune system, neutralises free radicals and prevents photoageing.Photoderm M, UVB 50 / UVA 38. Perfect for preventing the appearance and recurrence of melasma. Melasma is the spot that appears as a result of hormonal changes. It contains glabridin (depigmenting) and iron oxide (protects against blue light). It is indicated for pregnancy, people taking oral contraceptives and/or with hormonal alterations. It has a light colour that evens the tone, is water-resistant and paraben-free.Photoderm Laser, UVB 50 / UVA 38. Very high specific photoprotection that prevents hyperpigmentation. With glabridin (depigmenting). For treating spots, after an aesthetic procedure and for scars. It is a colourless, water-resistant format.Photoderm AKN Mat, UVB 30 / UVA 13. This is a mattifying fluid with double action: photoprotective and preventive of the acne rebound effect. For acne-prone, combination or oily skin with imperfections and with long-lasting mattifying effect. Colourless, water-resistant fluid.Photoderm AR, UVB 50 / UVA 33. This is very high specific photoprotection for sensitive skin with redness, with Ginkgo biloba extract, green tea extract and soya extract, which reduce and prevent redness. For fine, delicate skin prone to rosacea or couperosis. Light colour that helps mask redness and even the complexion. Finally, I am going to talk about a product to protect ourselves from within, Photoderm Bronz Oral, a food supplement containing omega 3 acids, copper, vitamin E and C, which help protect cells against oxidative stress and support the natural functioning of the immune system. Take one a day, preferably with food, at least one month before sun exposure to prepare the skin for the sun. Now in its two-month saving format. At Farmaciasdirect, our main aim is to care for your skin for summer and for the damage the sun can cause. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to write to us or leave a comment.