Spring is coming to an end soon, which also means that the new, warmest season is on its way , and with it, fabulous sunbathing. Who doesn't want the life-giving power of the sun, tanning and holidays?! In addition, it is well known that the sun is essential for life on earth, it positively affects our state of mind, fills the body and soul with energy, and, by the way, helps in the formation of vitamin D3.
The importance of vitamin D and sunlight
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins that is indispensable for our body, so it is also an important driving force for the healthy functioning of the body. If we don't have enough vitamin D, we can be more tired, depressed, and prone to depression. Muscle spasms, nervous system problems, especially thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis, and even chronic diseases may appear: diabetes, rheumatism, asthma, as well as cardiovascular or cancer diseases. In addition, the fact that sunlight has a positive effect on our skin is also indisputable, but nowadays the sun's rays and harmful effects are at least as dangerous. Above all, UVB radiation is responsible for the immediate, noticeable effects, such as sunburn, while the more insidious UVA radiation is responsible for later discomforts, such as photodamage, melanoma, pigment spots, and unfortunately also accelerates the early signs of skin aging. But putting aside all the harmful effects, focusing on the beneficial effects (it fills the body with energy and the soul, gives momentum and stimulates the body's detoxification processes), it is not worth hiding from the sun, instead, let's tan smart!
There is no question: everyone needs sun protection even now, but especially in the summer months, but let's pay close attention to the basic principles of "smart tanning"!
Do you prefer physical or chemical sun protection?
Do you know the difference? Do you know what to put on your face and body? How do you protect your skin?
Do you know why applying sunscreen to your face is so important?
First and foremost, use the right sunscreen! It is very important to protect the face by using the right sunscreen, as excessive sun exposure can age the skin, especially if the skin is allowed to burn several times (UV rays are responsible for 80% of facial skin aging signs). Be careful, because the youth of your face can suffer from the lack of sun protection, even though it could be easily prevented and avoided, just like many other problems and diseases (appearance of pigment spots and wrinkles, development of skin cancer).
Of course, in order to protect our skin, it is best not to be in the hot sun between 11:00 and 15:00, since depending on the skin type, a person's skin can burn in 5-30 minutes without sun protection. In addition, we have the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the shade, dress up, wear a hat and UV-filtering sunglasses. And of course, use the right sunscreen!
What sunscreen should you buy? What should you consider?
Important factors must be taken into account when choosing a sunscreen. First of all, we have to decide whether we want to vote for a physical or chemical sunscreen skin care product, but before that, it's a good idea to find out more about the other ingredients of products containing physical or chemical sunscreens.
Creams containing natural physical sunscreen (a term used in cosmetics) contain substances such as zinc oxide (safe, excellent UVA and UVB blocker, if you see this naturally occurring mineral in the ingredient list, you'll know it's a physical sunscreen) to block UVB and UVA rays get under the skin surface. They do this by forming a mirror-like protective layer on the surface of the skin, which reflects the sun's rays, breaking the path of light, thereby protecting our skin from the effects of harmful solar radiation. They do not harm our body, as they remain on the surface of the skin, and they also protect our natural waters and wildlife!
Chemical sunscreens get absorbed into the skin and then absorb UV rays, convert the rays into heat, and release them from the body. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can include avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone.
Physical sunscreen can be:
- Less irritating and a better fit for sensitive skin.
- More moisturizing, which can feel heavy on the skin.
Chemical sunscreen is a better option if you:
- Are swimming and need a water-resistant formulation.
- Play sports or sweat a lot during the day.