Summer is here and it’s tempting to get out and soak in the sun – but it’s important to be careful. Here’s how.
Many European countries are currently experiencing heat waves, and after many hours in front of a screen on weekdays, it can be tempting to bask in the sun at the first opportunity.
However, in the short term, it may be easy to burn, while in the long term, the effects of the sun are not only aesthetic.
Dr. Fine Fry, MD, an American dermatologist who specializes in independent reviews, explains, “The sun emits ultraviolet rays, which come in different wavelengths: shorter wavelengths called UVB rays and longer wavelengths called UVA rays that can pass through glass.
“This ultraviolet light actually damages the DNA of the cells,” she points out. This damage has short-term effects, such as sunburn, and long-term consequences, such as an increased risk of skin cancer.
Dr. Frey advocates for a comprehensive program and points out that sunscreens do not block 100% of UVB rays. “The most important thing is to avoid the intense midday sun,” she told L’Observatoire de l’Europe Next. If this is not possible, the most effective way to protect yourself is to cover your skin with clothing and wear a hat with brims.
As for children, sun protection measures should be followed closely because their skin is thinner and more fragile.
Then, once you have completed these steps, sunscreen should be applied to the exposed skin.
How do you choose a good protection agent?
The sunscreen must cover both UVA and UVB protection, which has been a legal requirement in the European Union since 2006.
An important detail that is often overlooked when entering a sandy beach is the need to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen. On average, half a teaspoon is recommended for the face and a glass is recommended for the body.
“I don’t think most consumers apply sunscreen thick enough. You have to apply it liberally to have the SPF listed on the label,” says Dr. Fry.
Also, when it comes to SPF, the rule can be summed up as “the higher the better,” with a minimum SPF of 30 recommended for all skin types.
“If you have darker skin, you certainly have natural protection, but not SPF 30. Sunscreen should be applied to all skin types, no matter how much pigment your skin produces,” she says.
Mineral or chemical sunscreen?
If you’re not sure about the wide selection available, know that sunscreens can be divided into two categories: chemical and mineral.
Chemical sunscreens use a chemical reaction to convert UV rays into heat, while mineral sunscreens create a barrier that reflects UV rays using ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide filters.
Mineral sunscreens are favored by the French Society of Dermatology because they do not penetrate the skin, which reduces the potential for side effects.
In addition, some of the ingredients that can be found in chemical sunscreens worry researchers. Last week, it was revealed in a press leak that the French health agency Anses had called for a ban on sunscreen containing octocrylene.
Octocrylene breaks down over time, producing benzophenone, an endocrine disruptor that can cross the skin.
This application is part of an ongoing assessment under REACH, the European regulation that defines and evaluates chemicals in Europe, as explained by France Info.
