The negative effects of the sun on the skin are becoming increasingly well known: the first warning sign is redness, followed by burns, sometimes with blisters. In the medium and long term, spots, melanomas and skin cancers, sun allergies and photoaging may appear. Not exposing yourself to the sun at some point during the summer is complicated by vacations or activities that are usually done outside. To increase the strength of the skin against UV rays, experts recommend, in addition to using high sun protection, previously preparing the skin.
According to Laura Parada, technical director of the Slow Life House center, “it is essential to prepare the skin before exposing it to the sun.
And this preparation goes through a good exfoliation, a correct and continuous hydration and of course a protection. In addition, it is very interesting to reinforce this preparation with a suitable diet rich in antioxidants, and accompany it with nutricosmetics that strengthen the skin from within to mitigate sun damage. Preparing the skin before exposing it to the sun has, according to the expert, two benefits “on the one hand, to strengthen the skin so that it is stronger for those first sun exposures and, on the other hand, to achieve a more uniform skin so that the tan is more regular”.
During much of the year the skin is protected from UV rays, which is why it is much more sensitive to their damage. From the Laser Medical Institute they believe it is essential to prepare the skin with an antioxidant treatment to increase its resilience to the sun and help it recover. This is IML’s Antioxidant Mesotherapy, which deposits anti-radical micro-pumps in the dermis, where a structural alteration of collagen and elastin is produced by UV A and B. The formula of the injectable is an individualized cocktail of vitamins, trace elements and hyaluronic acid, which are selected to specifically prevent or treat skin aging caused by the sun. It is made up of vitamins A, E, C and group B, as well as silicon and hyaluronic acid. In addition to its preventive effect, it has a revitalizing action that translates into a uniform, luminous and longer-lasting tan.
To prepare the skin of the body before the exhibitions, Laura Parada of Slow Life House recommends an exfoliation in the cabin. “This moisturizing body scrub will help achieve a natural and long-lasting tan. The first step is to apply an exfoliant based on natural ingredients such as Himalayan salt, coconut oil and murumuru butter and hibiscus and gardenia flower extract, and chemical ingredients such as ascorbic acid, elastic and collagen. Next, an intensive manual peeling is performed with upward movements throughout the body, stimulating circulation and insisting on the areas most likely to be dehydrated or damaged. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is responsible for combating photoaging, regenerates vitamin E and promotes collagen production.
In addition to preparing the skin beforehand, it is essential to protect yourself adequately during sun exposure, not only for beauty reasons, but also for health. Laura Parada recommends “never leave home without sunscreen, avoid the sun in the middle of the day and always hide under hats, caps, sunglasses… and, above all, have a respectful attitude with the skin”.
The dermatologists of the Laser Medical Institute add other tips:
– Begin exposure to the sun with short stretches during the first few days.
– Respect the phototype to select the appropriate sunscreen for each skin.
– Look at the composition of the protectors, which must have photostable physical and chemical filters, with a broad spectrum against UV-A, UV-B, UV-C and IR.
– Apply the sunscreen correctly, on clean and dry skin, half an hour before exposure.
– Repeat the application every time it is necessary, depending on the number of baths, the heat, the sport, loose or tight clothing, the friction of the towel and even the force of the air.
– Apply 2mg per cm2 of skin layer enough to be seen at first, although it is later absorbed.
– Attend to the geographical location, more dangerous the closer to the equator.
– Take into account the level above the sea, since the atmosphere loses 5% of its filtering capacity every 300 m in height.
– Assess the reflection on different surfaces, which is 10% on grass, 20% on water, 15-25% on sand and 85% on a white surface like snow or a whitewashed wall.
– Avoid the sun if taking photosensitizing drugs (salicylanilides, antibiotics, sulfonamides, antihistamines, contraceptives, psychotropic drugs).
After a day of sun exposure, it is necessary to moisturize the skin intensely to help it repair itself. It is preferable to use after-sun formulas, rather than conventional moisturizers, because they include soothing and moisturizing active ingredients specifically selected to be used after exposure to UV rays.
