The dermatologist's secrets about sun protection

Now that the sunny season begins, I wanted to share with you some very personal reflections on the subject of sun exposure.

Beware of medicines and perfumes

Certain medicines such as anti-inflammatories and antibiotics (many of those used against acne) can be photosensitive, that is, they can cause significant allergies if our skin is exposed to the sun. Therefore, be very careful if we expose ourselves to the sun while taking certain medications. Always check the package insert to see if what you're taking causes "photosensitivity."

On the other hand, never apply colognes or perfumes before exposing yourself to the sun. They have photosensitizing substances that can cause allergies and stains.

A product with sun protection less than 15 should not be marketed

Protections below 15 are so ineffective that their application does not offer people excessive health benefits. For this reason, we must choose products with protection indices between 20 and 50. And we must not be obsessed with a maximum protection of 100. The difference between protection indices from 15 onwards is minimal. A protection index of 30 blocks 96.7% of ultraviolet radiation while a protection index of 50 blocks 98%.

Don't get sunburned

The most powerful message that dermatologists must convey is that sunburn must be avoided by all means, which is what is implicated in the appearance of skin cancer years after the skin has been burned. In fact, it is beneficial to expose yourself to the sun for 10 minutes a day without protection to synthesize the vitamin D that we need, but always avoiding sunburn.

Basic advice on sun protection

There is a series of basic advice that, although most of the population already knows, it is convenient to remember them:

1. Physical protection is the most recommended: the use of clothing, lycra, hats and sunglasses are the best way to achieve more effective photoprotection.
2. In addition to applying sun cream, it is advisable to limit the exposure time and always look for the shadows.
3. Avoid sun exposure between 12 and 16 hours.
4. Photoprotect yourself also on cloudy days.
5. If you have a photosensitive disease (lupus, allergy to the sun, etc.), then it is indicated to take oral photoprotection nutricosmetics.
6. Choose the type of sun protection appropriate to your skin type and the area where they are going to be applied. For oily or acne-prone skin, use gels or foams. And on sensitive skin or with rosacea, try using physical or mineral sunscreens. They are less irritating.

How do I protect my children?

Someone may be wondering what I do with my children in relation to sun protection. Adriana and Ricardo, aged 11 and 12, are very aware of this area since they have heard me talk about it many times and they apply their own protection creams to areas exposed to the sun, insisting on the ears, lips and nose. (these are the areas where dermatologists operate more skin cancer).

I like that the amounts applied are not very generous, since it is clear that some will be absorbed into the blood, although this fact has not been shown to have any health danger. In addition, I insist with them on the importance of physical protection: clothing, lycra or wetsuits for surfing, caps and glasses. I do not recommend oral sunscreens (there are no definitive studies in children). I convey to you the ecological damage that all these cosmetic products can cause in the sea. And most importantly: I try to avoid sunburn at all costs.