Sun Damage? Learn How To Protect Your Skin
The sun is out! These rays can cause damage to your skin if you don’t protect against them. Doctors Barcelona recommends the safest way to protect yourself from sun damage with four simple tips.
It’s summertime! This means it is the time of year where we are constantly outdoors and in the sun. However, it may be hard to believe that we actually need protection from it. Many are unaware how the sun can severely damage the skin. Long durations in the sun on hot days can cause painful sunburn. Not only does this make our skin unable to retain moisture, form wrinkles and discoloration, but even puts us at risk for cancer. Perhaps this is the most important reason why we need to protect our skin from the sun, as it is critical to our health.
Sunlight and skin cancer
Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays, are invisible rays of energy that comes directly from the sun. UV radiation is the most common cause of damage to our skin and builds up over time. Eventually, it can leave permanent effects on any exposed part of our body. Barcelona has extremely high levels of UV radiation, so we must make sure we take extra care of our skin. Doctors Barcelona share what steps you can take to best maintain sun exposure.
Limit exposure time
Doctors Barcelona have developed a rule of thumb for determining the times when sunlight is most dangerous to our skin. This is when our shadows are shorter than we are. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so if possible, limit the amount of time you are in the sun during these hours.
Wear protective clothing
When out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin as much as possible. Tightly-woven clothing is best as the material is stitched close together, blocking out light.
Try this test: Hold a piece of clothing under a light source and place your hand in between a layer. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the clothing is of little protection. If light can get through a fabric, UV rays can too.
When you know you are going to be outside for a while, it is a good idea to wear a hat. A hat with at least a 2-3 inch brim all around is ideal as it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Use an effective sunscreen
English speaking doctors in Barcelona recommend applying sunscreen generously. An SPF 15 at the least blocks over 90% of UV rays. Be sure to always follow application directions on the bottle. When applying, pay close attention to your face, neck, ears and any other areas not covered by clothing. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every 2 hours to maintain protection. Sunscreens can wash off when you sweat or swim, so they may need to be reapplied more often.
Also, always be sure to check the expiration date. Most sunscreen products last for about 2 years, but you should still shake the bottle to mix the contents before use.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Many people believe tanning beds are harmless. This is not true. Tanning beds still contain many UV rays, which can contribute to skin cancer. Tanning bed use has been found to increase the risk of melanoma. Most english speaking doctors in Barcelona recommend not using tanning beds. If you want a tan, one option is to use a sunless tanning lotion, which can provide a tan without the danger.
Have any questions or think you need to be checked? Staying healthy while traveling is essential to getting the most out of your time. English Speaking doctors in Barcelona are ready to assist you with whatever health questions or concerns you may have. With the click of a button, english speaking doctors are able to travel to wherever you are, eliminating the need to go to the hospital or find a practice.