Spring is difficult to predict – rain clouds alternate with the sun. People rush to sunbathe, thereby compensating for the gloomy winter and replenishing their vitamin D reserves, however, doctors warn that it is better not to overdo it, writes “lrytas.lt”.
First of all, it is important to use skin protection products. Even if the spring sun doesn’t seem so hot yet, ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage. Doctor dermatovenerologist prof. dr. Matilda Buchinskiene from Lithuania notes that people worry that SPF protection reduces vitamin D production in the skin. The professor emphasizes that such a way of thinking can cause harm and contact with the sun should be moderate – lack of vitamin D is not a reason to put the skin at risk.
“It is enough to be in the sun for 15 minutes three times a week. If there is also a lack of vitamin D, it means that it must be obtained together with nutritional supplements,” explains the doctor
Such recommendations are also given by researchers from the United Kingdom, who sought a balance between the positive effects of the sun on the production of vitamin D and the risk that UV rays will cause skin cancer. Studies have also confirmed that blood levels of vitamin D in people who use and do not use SFP creams are almost the same.
The dermatologist explains that you should be more careful with the sun when the temperature outside rises above 10 degrees, but you should take care of your skin all year round, not only in the warm season, because exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of getting skin cancer, including a particularly aggressive form of the disease – melanoma.
“Everyone knows that smoking causes lung cancer. But many do not realize how important the skin is, which protects us from harmful external factors. Not a day goes by that I don’t apply SPF cream. I have been doing this every day for many years. I can be glad that I have taken good care of my skin. But it requires knowledge and daily rituals,” explains the doctor.
She adds that sunscreen is essential to maintaining beautiful, youthful skin and delaying the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Solar radiation is most dangerous from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During these hours, both adults and children are recommended to spend time indoors, avoiding direct sunlight. A child’s skin can be damaged even when he goes home from school.
“In the hot summer sun at noon, you have to cover all possible parts of your body, and all you have to do is apply sunscreen. SPF 50+ should be applied to the face, nose, neck, scalp and hands, and the rest of the body can be SPF 30,” advises the dermatovenerologist.
According to the doctor, SPF cream is necessary for everyone who likes to spend time in nature. “If we are in the mountains, fishing by the water or doing sports, it is good to be aware that the sun will be more harmful, because the snow and water reflect the rays. The harmful effect on the skin will be twofold. If you go for sports, travel, active water sports, winter sports or simply play football or tennis outside, you should be aware that exposed areas of the body receive too much sun, they will burn. After staying outside for more than half an hour, you have to think about what to do so that the skin is not damaged and the trip to nature is fun and not damaged,” Buchinskiene emphasizes.
