The highest sun protection factor. Choosing the right sunscreen. Types of ultraviolet rays

Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” which sets it apart from other vitamins in that it affects your entire body. Vitamin D, in fact, is not a vitamin at all, but a steroid hormone obtained from sun exposure on our skin, and converted from food and biological supplements. Vitamin D receptors have been found in almost every cell type in humans, from the brain to the bones.

Unfortunately, modern dermatologists and the press are doing us a disservice by advising us to avoid the sun to reduce our risk of developing skin cancer. This is because these "experts" don't understand that vitamin D deficiency not only increases your risk of skin cancer, but also your risk of developing many other common cancers that claim many more lives than the deadliest skin cancer, skin cancer.

Mammary cancer and are just two examples where low vitamin D makes you more vulnerable to more aggressive forms of these diseases. Low vitamin D levels also increase your risk for various heart diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases.

Today, science has accumulated over 34,000 studies that detail the many benefits of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, both for vitamin D production and other benefits that are not related to this vitamin.

The most important thing you can do to prevent skin cancer is to spend enough time in the sun as often as possible, ideally around noon, to keep your vitamin D levels healthy.

Basic risk factor for skin cancer is skin burns rather than skin irradiation and a good tan. Therefore, avoiding sunburn can be considered safe exposure to the sun, and your stay in the sun should be as long as possible before the burn occurs.

Sunscreen is deadly to marine life

It is worth paying attention to the information that the use of chemical (not natural) sunscreens is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. This information was provided by Elizabeth Plowrd, an American scientist, PhD, in her research. In addition, sunscreens are involved in the destruction of corals and other marine life.

A recent symposium on new environmental pollutants highlighted the environmental risks associated with the widespread use of sunscreen by humans. According to University of Delaware fellow biologist Daniel Dixson, the chemical oxybenzone in sunscreen is fatal to many crabs. In Delaware, the beach season coincides with horseshoe crab spawning season, and since horseshoe crabs lay their eggs in the sand in shallow waters, they are particularly vulnerable to chemicals from beach goers' sunscreens.

Scientists have calculated that the sunscreen that all beachgoers in the world wear on their skin leads to an annual accumulation of approximately 6,000 tons of this cream in the oceans. As scientists noted: “Modern sunscreen greatly affects the development, growth and survival of crabs and their young generation. A substance used in various sunscreensDixon (oxybenzone) is able to alter the DNA of corals, increasing the susceptibility to coral bleaching and endocrine disruption in marine animals.

Studies have shown that a concentration of 62 parts per trillion parts of water is sufficient for the dangerous chemical effects of oxybenzone on marine life, which is equivalent to one drop of this chemical in 6 pools for world swimming competitions.

Sunscreens Contain Many Potentially Harmful Substances

While some sunscreen manufacturers have switched from using oxybenzone to avobenzone, some scientists have noted that no studies have been conducted to confirm whether avobenzone is indeed the safer choice. Most likely, it is not.

For example, a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 96% of the US population had oxybenzone in their bodies. This chemical is known to be an endocrine disruptor that can decrease sperm count in men and cause endometriosis among women. In addition, at least nine ingredients in sunscreens are known to the Agency. food products and US medicines as agents that affect the endocrine system.

In addition to oxybenzone, which is found in 70% of sunscreens, others are widely used. chemical substances, which can enter the bloodstream and cause toxic side effects including hormonal imbalances.

List of some potentially hazardous chemicals in sunscreen:

• Dioctyl methoxycinnamate
• Para-aminobenzoic acid
• Dioctyl salicyclate
• Phenylbenzimidazole
• Octocrylene
• Octisalate
• Dioxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Cinoxate
• Parabens

Many sunscreens also contain vitamin A and/or its derivatives retinol And retinyl palmitate that are associated with an increased risk skin cancer by increasing the rate of development and spread of cancer cells.

Beware of nanoparticles

Spraying instead of sunscreen poses an additional hazard by releasing toxic particles into the air. The FDA has previously expressed concern that people may be at risk from inhaling these products, especially children. That's why FDA issues warning to parents to avoid spraying sunscreen around children.

Two chemical agents, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are the two most commonly used substances in sunscreen sprays. These two minerals are the safest when applied to the skin, but inhaling them internally is a different story.

Most research to date has shown that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe and unlikely to penetrate the skin when applied topically until they can be reduced to nano-size. But when these minerals are inhaled, they have been shown to irritate lung tissues and can lead to serious health problems. Moreover, the smaller the particles, the worse their effects.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified titanium dioxide as a "possible carcinogen" when inhaled in high doses. Here's what was noted: “Titanium dioxide causes varying degrees of inflammation and associated pulmonary effects, including injury to lung epithelial cells, cholesterol granulomas, and tissue fibrosis. Rodents experienced strong pulmonary effects after exposure to ultrafine titanium dioxide particles compared to commonly used fine particles."

Use Safe Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Products

Many nano-sized particles (less than 100 nanometers in size) have been found in American sunscreens containing either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Animal studies have shown that inhaled nanoparticles can enter all areas of your respiratory tract, and because small particles are difficult to clear from your lungs, these particles can pass into your bloodstream.

Other studies have shown that some nanoparticles are even able to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain. If these particles enter your lungs or penetrate your skin, they have the potential to cause severe toxic effects on the immune system, nervous system, heart, and brain. Some scientists argue that particle sizes affect their toxic effect, because with a size similar to the size of viruses, it is possible to develop an immune response of the body, as to a viral infection.

Inhalation of large amounts of zinc oxide can lead to "metal fever," characterized by chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, decreased lung capacity, nausea, chills, malaise, and leukocytosis. In one animal study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were found to have a cytotoxic effect on cells by interfering with zinc homeostasis and increasing zinc concentration. Such changes led to increased apoptosis (cell death).

An Indian study showed that zinc oxide particles can cause toxicity in lung cells, possibly through “stress-induced apoptosis.” Today, human studies evaluating the health effects of zinc oxide particles, especially smaller particles such as from short-term exposure via sunscreen spray, are sorely lacking.

It can be considered that the use of sprays containing zinc oxide means exposure to a completely unnecessary risk. For more safe use sunscreens, you should choose creams where zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are not contained in the form of nano-sized particles.

Lack of sun in your life contributes to early death

One of the most compelling reasons for getting regular exposure to the sun on your bare skin can be considered the ability to prevent the development of many chronic diseases. As dermatologist Richard Weller noted in his scientific review- The connection between the sun and the development of cardiovascular disease is a problem much more serious than the development of skin cancer.

In fact, multiple studies show that the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke is 800% greater than the average risk of dying from skin cancer. Another study published in the Journal of Public Health Nutrition in 2012 also concluded:

“The overall health benefits of improving vitamin D levels may be more important than the possible increase in cases of malignant melanoma associated with excess ultraviolet exposure.”

Most modern doctors do not understand the reasons for such a positive effect of the sun on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. There are several such reasons, but the two major ones are:

• Impact sun rays on our skin increases production, which helps to relax blood vessels, keep blood pressure lower and reduce platelet activation, which leads to the formation of more fluid blood, which reduces the risk of thrombosis and, therefore,. Nitric oxide also improves the functioning of the immune system.
• Studies of exposure to red and infrared rays are rare, but recent studies have shown that red (660 nm) and near infrared (830 nm) light have increased health benefits. improvement of mitochondrial functions. This is because cytochrome c oxidase, which is one of the parts in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, is chromophores for these wavelengths. And when it absorbs this energy, then the efficiency of mitochondrial and cellular energy increases.

Lack of sun is as dangerous as smoking

A very long-term study was carried out in Sweden, where more than 25,500 Swedish women aged 24-64 were followed up for 20 years. They collected information about habits and aggravating factors. In general, women who received regular sun exposure have a higher risk of melanoma compared to those who avoided sun exposure, but they also had lower all-cause mortality rates probably due to the activation of vitamin D.

Women who habitually receive sun exposure showed a significantly lower risk of developing and lower mortality from cancer compared to those who avoided the sun. According to the authors:

“Women without the habit of smoking who avoided sun exposure had a life expectancy similar to that of smokers who received the highest dose of sunlight. Thus it can be said that avoiding sun exposure is a risk factor for death of the same magnitude as smoking. Compared to people who received the maximum amount of sun exposure possible, women with little sun exposure showed a decrease in life expectancy of 0.6 to 2.1 years.

In short, if you're worried about mortality, not just melanoma, you should make a decision in favor of more sun exposure.

Benefits of being in the sun:

• Pain-relieving (pain-relieving) properties
• Enhancement of subcutaneous fat metabolism
• Regulation of human lifespan (manifestation of solar cycles is a direct impact on the human genome, thereby affecting its lifespan)
• Daytime solar lighting improves evening alertness
• Converting solar energy into the metabolism of our cells (i.e. we “swallow” energy directly from the sun)

Measure your vitamin D levels in winter and summer

As a general rule, it's best to have your vitamin D levels measured twice a year, in the middle of summer and winter, to determine your yearly high and low. Ideally, you want to bring your serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(one)D) levels between 40 and 65 ng/ml all year round. All values ​​below 20 ng/mL are considered severe deficiency of this vitamin, which increases the risk of both acute and chronic diseases.

When it comes to improving your body's vitamin D content through sensible sun exposure, your skin type is worth considering. Black people are more prone to vitamin D deficiency because their skin produces less vitamin D3 than light-skinned people do in response to normal levels of sun exposure. As a general rule, the darker your skin, the more sun you need, and vice versa.

Remember, the best way to achieve healthy vitamin D levels is through sensible sun exposure. There are people who have not taken vitamin D supplements for more than 10 years and their level of this vitamin rarely drops below 70 ng / ml, but this only happens because they live in sunnier regions of their country and are in the sun for 90 minutes almost every day.

Of course, not everyone will be able to move south, but if you are taking special vitamin D supplements, then this is probably the right choice. Although such supplements are significantly inferior in effectiveness to solar radiation, you may not get enough nitric oxide, red and near infrared radiation mentioned above.

How to reduce the risk of sunburn through internal protection

As already mentioned, one of the main risk factors for developing skin cancer is sunburn, which is inflammatory process. But if you consistently pay attention to your skin before you get burned, you can reduce your risk of harmful sunburn.

In addition, you can also reduce the risks of sun exposure through nutrition. Inclusion in the diet of a lot of fruits and vegetables, and the additional inclusion of a supplement astaxanthin(antioxidant) can help you create special UV protection by working as an "internal" sunscreen.

Scientific studies have substantiated such protective effects of astaxanthin on the skin. In one study, subjects who took 4 mg of astaxanthin daily for two weeks showed a significant increase in the amount of time it took for skin to turn red from exposure to UV radiation. Animal studies give us further evidence for the effects of astaxanthin as an internal sunscreen:

• In one study, mice were fed various combinations of astaxanthin, beta-carotene, and retinol for four months. Astaxanthin has shown significant efficacy in preventing skin photoaging following UV exposure as a measurable marker of skin damage.
• In a rat study, astaxanthin was found to be 100 times more potent than beta-carotene and 1,000 times more potent in preventing UV-induced skin damage.
• The Journal of Dermatological Science published a study in 2002 that identified astaxanthin as a substance capable of protecting against changes in human DNA when exposed to UV radiation.

How to choose a safe sunscreen

There are thousands of sunscreens on the market and it can be overwhelming to find one that is safer. Most sunscreens contain endocrine disruptors, which are especially harmful to pregnant women, babies, and young children. They can interfere with growth and development, and can cause early puberty and low sperm count in boys. They also have carcinogenic potential. The worst creams contain oxybenzone, synthetic fragrances and retinyl palmitate.

When choosing sunscreen, your safest bet may be a zinc oxide lotion or cream. These are stable substances in sunlight and provide the best protection against UVA rays. Your next best option is titanium dioxide. Just make sure the product does not contain nano-particles, protects against UVA and UVB rays at the same time.

Keep in mind that SPF sunscreen only protects against UVB rays, which are rays in the ultraviolet spectrum, and allow your skin to produce vitamin D. The most dangerous rays, in terms of skin damage and cancer, are UVA rays.

Avoid sunscreens with SPFs above 50. Higher SPFs tend to provide a false sense of security by encouraging you to stay in the sun longer than you need to. Also, a higher SPF generally does not provide more protection. In fact, studies show that people using high SPF sunscreens received the same or similar UV exposure using a lower SPF.

Almost all of us like the sun, the sea, the tan and the beach. Many are aware that the sun's rays are not always beneficial and sun protection in the form of creams, oils and sprays is needed.
But not everyone knows and knows how to properly use sun cream so as not to harm health. Sun protection, the right sunscreen or sunscreen, as it is also called, is especially needed for children. You will learn how to prepare for the summer, choose the best sunscreen, choose from a variety and decide which sun protection is best and will suit you and your family, understand all the nuances of SPF, as well as UV rays, and not overpay for sunscreen, you will learn from today's article.

Vitamin D and its effect on the body

We are used to enjoying the sun and it is especially difficult not to break loose and lie all day on the beach under the scorching rays, breaking out of a long, endless and annoying winter.
Nevertheless, after reading this article, I hope you reflect and analyze the potential benefits and perceived harm when choosing the best sunscreen.


According to WHO, only a small percentage of Russians are diagnosed with melanoma, and therefore, the level of this type of cancer in our country is very high, because it is detected
usually quite late.

On the one hand, the rules for being in the sun are simple and understandable to everyone: do not be in direct sunlight from 10 am to 4 pm, wear a hat and shirts with sleeves for children (or rashguards), keep children under one year old in the shade under an umbrella and do not forget about the drinking regime, follow the UV index.
On the other hand, who follows these rules?

Let's first understand the terminology and what the labels on the packaging of sunscreen mean, firstly, to choose the best sunscreen, and secondly, not to overpay for the tricks of sunscreen manufacturers.

Sun protection - how to choose a sunscreen?

Chemical filters protecting from the sun contain - oxybenzone, avobenzone and other "ones".

The physical protection filter is usually provided by talc, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. That is, for a reason, Thais and Thais generously sprinkle themselves and their children with dioxide-based talc
titanium and zinc oxide.

Cons of using physical filters - are poorly absorbed, cover the skin with a dense film and are quickly washed off. It is enough to swim in the sea or pool once,
and again you need to sprinkle yourself from head to toe with talc and powder.

Pros of a Chemical Sun Protection Filter in that it is a pleasant viscous mass (cream or lotion, spray, oil), which is perfectly absorbed, smells great and is not felt on the skin.

Minus- sometimes, under the influence of sunlight, oxybenzone and avobenzone mutate into free radicals and can cause neoplasms on the body.

There is an option where a sunscreen manufacturer combines these two types, chemical and physical, for better sun protection and absorbency.

Sun protection - What does the inscription - SPF mean?

Magazines, newspapers, television remind us that in the summer or while on vacation in hot countries, you need to protect your skin from the sun and UV rays.

The SPF (UVB sun protection factor) is the first thing you should look for when choosing a good sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

!Important!

Many mistakenly believe that the SPF scale is 2, 5, 15, 30, 50, etc.; is the amount of time you can spend in the sun without damage.
The SPF index means that you can withstand 15, 30, 50 times more sun protection than without it.

A well-known technique for determining the SPF you need is this: you need to multiply the number of minutes in which you will burn in the sun without a remedy by the estimated SPF of protection and get the number of minutes that you can safely spend in the sun.

However, WHO does not agree with this interpretation and recommends that you renew absolutely any cream, spray, oil, stick from the sun at least every two hours.

Sun protection - Consumer fraud or difference in - SPF 30 and SPF 100

This information is known only to those who "dig deep" on the topic of sun protection and sunscreens.

It is unlikely that you are aware that the difference between a sunscreen with a factor of 30 and a cream labeled 70-100 is only a few percent.

Moreover, in most countries it is strictly forbidden to indicate more than 50 SPF on a jar or tube, as this is a clear deception of the consumer.

The difference in SPF 50 and SPF 100 is negligible, and inspired by the numbers and the price per bottle, people mistakenly try to spend unlimited time under the scorching rays.

Speaking of price. Surely you have noticed that sunscreens with a factor of 50 and above cost some space money.
Do not feed the industry, buy a sunscreen with SPF 30 - this is the best option, since 50 differs from it in the level of protection from 1 to 2%

SPF 30 - protects the skin from UV rays by 96%
SPF 50 - protects the skin from burns by 98%
And the difference in price between them is several hundred rubles.

The density of sunscreen is also important. As much as you'd like to look pretty and dainty on the beach, dermatologists don't recommend rubbing sunscreen until absorbed, leaving a thick layer on the skin's surface to create a denser sunscreen "screen".

Choosing a sunscreen for yourself and for the child

To my great regret, the best remedy from the sun that I came across, is more expensive than all the others. It is manufactured by Banana Boat.

Pay attention to the number of pluses at the PA marking - ‘this is the maximum

This Australian company produces sunscreens of all types and types. For babies, children, adults, face and body, and its main advantage is that you can spend active time in the sun
without fear of burning.

When I talk about being active, I mean doing sports, running, sweating and not smearing every 5 seconds.
It is the Banana boat that I buy Masha for tennis, only the spray with SPF 50 and UVA and UVB ++++ protection copes with the hot and radioactive Thai sun.

There is such a spray in pharmacies and at 7/11 - 720 baht, that is, somewhere around 1200 rubles. Expensive, yes. Enough if you use every day of the week for 3-4.

The Banana Boat line also has a good anti-burn spray, but I usually don’t buy it, since aloe gel copes with sunburn just as well and minimizes peeling of the skin quickly
healing and saturating the skin with moisture.

Buying a good sunscreen spray is important, because the appearance of freckles, new moles, their growth and number is not something cute and useful, but an occasion to wonder if you are doing everything right.

I already wrote about sunscreens on the site, recommended creams and sprays from Boots. I take back my words. They are good, but not worth the money.


In addition to Banana Boat, in my opinion, one of the best sun creams is made by Nivea. Not even a cream, but a spray, the same as Banana Boat.

At the price of Nivea a little cheaper, SPF 50.

Sometimes, very rarely, both Nivea and Banana Boat have sales and you can buy two bottles for the price of one at the Boots or Watsons Thai pharmacy.

I think you know that babies up to 6-8 months are better not to be smeared with sunscreen at all, so as not to tempt fate.
But when the expected harm is greater than the expected benefit, you should certainly use a cream or at least sun powder.

For children, creams and sprays are usually produced in an opaque and non-white color. Often blue or green so that you can see all the places where you still need to apply the cream.

Apply sunscreen to your child 30 minutes before going out in the sun. This rule applies to everyone.

Personally, I love spray sunscreen. It is convenient to apply, it is convenient to smear, hands do not get dirty like from cream and especially oil.
The probability that the jar will leak and stain the bag is 0.

I will say a few more words about cheap sunscreens. Usually it's a cat in a poke.
It is not known who produced and under what control, all funds within the cost of 100-300 baht showed themselves at 3 out of 5.
Even SPF 50, bought for less than 500 rubles, did not cope with the task at all. This is my experience. I do not rule out that yours is different.

Coming to Thailand, it is quite enough to use a sun cream or spray with SPF 15 for people with dark skin and dark hair and with SPF 50 for fair-skinned blondes.

Once again I urge you not to overpay and not buy nonsense like SPF 70 and 100

What else to protect from the sun besides the body?

If you have moles, age spots, condylomas, warts or other skin formations on your body, be sure to smear them with a cream with SPF 50, no less, before going out into the sun.

Sun protection for face and lips

If we are talking about sun protection in the city, it is not necessary to apply a greasy, dense mass on the face in the form of a cream with SPF 50.
It is enough just to give yourself a task and always buy all cosmetics with sun protection in the form of UVA and UVB rays.
Now the lion's share of all cosmetics contains sunscreen.

Lips should be smeared with lipstick with an SPF of at least 15. So that the lips do not crack, do not age prematurely, but look moisturized, saturated and do not lose their color and density.
Don't wear lipstick, no problem. Buy a hygienic lip gloss or lip stick.

What are the types of solar radiation and how do they work?

There are three types of solar radiation: infrared - this type creates the effect of heat and warms us in the summer; The visible spectrum is the very rays of the sun.
that our eyes perceive. And ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation is abbreviated as UV.

When choosing the best sunscreen, sunscreen, spray or oil, the first thing you need to know is which types of UV are dangerous and which are not.

The name UV waves is related to the wavelength.
UVC is the wavelength range from 100 to 300 nm and is the most destructive. Luckily for us, the range
UVC does not reach the surface of the earth, because it would simply burn all life.

UVB is a wave in the range of 290 - 340 nm and UVB radiation is up to 20% of all radiation that hits the surface of the earth.
It is UVB waves that help us get a beautiful bronze tan, for which people go to warm countries.
The B wave spectrum actively affects DNA cells and causes various damage to its structure, which in general is not too dangerous if you do not spend hours and days under the scorching sun.

The most dangerous waves are the UVA spectrum of ultraviolet waves. The UVA spectrum with a wavelength of up to 400 nm is more than 85% of all solar radiation that hits our skin.
Due to the fact that UVA waves are longer than UVB waves, they do not affect redness and sunburn, but they penetrate into deep skin cells and the substances they produce remain and harm the skin much more.

What risk do we face by not protecting ourselves from UVA rays?

1. Risk of sunstroke and intoxication
2. UV-A rays penetrate the skin to a depth of two times greater than the rays of group B
3. Group A UV rays can cause corneal burns, retinal damage and cataracts
4. It is the rays of the UV-A group that provoke and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
5. Skin aging, thinning, dryness and fragility of the integument are associated with the penetration of UV-A rays under the skin

Knowing all these parameters, the task, before buying a sunscreen for yourself, children and the whole family, is to choose a sunscreen that not only has a high SPF level, but also protects against two groups of UVA and UVB rays.

In Thailand, Japan, China and other Asian countries, the best UVA protection is still marked with a "P"

For example, P+ P++ P++++ etc. The more pluses on the sunscreen, the better. Maximum protection - 4 pluses on the package.

How to choose sunscreen for your skin type

Surely you are aware that the skin of all people in the world is divided into types. If you have fair skin, bright eyes and burn easily, then you are in the highest risk group.
The same rule applies to infants, young children, whose skin is still very thin, delicate and does not have such a natural degree of protection as adults.

If your skin type is dark (dark eyes, brown or black hair naturally), this does not mean that you do not need to use sunscreen. Even representatives need sun cream
the Negroid race, since all people in the world not only sunbathe, but also burn out. It is only a matter of time and the number of minutes spent under the scorching sun.

It is also worth noting that the closer you are to the Equator, the stronger the radiation from the sun's rays, and the more protection factor your sunscreen should have.

As for Thailand, even those with dark skin should use sunscreen here, for the simple reason that a burn, skin aging, destruction of elastin and collagen are not the worst things.
Sunstroke, loss of consciousness, skin cancer - these things are worth fearing and trying to avoid.

Choosing a sunscreen and cosmetics with an SPF filter is worth a wide range. Which blocks not only the rays of the UVB group, but also the rays of the UVA group.

What is Tan and where does it come from?

Surely you have thought about the mechanism of acquiring a tan. Why do some people tan better, acquire an even, beautiful, bronze tan, while others can only dream of such a thing and are never able to tan? It's all about skin types and body chemistry.

The skin is protective layer our body, which, being under ultraviolet light, begins to create a barrier. The epidermis contains cells called melanocytes, they are responsible for the production of melanin in the body.
A beautiful tan is just a protective reaction of the skin in response to its degeneration by UVA and UVB rays.
Our skin, while under the scorching sun, coarsens, becomes drier, darker, and even the English word “Tan” refers us to tanning processes and working with animal skin to produce leather products.

Dark skin copes better with the invasion of the skin of the sun's rays, and fair skin is worse. Therefore, the lighter the skin, the more difficult it is for a person to tan and the more he needs sun protection.

Can sunburn cause skin cancer?

This is not to say that only the rays of the UVA group are dangerous. To provoke the growth of atypical cells, the rays of the UVB group also make their "mite".

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of benign and malignant tumors, one of the most common skin diseases, certainly associated with exposure to the sun.
There are studies that say that children who burned badly at least once in infancy increase the risk of developing skin cancer in the future by two times.
Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma affect predominantly visible areas of the body: the scalp, neck, face, and hands.

Scientists agree that uncontrolled exposure to the sun during dangerous hours using sunscreens, even with a high protection factor, can be no less dangerous than being without them.
The thing is that not a single sun remedy, either chemical or physical, is recognized as completely useful and natural and cannot be recommended for use in large doses.

Does the sun age the skin?

In short, yes, it's getting old. Sun exposure is not without consequences and you have probably noticed how dry, dehydrated, stretched and damaged the skin of those who are covered with a brown-black tan. This is especially true for older people, in whom skin regeneration is no longer the same as in young people, damage to the skin, microcracks heal more difficult.

People all over the world (excluding Asia) associate a tan with health, wealth, and a successful lifestyle. It doesn't matter where you got your tan from - from a solarium or at sea, ultraviolet penetrates into the deep layers of the skin and destroys elastin, collagen, dehydrates and even leads to the appearance of age spots ahead of time.

While you are young and don't think about it, spending hours on the beach under the sun, burning yourself to the state of boiled cancer, everything seems not terrible and not so important.
The effect of the sun on the skin is imperceptible, but over the years, the consequences will be not only on the face, but also on the body.

How to sunbathe safely - basic rules

If you are going on vacation with children and are going to sunbathe, spend a lot of time in the sun, try to follow at least some rules.

Babies and young children, especially those with fair skin, should not be exposed to direct sunlight from 10 am to 3-4 pm. Jae on a cloudy day ultraviolet
penetrates into our skin by 85-90%.

Apply sunscreen BEFORE you leave the house, at least 20-30 minutes in advance.

Sunscreen, spray, oil, stick, should be used every 1.5-2 hours, even if they are waterproof. If they are normal, then even more often.

Usually sunscreen is not stored for more than one summer season, as the heat destroys its beneficial properties, the cream simply “rots”.

In the sun, a child and you should always wear a shirt with a sleeve if the stay is longer than 10-15 minutes between 10 am and 4 pm.

A hat, panama with fields, a rashguard - the first thing a baby will need on the beach.

The closer to the equator the country you are going to rest, the stronger and more radioactive the solar radiation.

If you do get burned, apply aloe vera gel or bepanthen as soon as possible. Update them every 1.5-2 hours until improvement occurs.

Reduce the SPF of your sunscreen gradually. Starting from 30 to 5-10.

Summer is coming soon! Regardless of whether you get to a seaside resort or not, you will sunbathe. So, you need to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. The choice of protective equipment is great. How to recognize the one that will benefit? Doctor talks about it Natalya Zubareva. The specialist called the requirements for sunscreens:

Completely prevent exposure to ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn, suppress the immune system and cause free radicals.

It should stay on the skin for several hours without losing its UV blocking properties.

Should not form harmful chemicals.

Have a pleasant smell and are easy to apply.

The doctor emphasized that there are no ideal creams with these requirements, and shared a prepared review about sunscreens:

In 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that there was no evidence that sunscreen was effective in preventing skin cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer does not recommend the use of sunscreen as a primary sun protection and as a preventive measure against skin cancer.

It is preferable to use closed clothing, hats and shade for protection from the sun.

Danger of use:

The lack of pain from sunburn misleads that the cream completely protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV-B rays (the main cause of sunburn and precancerous DNA mutations), and this is just the action of the chemicals in the composition;

There is evidence that the interaction of chemicals in the cream under the influence of sunlight releases free radicals;

Free radicals actively interact with proteins, lipids and gene material of cells, which can damage DNA and skin cells, contribute to skin aging and cause skin cancer.

The percentage of protection of such creams from UV-A rays is very low;

The intensity of these rays varies slightly during the day and little depends on the time of year.

Provoke the development of more subtle lesions.

They have the property of deeper penetration into skin tissues and also lead to the appearance of free radicals.

The doctor noted the protection factors of creams:

• minerals;
• chemical.

They have different mechanisms to protect the skin and maintain stability in sunlight, - tells specialist. “But both species can pose a danger to human health.

Creams with protection over SPF 50 can be neglected.

Products with a high SPF tend to contain higher concentrations of chemical protection factors than creams with a low level of protection.

When testing products with SPF 100, it turned out that in five different laboratories, the results varied between SPF 37 and SPF 75.

Creams with protection 50, as a rule, have oxybenzene and retinol palminate in their composition.

hydroxybenzene may cause allergic reactions if released into the bloodstream, toxic to reproductive system, being an analogue of estrogen.

All chemical protective factors are dangerous for the hormonal system. When combined with water, they transform into more dangerous products (phenols, acetophenols).

Retinol Palminate. There are many studies that retinol palminate (a form of vitamin A) applied to the skin, when exposed to sunlight, can have photocarcinogenic properties, that is, accelerate the development of skin cancer. The scientific evidence is not 100% conclusive, but this conclusion is troubling.

Vitamin A found in 20% of sunscreens and 12% of annual facials.

Retinol palminate decomposes under the action of UV rays to phototoxic products, damaged DNA cells. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and is believed to slow down the aging process of the skin. But a cream containing vitamin A is best used indoors and at night.

Mineral factors: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide.

Important! To reduce photoactivity it is necessary to use forms of minerals coated with inert chemicals (silica, hydrated silica, alumina, aluminum hydroxide, stearate, etc.) to give stability in the final formulation. Otherwise, when applied to the skin and when interacting with other chemicals in the cream, free radicals may be released.

Cream with mineral factors has an SPF in the region of 30. 30 is enough for protection. No cream can guarantee complete protection against the damaging effects of UV rays, which can cause damage to epidermal cells, aging and skin cancer!

Nanoparticles of zinc and titanium oxides penetrate deep into the skin and lead to photocatalytic processes; free radicals are released (remember, they lead to inflammation, damage and cell mutation).

Nanoparticles are particles smaller than 100 nm in diameter.

In sunscreen cosmetics, the most common nanoparticle size is about 25 nm.

Zinc oxide is safer than titanium dioxide, non-toxic, absorbs UV rays better.

The sizes of nanoparticles are commensurate with the sizes of a cell. According to the results of recent studies, nanoparticles are able to pass through the protective filters of cells, getting inside.

The most dangerous are sunscreen powders with nanoparticles and sprays that can enter the body through the respiratory system.

The smaller the particle size, the better it transmits visible light. This is one of the reasons why cosmetics manufacturers use titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

If your cream or powder leaves opaque ashy streaks, then you do not have dangerous titanium dioxide.

Summing up the topic of the use of sunscreens, Dr. Natalia Zubareva addresses the Internet users:

If you all use sunscreen, try:

• make sure that they do not use nanoparticles;
• limit the time spent in the sun, especially from 10 am to 2 pm:
• wear clothes with long arms, trousers;
• wear hats and sunglasses;
• use sun umbrellas;
• be in the shade.

What sunscreen do you use?

Knowing how to choose the right sunscreen is important for everyone. Experts have found that ultraviolet is absorbed by the skin all year round, both in winter and summer. For example, it can penetrate window frames and influence the person. Even if you are not planning a trip to the sea, consider buying sunscreen.

Sunlight has always been attractive to the human body. This can be explained by the fact that it contains useful vitamin D. This component has a beneficial effect on the hormonal background and has a preventive effect on diseases of the liver, kidneys and heart. Vitamin D is an active participant in metabolism and regulates the absorption of such essential trace elements as calcium and phosphorus. A small amount of ultraviolet radiation has a beneficial effect on various types of skin diseases.

True, solar radiation can have not only positive, but also negative effects. With an overdose of ultraviolet, all the benefits of solar procedures will be useless. Improper tanning, without observing the necessary protection rules, can lead to:

• Premature aging of the skin.
• The appearance of age spots.
• Violation of the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
• The development of cancer, in particular melanoma.
• The occurrence of allergic reactions, rashes.

You can get an overdose of solar radiation even in cold weather, this is especially true for mountainous areas. To protect yourself from the negative effects of sunlight, you must use protective equipment. They include special filters that prevent harmful radiation from entering the body. Compositions of this type are used before sunbathing. This will help not to get an excess of ultraviolet radiation and save the skin from burning and inflammation.

Many creams perform not only a protective function, but also help improve the quality of the resulting tan. The use of a tanning agent helps to obtain an even shade, without a negative effect. Therefore, they should become an indispensable attribute at any time of the year, especially in the process of being under the scorching sun.

A good product should always show off the letters UVB or UVA, and sometimes UVB and UVA together. What are these letters? They mean dangerous ultraviolet radiation. Consider how these rays differ from each other:

1. UVB rays are most active in summer time and in small doses they provide a beautiful tan, and in large doses they are fraught with burns. But it is this type of rays that produces vitamin D.
2. UVA - this radiation is active all year round and is the strongest and most dangerous type for human health. There are no barriers for such rays, they easily penetrate through any tissue, windows and can cause great harm to the body.

SPF (UVB protection)

When buying a sunscreen, first of all, you should pay attention to the three main letters on the package - SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which means the sun protection factor of the cream from UVB rays. SPF values ​​can be different:

• High factor - SPF (30-100).
• The average factor is SPF (15-25).
• The base factor is SPF (2-10).

The higher the SPF, the thicker the product and the thicker it feels on the skin. It is important to consider the fact that no product, even with SPF 100, will give 100% protection against burns. Let's visually see what percentage of the sun's rays each SPF can reflect:

• 99% - SPF 100
• 98% - SPF 50-60
• 97% - SPF 30-45
• 96% - SPF 25
• 95% - SPF 20
• 93% - SPF 15
• 90% - SPF 10
• 83% - SPF 6
• 50% - SPF 2

When choosing the SPF value, you must be guided by the following indicators:

• Phototype (the degree of vulnerability of the skin to UV radiation).
• Season (in winter, protection is required at times less than in summer).
• Time of day (the sun's rays are most active from 10 am to 4 pm, the rest of the time they are less active).
• Geography (at the equator the sun is more intense than at middle lane Russia, for example).
• Location (sea or mountain peaks require a higher SPF).

PPD, PA and IPD (UVA protection)

To create a barrier against UVA rays (and they are the most dangerous), various signs are used: IPD, PPD, RA. You can also see them on the bottle of the product:

1. Immediate Pigment Darkening (IPD) characterizes the difficulty of protecting a particular product from UVA rays. The maximum protection level can be 90%.
2. Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) characterizes the level of reduction in the dose of radiation from UVA. Its highest indicator is 42, that is, a product with this characteristic reduces the level of radiation entering the skin by 42%. Also, the cherished letters PPD can be “hidden” behind the UVA designation in a circle. This means that the sunscreen has a dermatologist-recommended, harmless PPD level.
3. Protection Grade of UVA (PA) - this method of designation is more typical for creams produced in Eastern countries and is an indicator that characterizes the degree of active protection. This index is expressed as "+", "++" or "+++": PA+ minimal UVA protection, PA++ medium UVA protection, PA+++ very high UVA protection.

When choosing a particular type of cream, it is important to consider its level of protection against UVB and UVA penetration. It is important when choosing to pay attention to the abbreviations indicated on the bottles or tubes.

Sun cream and skin phototype

Before choosing a sun protection product, it is important to determine your personal phototype, since not all cosmetics are universal. Basically, a phototype is a category that indicates how vulnerable your skin is to UV radiation. Therefore, it is so important to determine your phototype, and there are 6 in total.

• 1 type. Celtic. Such people have a white-pink skin tone, which is often covered with freckles. Usually they are blondes with blue eyes or red-haired people with fair skin. Representatives of this type, it is difficult, one might say, impossible to sunbathe. Under the influence of sunlight, their skin burns and becomes inflamed, and the tan does not fall on the skin at all. It is better for them to stay in the sun in the morning or evening hours. For the first variety, a cream with maximum protection SPF 50+ will be relevant.
• 2 type. Light-skinned European. These representatives have light skin and hair, and eyes of colors gray, green or brown. Skin of the second type has a chance to tan, but under certain conditions. Sunbathing is best taken in the morning, before 11 o'clock, or in the evening after 17:00. For them, a cream is relevant, in which there is an SPF index of at least 30.
• 3 type. Black European. It is characterized by brown-eyed people with blond or brown hair. People with phototype 3 usually have skin color Ivory, which burns only by oversight. After tanning, they acquire a chocolate color or a golden hue. For long-term sunbathing, you should use a cream with a protection degree - SPF 20.
• 4 type. Mediterranean. These people are brown-eyed, with dark hair and swarthy skin. Their skin is able to sunbathe without negative consequences for about an hour. Tanning products with minimal protection, such as SPF 20, are suitable for them, because the skin of representatives of this type is not afraid of burns, but no one has canceled UVA rays that provoke age spots and wrinkles.
• 5 type. Asiatic. Type 5 people have dark skin and can stay in the sun for a long time without fear of negative consequences or burns. However, they are prone to premature aging, which means they must be protected by means of a wide spectrum of action.
• 6 type. African. Representatives of the 6th phototype are completely protected from burns, but they need to take care of sufficient hydration of their skin during exposure to the sun.

For children's skin, you need to look for special sunscreens for children, with an SPF of at least 30.

In order for the process of sunbathing to be effective and safe, it is important to follow certain rules:

1. Before use, do not forget to test for an allergic reaction. Instructions for carrying out are usually presented on the tube itself.
2. Sun cream must be applied 20 minutes before going for a walk, this time is enough for the product to be absorbed. Face and body must be clean and dry. And if you forgot to apply sunscreen beforehand, use an oil-based product, as it will absorb faster.
3. During constant exposure to the sun, it is important to regularly cover the body with SPF cream, preferably once every 2 hours. Sunscreens and sunscreens are best suited for those with dry and sensitive skin on the face and body. For owners of oily skin or with thick hair, gels will be an excellent protection from the sun. Sun protection in the form of lotions is most often chosen for application to the eyelid area.
4. When applying a protective cream, it is important to evenly distribute it throughout the body, do not forget about the areas on the neck, arms, décolleté, and ears. These areas are most strongly affected by ultraviolet rays. For lips, you can use a special balm.
5. Pay attention to moles. If you have them on your body, it is better to apply a cream with a high SPF on them. For these purposes, sunscreen in the form of a stick is convenient. Also, the sticks are the most water resistant.
6. It's important to reapply sunscreen and other alternatives after a shower, even if the package says it's waterproof.
7. A good product as an additional protection is mineral makeup powder. It contains special inorganic elements that are able to filter ultraviolet, as well as other protective components. The product may have SPF 50 protection.
8. The use of sunscreen is the main prevention of protecting the skin from aging and wilting. The application of the cream is carried out in a circular motion and in a uniform layer, without missing a single centimeter of the open skin area.
9. Before the tanning procedure, the use of perfumes, deodorants and other alcohol-containing components is contraindicated. When exposed to direct sunlight, it can cause an allergic reaction, rashes and pigment spots.
10. It is important to apply the cream taking into account the period of its action. Even if there was no contact with water, after a certain period of time protective compound needs to be reapplied. It usually depends on the person's phototype.
11. After sunbathing, first of all, you need to take a shower and apply lotions with a moisturizing composition to the skin of the face and body.
12. Light up gradually. Even with the use of protective equipment, scientists do not recommend spending more than 2 hours in the open sun. This can lead not only to burns, but also to sun or heat stroke. And remember that going to the beach between 11:00 and 17:00 is not recommended, even if you use a cream with a maximum SPF.
13. When using a protective cream, it is important to pay attention to its expiration date. After opening the package, it can be used within six months. Interaction with the oxygen of the cream starts the oxidation process, due to which all protective properties are lost.
14. The choice of creams should be made in favor of moisture-resistant, as they actively protect not only in contact with water, but also with sweat.
15. It is not worth saving the amount of applied funds. Dermatologists recommend applying at least 30 grams of cream.

Funds with SPF are available in a wide variety of forms, these can be:

• Creams, gels and emulsions. They are considered the most effective and convenient to use.
• Oils. Less effective, as they form a thin protective layer on the skin.
• Sticks. They are made on a wax basis, therefore they are waterproof, and are the best suited for local application, for example, on moles, nose, ears.
• Powders. Used for make-up with SPF, needed for additional protection.
• Aerosols and sprays. Great option for hair and head. Must be rubbed on application, may be hazardous if inhaled.

By purchasing and using tanning products correctly, everyone can get not only a high-quality, even and beautiful tan, but also protect their skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. You need to choose only proven products, you should not buy too cheap products with a dubious composition and from little-known manufacturers. The following brands are popular:

1. Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50 - does not leave a greasy shine, recommended for sensitive skin and facial skin. Economical, moisturizes and softens.
2. Avene SPF 50 - Moisturizes and protects sensitive skin from excessive pigmentation. Combines hypoallergenic formula with water resistance.
3. Bioderma Photoderm SPF 50 - suitable for skin with various dermatological diseases. Provides an even tone of the face, makes the skin soft.
4. La Roche Posay Anthelios XL 50 – has a weightless texture, stable to moisture. Absorbs quickly, mattifies.
5. Mustela SPF 50 - Features an enhanced formula to moisturize the skin. The composition contains caring substances, economical, odorless.
6. ISIS Pharma RUBORIL EXPERT SPF 50 - has a tonal effect, great for aging skin.
7. Yves Rocher Extreme Safety SPF 50 - does not leave sticky residue, quickly absorbed, providing good protection skin. Does not wash off with water.
8. Garnier Ambre Solaire Espert Protection SPF 50 – hypoallergenic cream, waterproof, contains vitamin E. It is perfectly absorbed without leaving any traces.
9. Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for body - a lotion that will give a feeling of comfort to you and your skin. Leaves skin smooth with anti-aging properties.
10. Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 50 - Water texture makes this product ideal for applying under cosmetics. Non-tacky, suitable for everyday UV protection.

Of course, this is not all means for sun protection. Currently, virtually every brand has similar creams, lotions, fluids, balms, sprays with diverse compositions and properties, as well as with varying degrees of protection.

And if you are still burned in the sun, then it is better to immediately treat the damaged skin with a special agent, for example, Panthenol, and then exclude traumatic solar exposure until full recovery. This will take several days. That is why, in order not to spoil your vacation, do not neglect the use of an effective suntan cream!

Candidate of Biological Sciences Anna Margolina, Redmond (USA).

Photo by Igor Konstantinov.

Ultraviolet, visible light and infrared rays penetrate the skin to different depths. The numbers on the arrows show what proportion of radiation reaches the epidermis, basal cell layer and dermis.

Science has proven quite convincingly that excess ultraviolet radiation (UV) causes premature aging and skin cancer (including its most dangerous form, melanoma). Therefore, in Europe and the United States, people now rarely dare to go to the beach without smearing themselves with sunscreen from head to toe. Gradually, this custom is being adopted in Russia, which has recently been willingly picking up Western trends in the field of a healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, now there are more and more reasons to argue that sunbathing with sunscreen is sometimes no less, and sometimes even more dangerous than roasting in the sun without any protection. After all, it is in the United States and Europe, where sunscreens have been used for a long time, that over the past three decades there has been an increase in the incidence of all forms of skin cancer. If in the early 1970s the frequency of melanoma among the white population of the United States was six cases for every 10 thousand people, by the early 2000s it had tripled. In Europe, the incidence of melanoma has increased almost five-fold over the same time period. Three hypotheses have been proposed to explain this sad fact. According to the first, the current increase in the incidence of skin cancer is a retribution for the craze for the sun in the 1960s and 1970s, since more than one decade can pass between primary DNA damage and tumor development. Supporters of the second hypothesis blame sunscreens and the chemicals they contain. And finally, the third hypothesis is that it is not sunscreens themselves, but how we use them that turns them from skin protectors into a risk factor.

tan and vanity

It all started in the 1960s, when white-skinned Caucasians suddenly began to do their best to change the color of their skin, which until recently they were so proud of. The driving force behind this desire was the usual human vanity. Before the industrial revolution, a significant percentage of the population was employed in agriculture, therefore, work and poverty were associated with sun-burned skin, talking about long hours spent in the fields, in the open air. However, in the post-war period (1950s), more and more people began to work in factories and factories where the sun's rays did not penetrate. Now it was pale, pigmentless skin that became evidence of the need to earn a living by hard work, while tanning was associated with idleness, sun-drenched tennis courts and tropical beaches.

However, it turned out that changing the color of the skin, even if temporarily, is not so easy. For some, it turned out pretty quickly, and someone had to subject the skin to painful tests - it was worth spending a little more time in the sun, and you could get a sunburn, which nullified all efforts to acquire the desired tan, since the skin after a burn peeled off.

It was to these sufferers that the cosmetic industry offered a novelty - cosmetics that protected from burns, but did not prevent tanning. Thanks to new products, even people who were endowed by nature with pale, poorly tanned skin could spend long hours on the beach, eventually achieving the desired tan. As it turned out, this was by no means the case.

ABC OF ULTRAVIOLET

The ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth with the sun's rays can be divided into two types - UV-A and UV-B. The fundamental difference between them is the radiation energy and the depth of penetration into the dermis. UV-B carries a lot of energy, so it quickly causes a burn. It was this type of radiation that was blocked by the first sunscreens, and it was this type that was considered the most dangerous for a long time. However, it is now known that UV-B does not penetrate deeply and all the damage that it causes to the skin usually does not have far-reaching consequences. The burnt skin is first covered with blisters, then it comes off in flaps, and with it those cells that have dangerous breakdowns in DNA are removed.

The situation is quite different with type A ultraviolet, which at first was considered useful, since it causes a tan, but does not have enough energy to burn the skin. But it turned out that it is UV-A that can penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and dermis and damage biological molecules. If earlier people could not sunbathe for too long, as their skin burned, and usually received only temporary, superficial damage, then with the advent of sunscreens that protected the skin from UV-B radiation, many began to lie on the beach for hours, being exposed to prolonged exposure UV-A.

WHAT IS UV DANGEROUS

Both UVB and UVA rays can be absorbed by biological molecules and cause photochemical reactions resulting in the formation of free radicals - unstable, highly reactive molecules that lack one electron and are very willing to chemically react.

It can be said that a free radical is like a young reveler who has no moral obligations and does not miss an opportunity to start an affair. And if such an "immoral" radical comes into contact with a "good" molecule, then the latter will also turn into a free radical and begin to confuse the strict harmony of chemical reactions. In particular, UV-A radiation that penetrates deep into the skin can convert collagen molecules, a protein that provides smoothness and elasticity to the skin, into free radicals. As a result, collagen fibers bind to each other, forming clumps of defective, inelastic collagen, which gradually leads to the appearance of characteristic skin irregularities and wrinkles. They, formed under the influence of UV radiation, appear significantly ahead of schedule, long before the skin begins to age for natural reasons. The consequences of the free radical transformation of DNA are even more serious: two parts of the DNA molecule, which have become radicals, can bind to each other, thereby introducing confusion into the genetic code of the cell. DNA-damaged cells can develop into malignant tumors over time.

SPF IS UNRELIABLE

In the 1990s, broad-spectrum sunscreens finally appeared, that is, those that protected not only from UV-B, but also from UV-A radiation. Here a problem arose. People wanted to tan, as tanned skin was still considered beautiful. But if you apply a sunscreen that does not let in either UV-A or UV-B, then no tan will work. Beachgoers dreaming of a “safe” tan began to especially appreciate sunscreens, which were reassuringly high values ​​​​of the sun protection factor - SPF (sun protection factor). The fact that even with sunscreens with high SPF values, a tan appeared (albeit more slowly than without protection), for some reason, no one was alarmed. And in vain, because in fact the SPF value is a very unreliable indicator of the effectiveness of protection.

SPF measures how much a product slows down the appearance of the first redness of the skin under the influence of UV radiation. For example, if redness appears after 20 minutes without sunscreen, then with sunscreen with a protection factor of 10, redness appears after 200 minutes. Since reddening of the skin occurs only under the influence of UV-B radiation, the sun protection factor only indicates the effectiveness of UV-B protection.

Now many manufacturers of sunscreens indicate on the packages the degree of protection against UV-A radiation on a five-star system: the more stars, the better the protection. But while SPF remains the most well-known and popular indicator of effectiveness, therefore, consumers pay attention to it. At the same time, few people are aware that a sunscreen that has a high SPF, and therefore reliably protects the skin from sunburn, does not necessarily block the path of UV-A radiation as effectively. As a result, people can lull themselves with a sense of security and get a coveted tan ... with all the ensuing consequences.

UNSAFE COCKTAIL

Decades of sunscreen hype has led people, especially in the West, to view sunscreen as an essential part of their beach experience. However, let's think about what, in fact, they offer us? And they offer us to smear ourselves with preparations containing a variety of chemicals, and substitute this cocktail on our skin under the sun's rays. At the same time, it somehow goes without saying that these substances do not react with the skin or with solar radiation, do not penetrate into the blood under any conditions and, in general, demonstrate complete inertness and reliability. But it's not.

Sunscreens contain UV filters (also called UV absorbers), substances that reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin. Those UV filters that contain particles that reflect and scatter UV radiation are called physical or inorganic UV filters. These include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical UV filters do not cause allergies and do not irritate the skin, and also have a wide spectrum of action - they block both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Previously, physical UV filters contained large insoluble particles, so they stained the skin in White color. Now the particles of physical UV filters have become very small - in the micro- and even nano-range, so that they no longer stain the skin.

Another group of UV filters includes substances that can absorb UV radiation due to their chemical structure. They are called organic or chemical UV filters. Organic UV filters allow you to create products with a protection factor of up to 100 and even higher, they are conveniently included in a variety of cosmetic forms - creams, gels, sprays, lotions, etc., soak clothes with them, and also add to decorative cosmetics, shampoos and hair sprays. But not all of these substances are safe for the skin.

First of all, organic UV filters quite often cause allergies and skin irritation. In addition, some organic UV filters may exhibit photoreactivity. This means that if such UV filters are exposed to ultraviolet light for long enough, they begin to break down, sometimes releasing free radicals. This means that after a certain time of irradiation in the skin "protected" by such UV filters, more free radicals will form than in unprotected skin.

Now it has become known that a number of organic UV filters also have hormonal effects. It was found that they can cause sex change and developmental disorders of the genital organs in fish, mollusks and other aquatic life. It is not yet clear to what extent the hormonal effects of UV filters are manifested in the human body, but it is already obvious that these substances cannot be called safe and inert.

Perhaps the most shocking fact is that UV filters can enter the bloodstream and accumulate in the body. For example, according to a recent U.S. study, the common UV filter benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone), which is found in many sunscreens, was found in 96% of more than 2,000 urine samples examined from Americans of various ethnic origins, ages and gender. At the same time, in the body of women, especially young people, the content of oxybenzone was on average three times higher than in the body of men, and in the blood of white Americans seven times higher than that of African Americans.

NATURAL PROTECTION

If not sunscreen, then what? Let's start with the fact that human skin is not at all as vulnerable to UV radiation as sunscreen manufacturers try to make it out to be. You just need to treat this protection reasonably and not make exorbitant demands on it. For example, if a construction helmet withstood the impact of a fallen brick, this does not mean that it is impenetrable. Therefore, if a whim occurred to you to put on a helmet and beat yourself on the head with a crowbar, you only have yourself to blame for the consequences. Exactly the same with protective systems skin. You don't need to overstress them.

The main protector of the skin is the dark pigment melanin. At the same time, the darker the initial (genetically predetermined) skin pigmentation, the more effective the protection. People with dark skin tend to tan well and rarely burn. With insufficient production of melanin, a person easily burns and hardly achieves at least some kind of tan. Therefore, if you have fair, easily burned skin, then you need to be more careful with the sun's rays, regardless of whether you are smeared with sunscreen or not. If you have dark skin, then you can rely on the protective effect of your own skin pigment. However, too long and intense UV radiation can damage and cover even the skin of Negroids with wrinkles and age spots. And even negroids get melanoma. True, much less often than white people.

The skin is damaged the more, the thinner it is. Therefore, as a rule, women's and children's skin is more affected by UV radiation. It is especially dangerous to expose the skin of infants under one year of age to excessive UV exposure. True, short sunbathing in the morning hours will not hurt and, on the contrary, will help produce the necessary vitamin D.

Another line of defense is antioxidants - substances that neutralize free radicals. They are contained in the stratum corneum of the skin, and also stand out on its surface with sebum. It should be remembered that many antioxidants are vitamins that are not produced in the body and must be obtained from food. An excellent source of antioxidants - vegetables, fruits and berries, green tea.

If the protection did not work and the skin cells were damaged by the sun, then all is not lost, since the skin is able to correct a significant part of the damage. One of these saving reactions is the well-known "peeling" of the skin after a sunburn. This “skin change” helps the body get rid of cells with damaged DNA that could otherwise give rise to a malignant tumor.

WHO IS TO BLAME AND WHAT TO DO?

As you can see, there are many reasons why the era of sunscreens has simultaneously become an era of an unprecedented increase in the incidence of skin cancer. It played a role that between the 1970s and 1990s, most sun-seekers either did not use sunscreen at all or applied UV-B protection, which only contributed to longer beach stays without reducing the risk of skin damage in any way. . Along with this, the presence of substances in sunscreens that can potentially increase skin damage also plays a role. But most importantly, this is still a paradoxical behavior of people who continue to strive for the desired tan, despite all the warnings of scientists and doctors.

Of course, sunlight is necessary for a person. Ultraviolet provides the synthesis of vitamin D, which is not only important for the proper formation of bones and muscles, but also plays a significant role in the prevention of malignant tumors, maintaining heart, liver and kidney health, and endocrine balance. Sunlight falling on the retina of the eye causes the formation of the natural antidepressant melatonin. Moderate UV exposure stimulates skin immunity (excess UV suppresses it), alleviates the course of many skin diseases.

But too much sun exposure can prematurely age the skin and cause other adverse changes. Our great-grandmothers knew about this without any research, they just saw the dark wrinkled faces of peasant women working in the open. At that time, shady trees, wide-brimmed hats and gloves that covered hands to the elbows served as protection from the sun. Nowadays, sunscreens with low SPF values ​​can be used for the same purpose. However, if you really want to get a little tan, use reasonable caution - avoid the sun during the midday hours, increase the time you spend on the beach gradually, starting from 5-10 minutes a day, and with or without sunscreen, do not expose your skin for too long.

"Science and Life" about sun protection