by Dasa Suciu

Created on: July 25, 2010

Normally sun is not our enemy so that we must protect our skin from sunlight. Brief exposure of skin to sunlight helps the body to naturally produce vitamin D. Ultraviolet radiation stimulates the synthesis of vitamin D, which plays an important role in increasing absorption of calcium and phosphorus taken from food, helping a good bone structure, and strengthening immunity and cell regeneration.

If sun exposure is prolonged, as happens at the beach or other similar conditions, it is required to use skin protection measures and products. A minimum measure to protect skin from skin cancer is combining personal care products having a minimum sun protection factor 15 with natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural compounds that reduce the toxic effects of free radicals that neutralize unstable oxygen molecules, helping the body not to destroy its cells.

There are two types of UV, UVA and UVB; both have negative effects on the skin. UVB rays attack the skin surface, causing burns, while UVA rays penetrate the skin deeply, attacking collagen that gives the skin its elasticity. Although UVA rays do not cause burns, they may create long-term adverse effects. There are many sunscreens which do not protect the skin against UVA, so it's always good to check the label. UVB rays cause skin burns, wrinkles, premature aging of the skin and creates the risk of skin cancer. All sun protection creams protect against UVB rays.

Although there is no product that can block 100% of the sunlight action on the skin, it is advisable that you should take as many protection measures as possible to protect the skin from developing a cancer. A simple measure is to avoid skin exposure to sunlight during the hour intervals that are well-known to be most dangerous. Many people don’t know that hats and umbrellas do not offer total protection from UV. One special remark is that if there are clouds on the sky does not mean you are not exposed to UV. Knowing these few important details may help to protect better from sun.

Skin protection tips:

- Get used to use all year round personal care products with a minimum protection factor 15

- Always use skin protection products designed for beach or similar conditions

- After sweating or after swimming, do not forget to reapply protection products designed for beach

- Limit sun exposure in the middle of hot summer days, especially when there is a high UV alert

- Wear light clothing made of natural fibres, sunglasses with UV protection and

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