The sun, that luminous star that gives us light and energy, can also be a silent enemy for our skin if we do not take the right precautions.

Dermatology experts constantly warn about the risks of not applying sunscreen before exposing ourselves to ultraviolet (UV) rays, especially during the summer months when the sun shines most brightly. Ignoring this warning can result in serious consequences for our skin health.

Tips to protect your skin from the sun

Fortunately, protecting our skin from the sun is a simple task that can make a big difference in our skin health. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

• Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 before going out in the sun. Efficient sunscreens such as those from Heliocare sold at vistafarma are a must for any sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours: UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to seek shade at these times.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection to reduce direct sun exposure.
• Protect yourself even on cloudy days: UV rays can penetrate clouds, so don't skip applying sunscreen even if the day is cloudy.
• Avoid tanning beds: Tanning bed lamps emit UV rays that can be even more harmful than those of natural sunlight.

Thermal skin treatments

Thermal treatments offer a complementary way to treat and repair damage caused by sun exposure. Some of these treatments include:

• Thermal baths: Baths with mineral-rich thermal waters can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe sun-damaged skin and stimulate cell regeneration.
• Mud wraps: The application of thermal mud can help detoxify the skin and provide essential nutrients for skin recovery.
• Cold/hot water therapy: Alternating between hot and cold water in specific thermal treatments can improve blood circulation and stimulate cellular repair.
• Facial masks: Some thermal treatments include facial masks based on natural ingredients that moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.

The importance of proper sun protection

Sunscreen provides a physical and chemical barrier to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. When choosing a sunscreen, it is recommended to look for those that offer broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection with a sun protection factor (SPF) appropriate for your skin type and sun exposure conditions.

Skin cancer: a real threat

The main danger of not protecting our skin from the sun is the increased risk of developing skin cancer. UV rays are capable of damaging the DNA of our skin cells, which can lead to mutations and, in extreme cases, the formation of cancer cells.

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the three most common types of skin cancer, and their incidence has increased in recent years due to excessive exposure to the sun without protection.

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the three most common types of skin cancer, and their incidence has increased in recent years due to excessive exposure to the sun without protection.

Premature aging: wrinkles and spots

Another detrimental effect of unprotected sun is premature skin aging. UV rays are responsible for the degradation of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that keep skin firm and elastic.

As a result, skin can become more prone to developing wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. Cumulative sun damage can result in an aged appearance much sooner than expected.

Sunburn: pain and discomfort

Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause sunburn, especially in people with lighter and more sensitive skin. Sunburn causes redness, pain, swelling and general discomfort.

In addition to being very uncomfortable, sunburns increase the risk of long-term skin damage and are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.

Let's not underestimate the importance of protecting our skin from the sun. The dangers of not putting on sunscreen are real and can have long-term consequences for our skin health. Let's take the necessary precautions and enjoy the sun safely and responsibly. Your skin will thank you in the future.