Tips for protecting your skin in summer

With the arrival of summer, the sun plays a major role in all outdoor activities. Sunbathing for 15 minutes a day can have important health benefits: it promotes the production of vitamin D, improves mood and can help regulate some skin disorders such as psoriasis and acne.

Excessive unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, however, is the main risk factor for skin cancer., including melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms. It also accelerates skin ageing, produces spots and can cause painful burns.

It is therefore essential to strike a balance and enjoy the sun responsibly.

Clothes and a hat, the best protection

The best sunscreen is clothing, if you are going to be exposed to the sun for more than 20 minutes. It is better if it is long-sleeved, made of thick fabric and in dark colours, which help block radiation more effectively. It is also important to protect your head with a cap or hat, preferably with a wide brim, and your eyes with approved sunglasses.

Avoid the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

Excessive exposure to the sun is one of the most important risk factors for melanoma. You should not sunbathe between 12 noon and 4 p.m. and should not, under any circumstances, be exposed to the sun for more than 20 or 30 minutes.

Sunscreen suitable for every skin type

20 or 30 minutes before exposure to the sun it is important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 SFP. Cream should be applied to all exposed areas of skin; don't forget your ears, neck and feet.

Because of its ability to synthesise melanin, darker skin is less vulnerable, but it still needs sun protection.

Once is not enough

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two or three hours to remain effective. More often, if you go in and out of the water, even if your sunscreen is water-resistant.

Moisturise your skin before, during and after exposure to the sun

To properly hydrate your skin, you should use creams and have a good, healthy, moderate and varied diet. The Mediterranean diet is ideal for the skin and for health in general.

After sunbathing, it is important to apply moisturiser to the entire body.

Watch for freckles and spots

It is advisable to examine your skin once a month and look for new freckles, spots or significant changes: a sore or spot that does not heal, for example, a freckle that grows and becomes black or multi-coloured, or a spot that bleeds.

It is useful to take photographs of any freckles you have to keep a visual record and be able to detect changes more easily. If any of your freckles is asymmetrical, has irregular edges, has different colours or has increased in size, you should consult a dermatologist.