Sun protection

We know it, sun is necessary (for example it permits us to synthesize vitamin D, it enhances our humour...), but without trespassing the limit. The longer we are in the sun, mainly when its rays are stronger, more harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays we get. The damage varies depending on the types of skin, if we are more or less used to the sun, of the time and the place where we are in it. Don't let us expose to it too long.

How can we do it

At our latitude, we should have enough with the sun we get dialy to synthesize enough D vitamin (five or ten minutes of sun on our arms and legs twice or three times a week).
Let us moderate the time we are in the sun, mainly if we are fair skinned. The worst is to be sporadically in the sun for a long time (at the southern part of the Mediterranean they are very used to be in the sun). Let us think that to associate tanned skin with beauty and health is only a fashion question.
Let us avoid the most dangerous places and hours. Here we can look up the so-called Ultraviolet Index (UVI). It is a forecast of the UV radiation levels that are expected at midday on a fixed day.
Let us protect with hats or caps our head, face and neck. The wider they have their peaks, the more they will protect us. In summer we can cover with clothing that is not warm (wide, clear colours, natural fibres). Let us wear sun glasses having 100% protection for the UV and side protection.
If we want to be some time in the sun, protector creams give us some time, but not "carte blanche".

Add new comment

Data d'actualització: 11/06/2010 - 09:52

Keep this in mind!

Being in the sun is good, but properly. Whenever it is possible, let us moderate its dose (not too much time, sun hat, clothing...).

The most advisable protector creams are those which only have physical filters in them.

The more protection factor, the more chemicals. A factor 15 filtrates the 93% of UVB rays and at least 30% of UVA ones.

Information sources

Sector enterprises: Anne Marie Börlind, Isdin, Korres, Laverana, Logocos, Santaverde;

Scientific world: Agencia Estatal de Meteorología, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya, Universitat de Barcelona: Dept. d'Astronomia i Meteorologia, Dept. de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular (biologia), Unitat de Biofarmàcia i Farmacocinètica;

experts: Xavi Bordàs (dermatòleg), Susana Puig i Josep Malvehy (oncòlegs);

books: Antonio Palomar: La sabiduría de Higea. El poder curativo del cuerpo (Txalaparta 2007);

organizations: Associació Espanyola Contra el Càncer, Associació Europea d'Organitzacions de Consumidors, Ecocert, Greenpeace, Grønn Hverdag, Organització Mundial de la Salut, Programa de les Nacions Unides pel Medi Ambient, The Soil Association.