Spring is just around the corner and the heat is already giving us spoilers for what is to come later on. Fortunately, all is not lost and we can take action to help, such as putting some water for the dogs in the street or in trees for the birds. Or taking care of our skin so that it doesn’t suffer the negative effects of such intense sunlight.
That’s right, taking care of our skin is crucial for the protection and control of body temperature. According to specialists, if we do it right, we can delay aging and prevent disease, and best of all, it doesn’t require any investment at all. For example, something we can add to our routine is as simple as putting on sunscreen every day, although it is essential to know which one to choose.
What types of sunscreen are there and what are they for?
Sunscreen, or sunblock as it is also known, is a product whose function is to protect the skin, preventing the passage of UV rays directly, and reducing their penetration so that they do not damage our tissues or cells. It is as if we had a layer of plastic on top of our skin, but one that protects us from possible diseases caused by the sun.
In fact, the importance of sunscreen lies in the layer of security it offers against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, as well as UVA rays, which cause loss of elasticity, wrinkles and other effects related to photoaging. In addition, the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the level of protection offered by the sunscreen against radiation.
Regarding the latter, if you are going to buy sunscreen, make sure that the minimum SPF is 30. This type blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. While higher SPFs are only slightly more effective, don’t be misled into thinking that a higher number will protect you better.
In Mexico, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) recognizes that there are two types of mechanisms and they differ according to the type of chemical substance with which they are made. The first are physical or inorganic, which totally reflect the radiation and prevent it from entering the skin, protecting us against UVA and UVB rays: the chemical or organic ones absorb the radiation and transform it into another type of energy that is not harmful to the skin, although it is more effective only against UVB rays.
The main difference is that UV radiation tends to raise body temperature and can cause the skin to thicken and harden; on the other hand, reflection prevents it from penetrating the layers of the skin where the damage can be serious.
Another type is suntan lotions, which are designed to allow greater penetration of UVA rays thanks to their active tanning accelerators, which reduce the time of exposure to the sun to achieve the same effect, although there are some that include sun protection. You should know that their intention is to tan you, so it is best to use dermatological products, as other types could cause injuries or burns.
