Show Some Skin this Summer

Good day, Dra.Valdecanas!  I would like to inquire on the correct usage of sunblock? Does it have to be SPF30 and up talaga po ba? May I also know the effect of the sun to our skin? What’s the worst that it can do to harm the skin? Thank you so much.

Sincerely, Ma.Concepcion Osmena (julia_osmena56@___.com)

This is very timely topic because vacation had just begun and the beaches will surely be teeming with people this summer holidays.  Over-exposure to the sun surely does damage our skin but that should not stop you from enjoying summer activities.

You do can enjoy the early morning sunshine before 10 a.m. and the late afternoon shine after 3 p.m. for your daily dose of vitamin D.  Fifteen minutes of exposure on any part of your body during these hours is sufficient.  Secondary sun exposure under a shade or muted sunlight from windows will work just the same.

Long exposure to the sun leads to early aging of the skin that is why we need to protect ourselves. The sun rays are of three kinds of light – infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet radiation (UVR).  The UVR consists of different wave lengths: ultraviolet A, B and C.  Ultraviolet C is most harmful but is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.  The UVA is the culprit for early aging and skin cancers while the UVB causes sunburn.

Use sun block lotion whenever you go outdoors.  A good sun block contains a high number of SPF and titanium dioxide as its active ingredients.  SPF means the number of times the solution can block the sun’s rays so that is why the higher the number, the better.  Titanium dioxide contains ultra blocks that can prevent penetration of the sun’s harmful rays.

Apply sun block to exposed body parts 30 minutes before going outdoors.  Re-apply every two hours if you are sweating profusely or you are into water activities like swimming.