Sun, the sea, the beach, the travels,
These are the main elements that make the summer its strong point, such as the desire to quickly (and often incorrectly) get a pleasant tanned skin. In the summer our body is constantly exposed to UV rays, not only on a relaxing day on the beach or while we are engaged in outdoor sports, but also simply during a walk. The sun actually tends to confer a whole series of benefits to our body and our mind (feeling of well-being, muscle relaxation, activation of vitamin D, essential for keeping the osteo-articular and immune system healthy).
At the same time, despite its many advantages, UVA and UVB rays can have serious consequences for us.
But what are UVA and UVB rays?
UVA rays are present all year round, make up about 95% of ultraviolet radiation and are also present on cloudy days. Clouds, glass and skin can pass through them. Unlike UVB rays, they are painless and able to penetrate so deeply until they reach the cells of the dermis. UVA rays are the main cause of the production of free radicals and can alter cells in the long term, causing: photo aging, sun intolerances, pigment disorders such as spots, development of tumors. UVB rays, on the other hand, make up 5% of ultraviolet radiation. Despite being blocked by clouds and glass, they are able to reach and penetrate the epidermis. They are responsible for tanning but also for sunburn, allergic reactions and skin cancers.
It is therefore important to protect yourself from both UVA and UVB rays
Let's see specifically what damage the sun can cause to our skin.
Definitely all those conditions caused by wrong overexposure, which most of us know about. We are talking about conditions that can be more or less serious or even very serious:
- Sunburn: Lesions affecting the most superficial layer of the skin, it appears red and itchy.
- Sun spots: that is discoloration of the skin. They can have different shapes and have a more or less intense brown color.
- Erythema: inflammation of the skin that develops following excessive and prolonged exposure to the sun. It can be more or less serious, and can range from sunburn to a promo or second degree burn.
- Photo aging: This is damage to the skin structure that increases oxidative processes leading to instability of the cells and skin, causing damage to the DNA and subsequent imbalance in the production of collagen.
- Heatstroke: It involves an increase in body temperature and can be associated with sunburn on the skin.
- Eye damage: The rays can penetrate deep into the lens or retina and cause damage of various degrees.
- Skin cancers: Among which the most dangerous: melanoma.
A whole long list of events that in the long run can really compromise the health and proper functioning of our body.
But how can we avoid all this and make the most of the benefits that the sun can have on our body?
First of all it is good to keep in mind the methods and exposure times:
● Avoid hours of maximum solar intensity from 11 to 15.
● Dose exposure to solar radiation so that it is not too violent. So use the umbrella when we are at the sea.
● Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
● Use good sunscreen.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the healthy habit of applying sunscreen, which is essential for proper sun exposure. Both for light skin and for dark skin.
It is therefore essential to know how to correctly choose the type of cream suitable for our skin type, applying it in the right ways and at the right times, such as: before exposure to the sun, every time you get wet or sweat intensely, two hours AFTER since the last application. Thanks to these precautions we will be able to fully enjoy the sun and its benefits!
However, the effectiveness of sunscreen largely depends on the correct application of the product and most of us use too little of it. In general, you need to apply around 2 mg of sunscreen per square centimeter to enjoy all the protective benefits. In other words, it takes about 20 mg of product for each single application.
An amount that's roughly double what people actually apply to their skin, according to Antony Young, a professor of experimental photobiology at King's College London. In fact, a previous study found that the vast majority of people only apply one third of the recommended dosage for sunscreen.
It is important to underline, for those who do not want to give up tanning in any way, that sunscreen, in addition to protecting us from a whole series of disadvantageous conditions, does not prevent our skin from obtaining the complexion we so desire. Even the highest protections do not prevent the skin tissue from getting tanned as the melanin is still produced by our skin as soon as we expose ourselves to UVA rays. That said, we just have to figure out which sunscreen can do for us.
But how can we recognize it?
There are many types of skin and each reaction to the sun is unique. There are those who tend to get burned immediately, those who get red, and those who manage to get a natural tan without side effects.
To correctly choose a sunscreen it is important to know your phototype, that is a classification determined on the quality and quantity of melanin present in our skin: It indicates the reaction of the skin to UVA rays and the type of tan we are going to get.
● Phototype 1: Blond or red hair with very light skin
● Phototype 2: Blond or brown hair with fair skin
● Phototype 4: Brown hair with moderately sensitive skin
● Phototype 5: Black / dark brown hair and olive complexion
● Phototype 6: Very dark / black hair and non-sensitive skin.
Once we have taken note of our skin type, all that remains is to choose the right sunscreen for us!
For this reason DrLauranne makes available the HELIO C line, designed and made with natural ingredients, studied and selected by professionals in the sector who care about health and personal care.
To be classified as such, sunscreen products must contain one or more ingredients from those listed in Annex VI of Law 1223 of 2009. These ingredients are classified as chemical filters and due to their chemical structure they are able to transform UV rays into rays not offensive to our skin.
Our creams:
Our creams are rich in shea butter to give softness and rapid absorption to the product, they are also rich in Vitamin C for its renowned antioxidant capabilities.
● Low protection sunscreen: with an ultra-light texture that is rapidly absorbed without greasing, with UVA and UVB filters and vitamin C.
- Suitable for skin types 4, 5 and 6.
● Medium protection sun cream: With an ultra-light, fast-absorbing texture, non-greasy. With UVA and UVB filter and vitamin C.
- Suitable for skin types 3 and 4.
● High protection sun cream: With an ultra-light, rapidly absorbed, non-greasy texture. With UVA and UVB filter and vitamin C
- Suitable for phototype 1, 2 and 3.
To complete the HELIO C line, Dr. Lauranne proposes:
● MEDIUM protection sun oil: SUN oil with MEDIUM protection factor, for a safe, intense and long-lasting tan; oil-non-oil formula with wheat germ, rice bran and carrot oils (source of beta carotene). With MEDIUM UVA-UVB protection, it promotes tanning.
- Suitable for skin types 3 and 4.
● HIGH protection SPRAY sun oil: SPRAY sun oil with HIGH protection factor, for a safe, intense and long-lasting tan; fast absorbing dry oil formula with isopropyl myristate, Diethylhexyl Sebacate and carrot (source of beta carotene). With HIGH UVA-UVB protection, it promotes tanning. NEW ENTRY
- Suitable for phototype 1, 2 and 3.
● Moisturizing body emulsion: Moisturizing body emulsion, rapidly absorbed, counteracts the dehydration of skin exposed to the sun, for a soft and deeply nourished skin.
● After Sun Emulsion: Milky emulsion rich in macadamia butter and calming plant extracts (chamomile, mallow, witch hazel), soothes, refreshes and calms skin previously exposed to the sun.
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