Spring melts the snow and brings us renewed luminosity, as well as the gentle caressing warmth of the sun. Every year, many of us enjoy the sun's rays, some of us without worrying about their potential harmful effects on the skin.
These springtime sunrays often make us want to soak up some sun before summer arrives. Contrary to what one might think, it is just as dangerous for the skin as it is during the months of July or August. Since our skin is less exposed during the winter, it requires a gradual exposure, and especially a very cautious exposure to the sun's rays. Otherwise, it may make you pay the price, such as a sunburn that flames up like your carefree enthusiasm.
In small doses, the sun’s rays play a beneficial role on mood and help the production of vitamin D, which is essential to bone health. However, exposure to the sun, in fact, carries risks and requires protective measures regardless of the season.
The sun's ultraviolet rays mainly consist of UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns, the most common immediate adverse effects of sun exposure. As for UVA rays, they lead to aging of the skin. Both types of UV rays are involved in the development of skin cancer. Sun protection is essential to prevent these unwanted effects.
A sunscreen's protection factor is a measure of its effectiveness. This indication estimates the product's protection factor against UVB rays and, thus, against sunburns. The protection factor follows the term "SPF" (sun protection factor) on product labels.
Here is some advice to protect your skin against UV rays:
There are simple ways to maximize the benefits of your sunscreen:
Choose a texture (cream, gel, milk or spray) adapted to your needs and preferences. We tend to reapply a product with a texture that we like more often. A few precautions and the use of an adequate sunscreen will allow you to enjoy these sunny with your partner, friends or family! You will also safely fill up on vitamin D!
Speak to your pharmacist for additional information about sun protection and the products available.
