Learn again, as every year, to protect yourself from the sun

• Direct: latest news from coronavirus
• Tips.Telework These are the keys to take care of your eyes without being ripped off
• Doubts. Masks, the "must" of the 'new normal'

Although protecting ourselves from the sun is always essential, this year we have plenty of reasons to do even better. In spring, during the months of confinement, our skin has not carried out the usual photoadaptation process in which melanin timidly appears in the epidermis to protect us. That is to say, at this point many of us are still whiter than a sheet and we have to be especially careful because the risk of burning may be greater.

These are the answers to the 'what', 'how', 'how much', 'when' and, above all, 'why' of photoprotection.

1. WHAT sunscreen do I choose?

The sun protection factor (SPF) tells us the number of times that the sunscreen increases our ability to "not burn" compared to what we would have without the sunscreen. That is, if it takes a minute for hair to appear on our skin a certain redness or erythema, applying a SPF 30 would take thirty times more: 30 minutes.

The choice of the SPF will depend on the phototype of each person , the time of year when we are going to apply it and the place of exposure, among many other factors. In general, those offering high (30-50) and very high (50+) protection are considered suitable.

2. HOW should the format be?

Beyond you, you give me cream of a lifetime, today we have innovative formulations and textures adapted to each type of skin and needs. From more creamy formats (especially indicated for dry or more sensitive skin) to sprays (they are usually preferred by the male sector, for that of the chest-wolf ), through gels, biphasic, sticks and even facial powder with brush that can serve as complement to reapply, for example, before sitting on a terrace in a city. Be careful with the mists, because the wind blows them on the beach! In the case of opting for aerosol formats, it is important to ensure that sufficient product is applied to the skin . There is no doubt that the non-touch formats are very comfortable and attractive, but the quantity of product, which is the mother of the lamb in photoprotection as we will see in the next point , should not be neglected .

3. HOW MUCH sunscreen do I apply?

Size matters ... and in sunscreens too. It is calculated that, in order to actually apply the SPF indicated on the packaging (50+, 30, etc.), an adult should use about 35 grams of cream throughout the body for each application . If we consider that the containers are usually 200 grams, with one container we would have for approximately six applications. Six apps! I know, nobody uses that much cream. But now that you know, you are sure to be more generous . Conclusion: choose big size, walk or not walk.

A simple rule to remember how much to apply is the 'victory symbol'. It consists of applying the photoprotector to the length of the index and middle finger making the well-known gesture. That is the amount that we should apply, at least, in each of the areas of the body, that is, we would apply a 'symbol of victory' on the face, another on one arm, another on the other arm, another on the chest...

4. WHEN should the sunscreen be applied?

It is recommended to apply it between 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and then comply with the golden rule: reapply it every two hours and whenever we get out of the water . Reapplication is the great neglected one, and is key to photoprotection.

5. WHY should we use sunscreen?

We have bad news: in Spain the incidence of skin cancer has increased. This may be largely due to unprotected exposure during the first years of life. We are born with a certain 'solar capital', that is, with specific defenses against the sun. As we expose ourselves unprotected, those defenses wear thin and when they are gone ... we are sold.

The bad guys in the film are UVB and UVA rays. UVB radiation is more energetic and responsible for sunburn. UVA radiation (with the 'A' that can cause allergies and wrinkles) is less energetic but penetrates deeply and helps UVB in its evil plan to produce melanoma. Therefore, it is essential that sunscreens not only defend us against UVB radiation, but also against UVA.

Last year's sunscreen, in the trash.

Once opened, the photoresists have a useful life of approximately one year. How do we know when our sunscreen 'expires'? Look on the packaging for the symbol of a jar with the lid open. The number accompanying the symbol indicates the number of months the product retains its properties once opened. Using it after that date can be like putting on a body milk , without more.

Office or 'the reader's question'

Do we have to put a sunscreen under the mask?

It's the million dollar question these days. Do I apply the cream all over my face or just 'on top'? The reality is that throughout these weeks dermatologists are detecting an increase in acne breakouts and other pathologies, such as rosacea . To put it simply: the sweat and cream macerate with the heat creating a divine microclimate and this could cause problems for the skin. For this reason, in some cases it may be advisable not to use the sunscreen under the mask. In any case, there is no need to be alarmed, nor is this coffee for everyone . Whether this happens will depend on your skin type, the mask you wear (it is not the same to wear a FFP2 as a cloth hygiene), the activity you are going to do and also the type of cream chosen. Remember that, in addition to photoprotection, there is photoevitation. Especially if you are not going to apply the sunscreen under the mask, it is important to resort to other measures such as the use of caps or hats . When in doubt, doctors and pharmacists can help you make the right decision.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

• Science and health
• Cancer

Pau Donés cancer, the second cause of death from tumors in Spain

Health "Aplidin is the most powerful antiviral that has ever been described"

InterviewThe director of the Institute of Pharmacological Research of Italy: "The new positives in coronaviruses are not contagious, we stop fear"

See links of interest

• News
• Translator
• Programming
• Calendar
• Horoscope
• Classification
• League calendar
• Films
• Cut notes
• Themes
• Multiple sclerosis

• Wolverhampton Wanderers - Arsenal
• Real Valladolid - Alavés
• Sassuolo - Lecce
• Chelsea - Watford
• Athletic Club - Real Madrid, live