You probably know that it is important to protect your skin all year round. Do you know why? The skin is exposed to UVA, UVB and IR radiation from the sun both winter and summer, which is why it needs year-round protection. During the summer we need to be even more careful, since the sun’s rays are more intense, increasing the risk to our skin.
Don’t ever forget that a tan is a skin reaction to an attack from the sun. Melanocytes are the skin’s response to the rays of the sun. They produce a brown pigment called melanin, that gives skin natural protection. However, in spite of this mechanism, damage caused by ultraviolet light (UV) builds up in the skin. Your skin has a memory! The longer you are exposed to the sun, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer and damaging the structure and function of your skin.
That’s why it is recommended you stay out of the sun between 11.00 and 16.00, find a shady place and always use a broad spectrum sunscreen that gives maximum protection. Also remember that a healthy lifestyle and not smoking helps to keep skin healthy.
The ABCDE of the skin
There are five factors known as the ABCDE rule that warn us that a mole is not benign: Asymmetry, uneven Borders, uneven Colour, Diameter of more than 6 mm and the Evolution of the appearance of the mole. Checking your own skin regularly is important to early detection of cancer, which can be better treated when caught quickly. Even so, in case of doubt, seek professional advice.
And don’t forget, the sun is the source of life. Learn to enjoy it carefully all year round.