Carry sunscreen with you all year round!

Sunscreen. First it burns and burns, and then it hurts unpleasantly! And what's worse, you don't even know when it will get you. That's why it's better to prevent sunburns instead of curing them. But why do we usually remember about the sunscreen only when we are planning a holiday? And what about your skin? Why should sunscreen always be in your handy essentials?

These questions will be answered by cosmetologist Agnieszka Kozłowska, M.Sc.

Sunlight, i.e. ultraviolet radiation, has harmful effects on the skin. Often you are not aware that daily walks in the sun, with exposed skin, cause long-term photo-aging and skin discoloration. In addition, acute conditions, i.e. sunburn, can later lead to vasodilation, dryness and dehydration of the skin, DNA degradation and even skin cancer.

As we age, the signs of photo-ageing become more visible. Patients who come to see me are surprised to learn that these are the most difficult changes to eradicate. To make matters worse, no matter where you are, UVA and UVB rays are everywhere, so it's worth taking preventative measures. And that goes for the WHOLE YEAR.

What are UVB and UVA rays?

UVB rays are shorter and are responsible for skin burns in summer, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin regardless of the season, causing photo-aging and also increasing the risk of skin cancer.

To prevent the negative effects of radiation, sun protection with a factor of at least 30 SPF should be used. During office visits I always emphasise that in order for the skin protection to be effective, only professional cosmetics should be used, e.g. Mesoprotech Mesoestetic line - a line of new generation sunscreens for all skin types.

The sunscreens we choose should state that they protect against UVA rays - which affect the deep layers of the skin, destroying collagen without visible irritation on the skin, and UVB rays - which irritate the skin, causing it to redden and burn. It is UVB radiation that is carcinogenic.

Which filters to use?

You can choose between two basic sunscreens:

-Minerals that reflect the sun's rays like a mirror. They do not cause irritations or allergies. They are ideal for children and people with skin allergies or other skin disorders. They cause a whitening effect on the skin due to the content of, among others, zinc oxide.

-Chemicals, which absorb radiation. They will protect the skin better against UVA radiation, but may cause irritation to sensitive skin. It is important to keep an eye on the time between applications.

Remember! Sunscreens minimise the risk of negative consequences, but do not eliminate them.