The summer it is a period associated with increased exposure to the sun, as well as bathing in the sea, two factors that affect the structure and function of the skin. Although sunlight has an important role in the synthesis of vitamin D, excessive exposure without proper care can cause significant damage to the skin.
The most important enemy of the skin in summer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are two main types of radiation that reach the Earth’s surface. UV-A penetrates deeper into skin and is associated with photoaging. UV-B mainly affects the upper layers of the skin and is responsible for sunburn. UV radiation can cause damage to any skin type, even on cloudy days.
Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction of the skin that occurs a few hours after intense exposure mainly to UV-B radiation, however UV-A can also cause redness. Burns are divided according to the depth of the damage first, second and third degree. A fair phototype (blue eyes and naturally blonde or red hair) increases the susceptibility to sunburn.
The repeated burns, especially during childhood, have been associated with high risk of skin cancer. Symptoms include the appearance of intense redness accompanied by burning and pain and, to a greater extent, blistering burns. Extensive and severe burns may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Also, prolonged and repeated exposure without protection to solar radiation can lead to development of melanocytic (melanoma) and non-melanocytic (basal cell, squamous cell) skin cancer as well as precancerous changes through damage to the DNA of the cells. UV-B is the main form of UV radiation that leads to carcinogenesis, however UV-A also participates in this process.
Finally, prolonged exposure to solar radiation can lead to in the faster onset of premature aging of the skin (photoaging), which is characterized by wrinkles and sagging due to loss of elasticity, discoloration (brown spots, uneven color appearance, varicose veins) and a rougher texture. These changes are mainly caused by the chronic effect of UV-A radiation on the collagen and elastic fibers of the skin.
Sea and swimming pool against the skin
Their skin summer months suffers from dehydration due to exposure to high temperatures, seawater and pool chlorine. Contact with seawater for a short period of time can have a beneficial effect, but prolonged exposure combined with high temperatures can cause dryness. Sea salt and pool chlorine remove some of the natural lipids present on the surface of the skin.
The loss of water from the skin affects the function of the epidermal barrier, i.e. the skin’s natural protection system, leading to the appearance of dry skin, peeling and a feeling of discomfort or itching. These symptoms may be more intense in people with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin diseases.
Photodermatitises threaten
But what will happen to our skin when the sun interacts with certain substances? A phenomenon that occurs more often in the summer is photodermatitis due to external factors. It is about one skin reaction that occurs when certain substances are exposed to sunlight either during local application to the skin or after systemic intake. Examples of substances that can cause the appearance of photodermatitis are: essential oilscertain plants, perfumes, cosmetics but also drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and diuretics. Symptoms include redness, itching or burning, pain, blisters and crusting. Photosensitivity reactions can also occur in the context of diseases such as porphyria, lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis.
Prevention, proper care and early diagnosis of pathological skin changes play a key role in maintaining skin health and reducing the effects of sun exposure.
The golden rules of summer care
– Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (UV-A, UV-B) with a high protection index (SPF30) at least 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun and using a lip-balm with an anti-sun protection index. Regular renewal of the sunscreen every two hours (earlier after swimming or heavy sweating).
– Use products suitable for your skin type: depending on phototype, skin type (dry, oily, mixed), products suitable for skin diseases, e.g. acne, waterproofs, if you do water sports. Do not use last year’s or expired products.
– Limit sun exposure and seek shadeespecially during the period between 11.00-16.00 when the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is higher. Use of protective glasses, clothing and a hat with a sun protection factor (UPF).
– Skin care after sun exposure by using topical moisturizing products. Also, after returning from the sea or the pool, it is necessary to rinse the skin with clean water and apply to the whole body a moisturizing cream with ingredients that restore the epidermal barrier.
– Be careful as some products increase sensitivity to the sun, such as cosmetics or pharmaceutical preparations. Before exposure to the sun, it is advisable to avoid the application of products containing substances with a possible photosensitizing effect.
– Maintaining skin hydration through proper hydration of the body. Consume adequate amount of water especially after heavy sweating, as well as adequate amount of fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, melon, tomato and cucumber.
– Check your skin regularly. In case of changes (damage with a change in size, color, shape or bleeding) consult a dermatologist immediately. An annual, preventive dermatological examination is also recommended.
