The ritual repeats itself every year: Most of us arrive at the beginning of summer pale and sallow and end it tanned and satisfied. So yes, we are pleased with the beautiful color we get, but we are causing serious damage to our skin and health. How can we still manage to go outside and stay healthy?
Dr. Lehavit Ackerman, a dermatologist, explains: "As summer approaches, the demand for purchasing sunscreen increases by tens of percent. People are starting to think about their skin again in preparation for summer, despite the fact that it is necessary to do so all year round."
Here are some tips on what is important to focus on when buying a sunscreen for sun protection:
It should be noted that the product protects against both UVB radiation (expressed in a number next to SPF) and UVA coverage - which should be indicated on the packaging and not in a number.
It is important to know that a sunscreen with SPF 34 covers 97% of UVB radiation, so you do not need a higher protection factor than that (except in certain cases of sun sensitivity or pigmentation problems, in which case SPF 50 is also important).
There are several strict standards: the European standard is one of the strictest, and the Australian is next. This is not indicated on the packaging itself and should be checked with a dermatologist if it is important to the buyer.
It is important to buy from a reputable and well-known company in order to be sure that what is listed on the packaging is actually present in the product (recently, products that did not contain the desired amount of sunscreen listed on the packaging were removed from the shelves).
It is important to choose a product that has a comfortable texture to use. There are now a variety of products - white, brown, transparent, watery, thick - it is important to choose what suits everyone. Application should be a regular part of the daily routine - if it is not comfortable for the user, it cannot be done on a regular basis (a sticky ointment on a frantic child or a sticky cream on a sweating athlete - the texture will be less suitable)
Some products cause tearing and burning in the eyes - it is important to know this and avoid contact with the eyes - and to change the product if necessary - the burning and tearing will not go away on their own. It is not possible to know in advance who will develop these symptoms and to which product.
Pay attention to the expiration date on the product. Sunscreen also has a shelf life.
Makeup that contains sunscreen and moisturizer that contains sunscreen - most companies provide combined products with only SPF 20, which is not enough. You can find individual products combined with SPF (above). If you apply makeup - it will be on top of the sunscreen, and if you apply moisturizer and then a sunscreen - then moisturize first and only then sunscreen.
The tips were written by Dr. Lehavit Ackerman A dermatologist at Clalit Health Services and manager of two private clinics, Lahabit offers a wide range of facial treatments to maintain the skin.
Photos: Press
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