Ελληνικά
We live in a country where we can enjoy the sunlight practically all year-round. However, let’s not forget that the sun has its own “instructions for use”, and that we should be careful when basking in its light. Dr Pantelis Souvatzidis, dermatologist-venereologist, explains the effects of the sun to our skin and suggests ways with which we can keep our skin safe from the harmful effects of solar radiation.
Many people believe that tanning makes the skin appear beautiful or healthier, but the exact opposite is true. “Tanning was brought into fashion by Coco Chanel in the 1930’s. Her aim was to show that the rich middle class of the time also had the right to enjoy the sea and the sun, because until then a tan was considered to be the distinguishing mark of farmers and sailors”, explains Dr Pantelis Souvatzidis, dermatologist-venereologist.
This, however, is not the case. The sun is responsible for a multitude of problems: sunburns, photoageing (wrinkles) and numerous skin lesions such as blotches, haemangiomas (red spots), freckles and others, which might not be dangerous to our health or life-threatening but do affect our appearance, significantly and negatively.
► Damage caused by the sun
The most immediate and obvious consequence of overexposure to the sun is the sunburn, which ranges from mild skin redness and burning sensation to the appearance of blisters.
However, the sun has other effects, less obvious than sunburns. Exposure to the sun can cause damage at a cellular level to the various skin layers, with the appearance of inflammatory infiltrations, vasodilation and other manifestations. In any case, the most serious damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is carcinogenesis. This is due to damage of skin cell DNA, which leads to mutations. In addition, exposure to UV radiation can activate or aggravate conditions such as lupus, herpes, rosacea and others.
Lastly, the sun causes “photoageing”, a condition which includes blotches, spots, telangiectasias and, of course, wrinkles.
Based on all this, “any reasonable person would rather have healthy skin, perhaps not as tanned, than tanned skin full of wrinkles, blotches, discolorations and telangiectasias. They should know that the sun causes all of these”, notes Dr Souvatzidis.
However, we mustn’t forget that the sun also has many beneficial properties at a cellular and psychological level. Many skin conditions, such as psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema, improve significantly after exposure to the sun. Also, sunlight has a unique role in the production of vitamin D.
► Ultraviolet radiation
The sun is the primary source of UV radiation. There are three types of ultraviolet radiation:
UVA: This is the radiation that results in having a suntan. It doesn’t cause burns, and so we think of it as harmless, but it actually causes problems indirectly in the long term.
UVB: This is the type of radiation responsible for sunburns. UVA and UVB are equally dangerous because they cause skin cancer and photoageing.
UVC: This is the most dangerous type but it is absorbed by atmospheric ozone and does not reach the Earth’s surface. This is the reason why depletion of the ozone layer can cause serious health problems.
The skin and the eyes are most affected by ultraviolet radiation; hair and nails receive more exposure but these are less significant from a medical point of view. Excessive exposure to solar UV radiation can lead to immediate and chronic health problems in the skin, the eyes and the immune system, as well as to DNA damage.
Immediate effects from exposure to UV radiation include skin burns and photokeratitis. Chronic effects are skin cancer and premature ageing, cataracts, pterygium and keratopathy.
UVB causes sunburns and various forms of skin cancer. UVA affects the dermal tissue and can change the structure of collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, thus accelerating its ageing. The negative effects of sunburns are cumulative, becoming more severe as our exposure increases throughout our lifetime.
► After the sun, what do we do?
As expected, after exposure to the sun our skin is thirsty and needs rich and intensive rehydration. Dr.Organic can provide this solution, with a range of products that take care of the skin, giving you perfectly hydrated, smooth and soft skin.
ü For skin dehydrated and irritated from the sun, try the cool and restorative Organic Aloe Vera Gel with Cucumber, Witch Hazel and Calendula. Thanks to its cucumber, aloe, calendula, hamamelis and arnica ingredients, it provides four benefits at once: it rehydrates, rejuvenates, strengthens and repairs the skin. Ideal for daily use as a rehydration product for the entire body, suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
ü The Organic Aloe Vera Skin Lotion is a soothing and restorative hydration product, ideal for dry, irritated, damaged and sunburned skin. It is enriched with cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, Irish moss, vitamins A and E, and it is designed to penetrate even the driest layers of skin, producing visibly hydrated and elastic skin.
ü With Organic Coconut Oil Body Wash, rehudration begins in the shower! It contains organic coconut oil, known for its nutritious and hydrating properties, and is rich in medium-length triglycerides which hydrate the skin. It can hydrate and rejuvenate and gives a rich sense of freshness! Just what you need after exposure to the sun.
ü In addition to its unique smell, the Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Body Soufflé works wonders on the skin. It has exceptional hydrating and softening properties and, thanks to its rich nutrients, it can repair and nourish dried areas of the skin. It is suitable for use on the entire body, leaving no oily residue on the skin.
ü Made from the purest and richest mineral salts from the Dead Sea, and an exclusive mixture of organic oils and extracts, the Organic Dead Sea Minerals Body Polish offers an amazing spa experience: its therapeutic exfoliating grains soften and smoothen the skin, while promoting cellular regeneration, repair and intensive hydration of the skin.
ü Don’t forget your day cream! Use it before applying sunscreen. Choose a cream with antioxidant, hydrating and restorative effects, like the Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Day Cream, which is rich in Arganyl. It provides deep nourishment for the skin and protects cells from harmful free radicals. Its composition helps increase collagen production, making skin appear visibly younger as soon as it is applied. You can also continue to hydrate your skin overnight, with the Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Night Cream. Thanks to its primary ingredient, the organic argan oil, and its gentle composition, it is ideal for night-time hydration and repair as the skin rests.
ü You can also care for your skin one or two times every week by applying the Organic Manuka Honey Face Mask, with two effects in one: deep cleansing and hydration. Its primary ingredient, manuka honey, helps absorb excess skin oils by cleaning the pores and improving skin texture and elasticity while also hydrating it. It is enriched in aloe vera, kaolin, shea butter, cocoa butter and vitamin E and provides unique smoothness and glow.
Source: https://www.solgar.gr/en/blog
