To prevent the deterioration of the skin and get it to function properly we must drink a lot of water, exercise daily, eat a healthy diet and protect ourselves against the sun.
This last precaution becomes most important during the hot summer months, regardless of skin type or color. Fortunately, there are simple measures that can be taken to avoid taking any risk.
The skin is the largest organ in our body and is divided into two layers, epidermis and dermis, which allow it to regenerate, be waterproof, resistant, flexible and stay active during the 24 hours of the day. Among its main functions are:
- Function as a protective barrier, because it has a variety of cellular and immunological mechanisms that take care of us from diseases, extreme temperatures and injuries such as bumps or burns. It also absorbs what is beneficial to the body and filters what is harmful.
- Function as a receptor. Its nerve endings allow the body to receive the stimuli that touch produces us. It is estimated that for each cm² of skin we can find more than 4. 500 sensitive receptors, which send immediate information to the brain.
- Control metabolism, retaining important substances, keeping us hydrated and eliminating harmful substances. It is also capable of regulating body temperature.
- Absorb and distribute vitamin D. It is scarce in most foods, for this reason we must obtain it by exposing the skin in the sun.
The skin can also suffer infections, such as cellulitis, folliculitis or impetigo, and diseases, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis or cancer, among others.
Effect of the sun on the skin
Caucasians are considered more sensitive to damage caused by the sun , especially during the summer, compared to Hispanics or African Americans.
- The most important vitamins to take care of your skin
This is due to the lower production of melanin, a pigment that gives the skin its color and which in large quantities reduces the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Medium-dark skin filters UV radiation up to twice as much as light skin, according to the National Cancer Institute.
But don’t be fooled by this, Even though Hispanics or African Americans don’t burn as fast as Caucasians, they can still suffer from sun exposure. The most common signs are redness, pain, heat or tension in the skin.
Take into account these factors to avoid taking any risks during the summer:
Take care of the sun
During the summer it is common to wear little or short clothes, however, spending a lot of time in the sun can generate marks on the skin.
In the case of people with fair skin, fine lines or wrinkles, while those with dark skin will see changes in pigmentation, usually dark spots or uneven tones throughout the skin.
To avoid problems, experts recommend covering most of the body with light clothing. This way we will protect the skin without going too hot.
Use a good protector
Regardless of your skin color, use a sunscreen of 30 SPF, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology. He also advises applying every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating a lot.
Try to use a good amount of sunscreen, especially in areas that go unnoticed, such as the back of the feet and hands, ears or neck.
To avoid thick protectors, pasty or white, the best option requires trial and error, but you can start by consulting more liquid and transparent formulas.
Remember, when it is cloudy you must also take care of yourself, since clouds can only filter up to 20% of UV radiation. These precautionary measures also extend to when you are swimming, since the water only filters UV rays by 50%.
Controls the skin
Although skin cancer is less common among skin people obscure, these populations have higher mortality rates from this disease.
Scientific evidence indicates that this may be due to the fact that both African Americans and Hispanics are usually diagnosed when the disease is already advanced.
This situation is due to the fact that the first signals are rarely noticed, This type of cancer looks different depending on the skin, since professionals do not usually conceive the possibility of this disease when it comes to people with dark skin.
Any change in the skin, spots, color changes, appearance of moles or modifications in the texture, deserves to be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Dangerous areas
Unlike Caucasians, who typically develop cancer skin in those areas that have greater exposure to UV rays, African Americans can develop it on the soles of the feet, their palms or under the nails.
Another aspect that should not be neglected are scars, especially those caused by thermal or chemical burns. Try to cover them to reduce your exposure to the sun.
The areas where the scars are found are more likely to develop skin cancer. If you see that it changes shape, becomes inflamed or altered, do not hesitate to consult a professional.
Who is most at risk
As we explained, we are all at risk of damage from constant exposure to the sun during the summer. However, the following groups must take special care:
- Under 6 months, since they cannot use sunscreen.
- Under 1 year, since the regular use of protectors is not recommended in these cases. Consult a health professional for special formulas.
- People with a history of skin cancer.
- People with cancer.
- People with photosensitive diseases, such as Lupus.
- People with skin infections.
- People who use drugs with photosensitizing effects, such as antibiotics, diuretics or blood pressure drugs.
- People who have many moles.
Sources consulted : Academia American Institute of Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Cancer Institute, Lupus Foundation of America.