Let's enjoy the holidays by avoiding sunburn! (Sunburn)

We all love to go on trips with friends, play on the beach, and spend some time outdoors in the sun. But when we come home from being outside all day, our skin is red and inflamed , right? Some people think that this is just a "tan" and a healthy look. But it's actually not a healthy sign. It means that your skin has been damaged, which means your skin has been burned.

If you're thinking, "I don't burn when I go out in the sun, I just tan," doctors say that's actually a risk. Because, any time your skin is exposed to the sun without protection, it damages it. When we "tan" it is a signal that our skin has been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays . Over time, this exposure to the sun not only causes the skin to age faster (wrinkles, spots), but it can also lead to serious conditions such as skin cancers , such as ``Basal cell carcinoma'' and ``Melanoma.'' Therefore, even if you're not afraid of cancer, it is very important to protect your skin at least to think about your beauty.

But there's nothing to fear. This doesn't mean you should avoid the sun altogether. By understanding a little about how the sun damages your skin and following a few simple steps, you too can enjoy your vacation without getting burned. Let's see how.

How does the skin get sunburned?

Simply put, our skin naturally has a protective pigment. We call it melanin . This melanin pigment can protect our skin from the sun for a certain period of time. After that period, our skin starts to burn. The amount of protection you get depends on how much melanin you have in your skin.

How do you choose a sunscreen that suits you and apply it correctly?

The most important thing you can do to protect your skin from sun damage is to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body. This is important all year round, not just during the summer. Even if your makeup or moisturizer contains sunscreen, it's best to use a separate sunscreen, especially on sunny days.

Okay, so what should you look for when buying a sunscreen ?

Choosing a good sunscreen is as important as using it correctly . If you think that you only need to apply sunscreen when you go to the beach or on sunny days, you are wrong. It is best to make it a habit to apply sunscreen daily. Because even on cloudy days, we unknowingly expose our skin to the sun.

Keep these things in mind when using sunscreen

• Be on time: about 30 minutes before going outApply sunscreen. That's when it absorbs well into the skin and starts to provide protection.
• Apply enough: Applying too little will not provide adequate protection. Typically, you need about one ounce (about 30 ml) of sunscreen for your entire body at a time. In simple terms, you only need about two teaspoons for your face and neck. Be sure to also apply to areas that we tend to forget, such as ears, feet , and hairless areas .
• Reapply: Reapply sunscreen every two hours . Also, be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating heavily.

Other ways to protect yourself from the sun besides sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential, but there are other ways to protect your skin from the sun.

• Wear a hat: A wide-brimmed hat will provide good sun protection for your head, face , and the back of your neck.
• Choose clothing that fits: Dark-colored, tightly woven clothing provides good sun protection. For example, a white T-shirt has a low SPF of 4. If it gets wet, the protection is reduced even more. So, it's better to wear a dark-colored cover-up when going to the beach.
• Avoid peak sun hours: The sun is at its peak between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A simple way to remember is that if your shadow is shorter than you, reduce your exposure to the sun during those hours.
• Stay in the shade: Enjoy the outdoors in a shady spot, such as under a tree or under an umbrella. But remember, since the sun's rays reflect off the sand and water, using a large umbrella or several at the beach provides more protection.
• Protect your eyes: The skin on your eyelids is very delicate. That's why there is a high risk of skin cancer in that area. Also, excessive sunlight can cause cataracts. So, wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.
• Think about your lips too: Your lips can get sunburned too. They are also a common site for skin cancer. Actinic cheilitis, a precancerous condition that occurs especially around the lower lip, is now becoming more common. So use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher , and reapply it at least every two hours when you're out in the sun.