The doctor told about the rules of safe tanning

In spring, the sun becomes especially aggressive: the proportion of ultraviolet radiation in its spectrum increases significantly. A dermatologist, cosmetologist, and co-owner of a network of clinics, Dr. Zarema Omarova, told Izvestia on May 8 how to sunbathe in the warm season without harm to health.

"After winter, the skin is weakened, its protective functions are reduced, and immunity, especially in people prone to allergies, is further weakened during the early flowering of plants. The result is a risk of sunburn, exacerbation of skin diseases, hyperpigmentation, allergic reactions and photoaging," she noted.

According to her, uncontrolled exposure to the sun is especially dangerous for owners of the first and second skin types, people with a tendency to hyperpigmentation, as well as in the presence of a large number of nevi — moles.

The doctor emphasized that the skin requires preparation for the sunny season. Before the beginning of summer, it is worth conducting a course of mild exfoliating peels to remove dead skin cells and prepare the skin for an even tan. The expert recommended alternating peeling procedures with biorevitalization procedures — injection support to protect skin cells from free radicals, moisturize and prevent signs of photoaging.

"General skin health care is also important: maintaining water balance, proper home care to moisturize and stabilize melanocytes, especially with a tendency to pigmentation, systemic correction of vitamin and trace element deficiencies, and hormonal stabilization," Omarova added.

The dermatologist explained that tanning can be safe if you get it under SPF protection: slowly, evenly and without harm to the skin. You should apply an SPF product in an amount of 2-3 ml on your face 15 minutes before going out in the sun — this approximately corresponds to the volume of a teaspoon. Before applying SPF, it is advisable to use a moisturizer with antioxidants for additional skin protection.

"Refresh your sunscreen every 90 minutes when actively exposed to the sun. If possible, it is recommended to wash off the remnants of the previous layer before applying the product again. If this is not possible, wipe the skin with a cloth before applying it again," the expert advised.

In addition, you need to choose light clothes made of natural fabrics, be sure to use sunglasses with filters, and complement protection with wide-brimmed hats or caps. At the same time, for a safe tan, it is preferable to stay in the sun before 11:00 or after 15:00, avoiding periods of maximum activity.

"It is important to understand that the SPF 50 label on the cream package does not mean full protection. An effective sunscreen should protect against both UVB and UVA rays - both labels should be indicated on the product. Pay attention to the composition: good creams contain physical filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or modern chemical filters," Omarova said.

At the first signs of a burn — redness, burning — the dermatologist advised cooling the skin with compresses, using panthenol or other means with a regenerating effect. However, alcohol and oil bases should be avoided. In case of blisters, high fever and chills, it is necessary to consult a doctor — self-opening of blisters is dangerous.

Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of photo-aging, hyperpigmentation and the development of skin cancer, the expert recalled.

Earlier, on April 15, Anastasia Likhoshurst, a technologist and developer of the cosmetics brand Arabia Laboratories, told Izvestia that the active sun can seriously damage hair in spring and summer. She recommended using a sunscreen spray for hair with UV filters, it creates a protective barrier against UV rays. Care products should be chosen with keratin, collagen and oil in the formulations.