The doctor gave advice on protecting the skin and hair during the period of solar activity

Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the body produces serotonin, which improves the emotional state. However, excessive exposure to sunlight can be harmful to health, Zarema Omarova, a dermatologist, cosmetologist, and co-owner of Dr. Omarov's clinic network, told Izvestia on May 17. The expert gave some tips on protecting skin and hair during the period of solar activity.

"Insufficient UV protection can lead to burns in the short term, and in the long term to premature skin aging (photoaging), disorders of cellular processes, and even the development of cancer. Solar radiation triggers the formation of free radicals in the skin — reactive oxygen species that damage the DNA of cells. This disrupts the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, and existing fibers are fragmented," she explained.

According to her, one of the most striking signs of photoaging is elastosis, the destruction of the structure of elastin fibers.

The owners of light skin type demonstrate the greatest vulnerability to photo-aging. However, the key factor remains the level of the body's own protective resources — the antioxidant potential, which can and should be maintained, the doctor emphasized.

"It is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to protecting the skin from the destructive effects of the sun. First of all, it is important to use sunscreens. Use broad-spectrum products (UVA/UVB) with an SPF of at least 50. Apply the cream 15-20 minutes before going outside. It is necessary to update the protection every 90 minutes, as well as after bathing or active sweating," Omarova noted.

She added that before reapplying the cream, it is advisable to wash off or remove the remnants of the previous layer with a napkin. A serum with antioxidants should be applied under the sunscreen, it will enhance protection and neutralize free radicals.

"Equally important is skin hydration. To do this, use light fluid textures instead of dense creams. Before the SPF cream, apply mist or spray tonic — it will prepare the skin and enhance hydration. But the use of thermal water under the active sun should be treated with caution, drops can increase the evaporation of moisture and attract sunlight, increasing dryness of the skin," said the dermatologist.

The cosmetologist emphasized that after exposure to the sun, the skin also needs special care. To restore the skin, you should use products with a moisturizing and soothing effect: with panthenol, aloe vera, beta-glucan. To cleanse the skin, you should use mild cleansers — for example, foams, mousses with moisturizing ingredients. It is also necessary to minimize the use of decorative cosmetics: dense foundation can clog pores, provoking inflammation. Special attention should be paid to the skin of the lips, it does not have a full-fledged protective stratum corneum, so it burns easily and loses moisture. For lips, you need to use a balm with SPF during the day and a regenerating agent with tripeptide-29 at night.

"During the period of solar activity, the eyes and hair need care. Protect your eyes with sunglasses with high-quality UV filters. If necessary, use moisturizing drops. Apply special sprays with UV filters to your hair and wear hats," Omarova advised.

The expert called dehydration a hidden enemy of the skin. She advised drinking 1.5–2 liters of water a day in small portions. This will support the intercellular fluid necessary for the normal functioning of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. When there is a lack of moisture, the skin becomes dry, dull, loses elasticity and becomes more susceptible to the sun.

"In the heat, changes are required not only by care, but also by diet. During this period, it will be useful to add tomatoes to the diet, they are rich in lycopene and vitamin C, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach — a source of carotenoids that protect against free radicals, fish, it contains omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin, which support the protective functions of the skin, as well as natural yoghurts that help improve intestinal microflora, which directly it affects the condition of the skin," the doctor added.

Earlier, on April 7, Ilnur Zubairov, a rheumatologist and expert at Solgar, listed body signals indicating a lack of trace elements to Izvestia. According to him, the presence of white dots on the nail plates may indicate a lack of vitamins and trace elements such as zinc, calcium, iodine, vitamin A. In addition, he explained that the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include dry and split hair, fatigue, swollen and painful joints.