For this second stage of the Do It Yourself week of the summer , I give you all the necessary information you need to enjoy the summer yes, but while being vigilant to your well-being.
You will learn more about the harmful effects of the sun and the interest of protecting yourself from it. But do you know why? What are its actions and how does it damage our skin and our health? Also, exposure raises our body temperature. That's why I'm going to tell you THE essential product to refresh you throughout the day!
The diy week is not only about simple routines, it is also about providing you with prevention information. So, let's go for this second step!
Everything you need to know about the sun...
Throughout the year, whatever the season, our skin is subjected to UV, visible and infrared radiation generated by the sun. These radiations penetrate at different scales in the skin. In other words, certain "components" of our skin vary this degree of penetration. In addition, our skin has optical properties. That is to say, it is capable of reflection and absorption.
Our body has a complex system, called "sun capital".
These are natural defenses we have to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It is unique and is part of our genetic heritage, varying from one individual to another. We are therefore not all equal in the face of the sun! With each exposure, this "sun capital" decreases and this throughout our life...
The sun has several effects on our skin. Some are immediate, others visible in the long term.
The immediate effects are as follows:
Synthesis of vitamin D : UVBs are responsible for this. Upon contact with the skin, UVB rays cause a reaction that degrades a molecule present in the skin. This is provitamin D3, which it transforms into previtamin D3 and then into vitamin D3. We call this photolysis. This vitamin D3 will then travel through the blood and be transported to the liver and kidneys where it will be transformed into vitamin D. Its role is bone growth and the fixing of calcium on the bones.
Caloric action: infrared rays are responsible for this. This triggers the production of heat, raising our body temperature and thus sweating.
Immediate pigmentation : due to UVA. Skin goes dark within minutes of exposure, giving an immediate light tan. This tan disappears in a few hours.
The delayed effects are:
Sunburn : caused by UVB rays, these cause an inflammatory reaction whose intensity, duration and time of appearance vary according to the person.
Thickening of the epidermis : sun exposure causes the thickening of this first layer of the skin offering better protection against UV rays. Our skin goes into "self-defense" mode!
The tan : the tan that we appreciate having at the end of our holidays is actually a natural defense mechanism of the skin. This process corresponds to the increase of the melanic pigment, responsible for the color of the skin. When exposed to the sun, UVB will stimulate melanocytes (molecules synthesizing pigments), thus greatly increasing their synthesis and therefore the tan.
The long term effects are:
Skin aging : caused by UVA rays, they cause pigmentation spots, wrinkles and other slackening of the skin on the areas of the body that have been exposed.
Skin cancers : exposure to the sun is the main factor in skin cancers...
Our advices !
Use a suitable high-factor sunscreen, preferably organic and environmentally friendly. Apply generously and regularly.
Avoid exposure at times when the sun generates the most radiation (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
Promote shade.
Use accessories: caps, sunglasses...
Against the heat and to avoid heatstroke: hydrate yourself!
Use a mist spray for a cooling effect all over your face and neck.
For this last tip, we have a suitable product! This is our flower hydrosol. You can choose the one you prefer! On our shop, we offer hydrosols with rose, peppermint, orange blossom or even witch hazel... For an instant and above all very pleasant fresh effect!
If you missed step one of prepping your skin, that's right. here.