In the world of "Mad Max," the relentless sun scorches the post-apocalyptic landscapes, burning everything in its path. While our reality is less dramatic, the sun's rays remain a serious threat to our skin, requiring rigorous protection measures to prevent irreversible damage and skin cancer.
The Historical and Cultural Importance of Sun Protection
Protecting the skin from the sun's rays is a concept that dates back millennia. Ancient Egyptian civilizations used extracts of rice, jasmine, and lupin (LUPIN — An annual herbaceous plant with alternate digitated leaves and flowers that grow in long conical spikes, cultivated for forage, fertilizer, or its ornamental qualities, and whose seeds were used as food mainly in Antiquity) to protect themselves from the sun. Ancient Greeks applied olive oil for its moisturizing and protective properties. The importance of sun protection is also evident in Asian cultures, where beauty standards valued pale skin, leading to the use of parasols and plant-based creams to avoid tanning.
Sun Damage: A Growing Threat
The sun, a source of life, can also be a source of danger for our skin. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main culprits of skin damage, ranging from sunburns to skin cancers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 2 to 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 malignant melanomas occur globally each year.
Skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are the most common types. Melanoma, though less frequent, is the deadliest. In France, about 80,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, including 15,000 melanomas. These alarming statistics highlight the crucial importance of sun protection and regular skin exams to detect early signs of cancer.
Effective Methods to Protect Your Skin
Use of Sunscreen
Sunscreens come in two main forms: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, reflect UV rays.
Recommandations :
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, such as Thinksport Protection solaire SPF 50 Plus
Apply generously every two hours.
Reapply more frequently if sweating or swimming.
Use about 30 grams (equivalent to a shot glass) to cover the entire body.
Studies show that people often apply less than half the recommended amount of sunscreen, reducing its protective effectiveness.
Wear Protective Clothing
Clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses provide an additional barrier against the sun's harmful rays. Materials like polyester and nylon offer better protection than cotton. Dark and tightly woven clothes provide a better UV barrier compared to light and loose clothing.
Seek Shade
Limit direct sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are most intense. Even in the shade, UV rays can be reflected by surfaces like water, sand, and concrete, making it important to use sun protection in these conditions. Adopting this habit significantly reduces cumulative UV exposure and the associated risks of skin damage and cancer.
Regular Skin Examinations
Monthly self-exams and annual dermatologist visits are crucial for early detection of skin cancer. Look for changes in the shape, color, and size of moles and pigmented spots. Use the ABCDE rule to monitor melanomas:
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color variation
Diameter larger than 6 mm
Evolution in appearance
Pros and Cons of Sunscreens
Sunscreens offer numerous undeniable benefits. Regular use significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. Studies show that people who regularly use sunscreen have a 24% lower risk of developing melanoma compared to those who don't. Additionally, UV rays accelerate skin aging by destroying collagen and elastic fibers, leading to wrinkles, sunspots, and loss of elasticity. Using sunscreen regularly helps maintain younger, healthier skin by minimizing sun damage. | Pros:
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However, some drawbacks remain. Certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens, like oxybenzone, are controversial due to their absorption by the skin and potential health and environmental effects. These concerns have led to calls for stricter regulation and monitoring of sun protection products. Additionally, many people do not apply enough sunscreen, reducing its effectiveness. It is recommended to use about 30 grams (equivalent to a shot glass) to cover the entire body. Insufficient application can leave parts of the skin vulnerable to UV damage, diminishing the protective benefits of sunscreen. | Cons:
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New Advances and Treatments
For those who have already suffered sun damage, treatments are available to reduce precancerous lesions and prevent the development of skin cancers. These include topical creams like fluorouracil and photodynamic therapy. These treatments often require regular applications and annual follow-ups to be effective. Fluorouracil works by destroying damaged cells, while photodynamic therapy uses a light-activated photosensitive solution to target precancerous cells.
Conclusion
Protecting against sun damage is essential to prevent skin cancer and maintain healthy skin. Effective sun protection practices must be complemented by vigilance and regular dermatological exams. Adopt a proactive approach today to protect your skin and prevent future risks.
For more information, consult the recommendations of the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology.
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1 |  | Baby Sunscreen SPF 50 - Thinkbaby Hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals. |
2 |  | Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 - Blue Lizard Glides on easily, rubs in clear and dries smooth. |
3 |  | Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 - Thinkkids Non-sticky application for kids. |
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Sources for this article :
The Skin Cancer Foundation : https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) : https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS) : https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)-radiation-and-skin-cancer
Institut National du Cancer (France) : https://www.e-cancer.fr/Comprendre-prevenir-depister/Reduire-les-risques-de-cancer/Exposition-aux-rayonnements-UV Other sources:
https://www.wsjm.com/2024/07/02/doctor-offers-tips-to-avoid-damage-to-skin-during-summer/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/07/02/skin-sun-damage-cancer-melanoma/
https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/securite-soleil/bases-protection-solaire.html
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