Sun and Sun Protection

Sunlight is an important energy source for our health. It primarily contributes to the production of vitamin D, which is essential for bone development, and also has healing effects in destroying harmful microorganisms and treating certain skin diseases. Alongside these beneficial effects, its harmful aspects have come to the forefront in recent years. Excessive and uncontrolled exposure to sunlight can lead to freckling, darkening, and thickening of the skin, wrinkles, the formation of fine blood vessels, and most importantly, skin cancers. Acute effects of sunlight can also cause sunburn and sun allergies. Acute, severe sunburns and uncontrolled tanning during childhood can create DNA damage in skin cells, leading to skin cancer.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. People with sensitive skin types prone to sunburns, those who spend long periods in the sun and sunbathe, individuals with existing moles that change in size, color, or shape, or those who develop new atypical moles on normal-looking skin may be at risk for melanoma. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Even if we cannot completely avoid sunlight, it is possible to protect ourselves by taking certain precautions. These include wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and tightly woven light-colored clothing during all seasons when exposed to the sun, staying in the shade during peak sun hours (10:00 – 16:00), avoiding sunbathing and tanning beds, consciously using sunscreens according to skin type, applying high-protection factor (SPF 50-30) sunscreens 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every 2-4 hours, and not exposing infants younger than 6 (six) months directly to sunlight, as sunscreen use is not suitable for them.

Important points to consider include choosing sunscreens that are effective against both UVA and UVB, regularly checking your skin, and consulting your dermatologist if you notice any changes. Today's sunscreen products are frequently preferred because they offer high protection, are widely used, and have few side effects.

Specialist Dermatologist - Şeniz DÖKMECİ