Cristina López distinguished between damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVB) and UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin layer. PHOTO: Manuel Castells

According to Cristina López, manager of training of Laboratoires Avène, "clouds stop infrared radiation but not ultraviolet rays, which is why many burns occur on cloudy days". This is what the expert explained on the occasion of a talk on skin care that took place at the classroom Pharmacy internship of the University of Navarra.

The specialist distinguished between the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVB) -which directly affects our cellular DNA and causes the usual burns- and UVA radiation, which penetrates more into the dermis (the deep layer of the skin): "That is why sunscreens are required to be effective against both radiations". He also recommended the use of sunscreens throughout the year, because although UVB radiation is much more intense in summer, UVA radiation is constant. "This is especially important for people at risk or those who have skin blemishes," he clarified.

Regarding the effects of the sun, the speaker stated that "they are varied and range from a short sunburn deadline to skin cancer. The latter may be developing since childhood, when uncontrolled exposures leave their mark".

To decide what protection factor we should use, Cristina López described the three most common skin types: "People with brown eyes and hair, and fair skin that can get tanned can start with a high protection factor and go to average. For those who already have tanned skin and increase the color easily, a medium factor (20) would suffice; and those who have fair skin and never tan should not go below very high protection (SPF 50+)".
 

Use of the solarium is not recommended

To decide which protection factor to use, Cristina López described the three most common skin types.

Photo: Manuel Castells

The specialist, invited by the School of Pharmacy of the University of Navarra, added that the use of the solarium is not recommended, since UVA radiation is carcinogenic, just like UVB radiation. "So not only do we receive the radiation that comes from the solarium, but the skin accumulates that which it receives day by day with the normal sun exhibition ," she stressed.

Finally, the expert suggested using a sunscreen suitable for our skin and controlled exposure: "In the case of people who pigment and tend to tan, they will do so with both average and high protection. The only difference is that it will take longer. This is because there is no total screen and a small percentage of the radiation always reaches our skin and allows us to get a tan. This is not the case for people with little pigment, who should always seek maximum protection".

Interview with Ana Iglesias, from classroom Pharmacy internship, on 98.3 Radio: