Sun rays: exposure. Harmful rays of the sun. The benefits and harms of the sun for human health Is the sun beneficial in small quantities?

Almost all living beings on planet Earth, including humans, need solar energy. People can feel the sun's warmth and light on their skin. But from year to year, all scientists talk about an ever-increasing level of radiation emanating from the Sun. Let's look at the pros and cons of tanning.

The healing power of the sun is known to everyone. It is easy enough to understand the human desire for the sun. The need for sunlight is genetically determined; it is completely different among different peoples - among southern peoples it is undoubtedly much higher than among northern ones. For example, the skin of a southerner who finds himself in the conditions of the Far North experiences severe stress, because the need for solar radiation, formed over generations, is not satisfied by the stingy northern sun.

Sunlight is involved in the reactions of maintaining the synthesis of insulin (pancreatic hormone) and maintains the balance of skin microflora. Well, the positive effect on the human psyche is no longer disputed by doctors. Let us also remember that under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D is produced - an important regulator of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the body - and serotonin - a substance (also called a “chemical messenger”) that controls impulses between the nerve cells of the brain, under whose “supervision” appetite, sleep, mood and human emotions.

When the production of serotonin decreases, the body becomes depressed, increases pain sensitivity, insomnia, and migraine attacks. Serotonin is often called the “happiness hormone” because it is produced in large quantities during moments of joy. The production of serotonin requires light, lack of sunlight in winter time year and is the cause of such widespread seasonal depression. In addition, excess light inhibits the formation of another hormone - melatonin, which is important in the occurrence of depressive conditions.

Sun hardening increases the child's body's resistance to colds, strengthens the immune system, trains thermoregulation mechanisms. But the luminary can also cause serious injuries and even illnesses. Today we will tell you about precautions when taking air baths.

Direct sunlight contains ultraviolet rays. Thanks to their effects, antirachitic vitamin D enhances its work. It is also the best natural remedy against anemia. The sun dilates blood vessels, increases blood pressure and enhances metabolism. In addition, tanning simply makes children look better and their mood improves.

However, due to the increase in the average period of human life compared to the distant past, according to doctors, the benefits of the Sun have become less significant compared to the harm. Over the past three centuries, people have begun to live approximately twice as long. In the past, during a short period of life (up to 40 years), the human body did not have time to accumulate so many mutations, the level of which is dangerous for life (radiation from the Sun is the cause of such mutations). For this reason, skin cancer and other effects of solar radiation were unknown to medicine. Moreover, very often people modern world They live in latitudes for which their genotype is not adapted, they travel a lot, and the sun of distant latitudes is very sensitive for travelers. Doctor of Medicine Stefan Ruppert gives an example that Australian Aborigines have no recorded skin cancer, but white people living in Australia have the highest cancer rate on the planet.

Scientists count more than two dozen different diseases that arise or are aggravated by exposure to sunlight, including xeroderma pigmentosum, squamous cell skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and cataracts.

The most well-known effect of excessive sun exposure is erythema - skin colored red or tan. A further, less obvious adaptive effect is the thickening of the outermost layers of the skin, which reduces UV radiation penetration to the deeper layers of the skin. All these changes are a sign of skin damage.

Frequent exposure of the skin to UV radiation also causes many degenerative changes in the cells, fibrous tissue and blood vessels of the skin. These include freckles, nevi and lentigines, which are pigmented areas on the skin that spread brown pigmentation. Ultraviolet radiation accelerates skin aging, and the gradual loss of skin elasticity leads to dry, rough skin and wrinkles.

Non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These carcinomas only rarely lead to death, but are painful and surgical removal does not add attractiveness.

Malignant melanoma, although much less common than non-melanoma skin cancers, is the leading cause of death from skin cancer.

A large body of research indicates that there is a connection between genetic and personal characteristics, UV radiation and malignant melanoma.

The main risk factors for humans:

A large number of atypical moles (birthmarks) is the strongest risk factor for malignant melanoma for fair-skinned people;

Malignant melanoma is more common in people with a pale complexion, blue eyes, and red or blond hair;

High, unsustainable levels of solar ultraviolet radiation are a significant risk factor for the development of malignant melanoma;

The prevalence of malignant melanoma among light-skinned races increases with decreasing latitude;

Some epidemiological studies support a link with tanning, especially tanning at an early age.

The sun also affects vision. The eye is protected by the brow ridge, eyebrows and eyelashes. Bright light activates pupil constriction to minimize the penetration of sun rays into the eye. However, the effectiveness of this natural protection against UV radiation is limited. For example, in some situations, such as using a sun lounger or strong reflections from sand, water and snow.

Acute cases of the influence of UV radiation are photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis. These inflammatory reactions are comparable to tanning of the very sensitive skin-like tissues of the eyeball and eyelids, and usually appear within a few hours of sun exposure. They can be very painful, but are reversible and do not cause any fatal damage to the eyes or vision. Extreme forms of photokeratitis are “bunnies” and “snow blindness.”

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness. Even though cataracts develop in most people as they age, solar ultraviolet radiation (UV-B rays) is a major risk factor for developing cataracts.

Even with these problems, the benefits of the Sun remain invaluable for supporting and strengthening human health, but the sun's rays must be used very carefully.

To prevent skin diseases, in the occurrence and development of which exposure to sunlight plays a decisive role, it is first necessary to exclude or limit the time a person is exposed to UVA and UVB radiation.

Doctors recommend that healthy people take sunbathing in doses in the morning (before 11 a.m.) and evening (after 4 p.m.). Depending on the skin phototype, the time spent in the sun begins to increase daily from minimal (several minutes) to several tens of minutes as a persistent tan appears. When exposed to the sun, you must definitely use a hat, sunglasses and cosmetics that have both UVB and UVA protective filters. It is necessary to protect yourself from the sun not only when you are in southern latitudes or high in the mountains, but also in the spring and summer in the middle zone. It is necessary to avoid even superficial sunburn and direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation on nevi and birthmarks. During the daytime, it is safer to be in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight on unprotected skin. It should be remembered that being in water, on sand, active games and sports reduce the protective properties of photoprotective agents, which requires more frequent application.

Series of sunscreens must be adapted to each skin type, each phototype.

The Fitzpatrick scale provides six phototypes. We will not consider the last two, since their representatives mainly live in Africa and other hot countries. And among us Europeans, only the first four phototypes are found.

Type I: very fair sensitive skin, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair, freckles. Such skin should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as it will instantly burn. For protection, use the most powerful sunscreens labeled “for sensitive skin": in the first days of sun exposure, SPF 40, then - SPF 30. Intensive tanning oil is contraindicated!

Type II: light skin, blue or brown eyes, blond or red hair, freckles. The skin of this phototype can sunbathe, but in order not to get burned, it must be accustomed to the sun's rays gradually. On the beach it is better to use waterproof products: the first days - SPF 30, later - SPF 15.

III type: fairly fair skin dark eyes, chestnut or brown hair. This is the most common phototype in our country. Its representatives tan easily and quickly, often bypassing the unpleasant stage of skin redness. Such skin is not afraid of the sun of mid-latitudes, but the scorching southern heat is dangerous for it. During the first days in the sun, you should use products with a protection factor of at least SPF 15, and subsequently - SPF 8-10.

IV type: dark skin, black hair, dark brown eyes, no freckles. Representatives of this phototype tan quickly and easily, never getting sunburned. And although such skin does not cause its owners the hassle of sunburn, it still needs to be protected from photoaging with products labeled “for dark skin,” which will moisturize it and make it even more beautiful. Even if the skin does not clearly protest against long exposure to the sun, to protect against photoaging it is advisable to use sunscreen SPF 6-8.

For patients suffering from photodermatoses, who have or have had in the past malignant skin tumors or precancerous dermatoses, exposure to the sun is contraindicated. Among photoprotective cosmetics, they are recommended special creams with the highest degree of protection, which must be applied daily in the spring and summer to exposed areas of the skin every time they are exposed to the sun. It is recommended for such patients to visit a dermato-oncologist for a preventive examination at least once a year.

If you do get burned, your skin turns red, becomes hot, and is painful to touch, take the necessary measures immediately. The main thing is not to lubricate it with vegetable oil and fat-based creams, as they hinder the transfer of heat. The goal is to help the burned area relieve heat. There are many ways.

Your actions

Method 1. Cool sun-damaged skin for five to ten minutes (longer if necessary) with ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth. Until the pain subsides, American doctors recommend applying a package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the burned skin.

Method 2. Moisten a bandage (gauze) folded in four to six layers with cold water or regular milk from the refrigerator and apply a compress to the burned area. After this, wash off traces of milk with a cotton swab moistened with cool water. Repeat the procedure every two to four hours throughout the day.

Method 3. Another effective remedy is an oat compress, which is used in the same way as a milk compress. Spread the dry oats in a layer of one or two centimeters on a piece of clean cloth, wrap the ends, covering it completely, moisten with cool water, let it drain and apply the compress to the affected skin.

Method 4. Traditional medicine advises covering the damaged areas with fresh leaves of white cabbage, thinly sliced raw cucumber, potatoes or apples.

Method 5. Over the next week, take two tocopherol tablets (vitamin E) three times a day. It will relieve skin inflammation resulting from a burn.

Method 6. Until the discomfort goes away, avoid soap, cologne and perfume that irritate your skin. Make sure that the water pressure in the shower is weak - no good once again injure the affected skin! For the same reason, forget about the jacuzzi for a while.

Until your burns are completely healed, do not expose your skin to the sun and drink plenty of fluids. Green tea is especially beneficial.

The desire of some people to tan faster and stronger is so great that they sometimes do not take into account that the body cannot instantly adapt to sudden changes in ambient temperature. Excessive exposure to the sun, especially in calm weather with high humidity, can lead to overheating of the body. As a result of an imbalance between the amount of heat received by the body from the outside and its release into the external environment, heat or sunstroke occurs.

The first symptoms sunstroke usually caused by malaise, weakness, feeling of weakness and fatigue. Gradually, dizziness appears, headache. Often sunstroke is accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees, nausea and vomiting. A person who has suffered from sunstroke notices a sharp discoloration of the skin in a bright pink color and increased sweat production. In particularly severe conditions, the development of fainting and even convulsive states is possible. Nosebleeds and tinnitus may also be part of the clinical picture of sunstroke.

To provide first aid, the victim must be moved to a shady, cool place. The patient should take a horizontal position with his legs raised up. After this, you should unbutton your clothes and open the windows if help is provided indoors. The flow of fresh air is an integral part of measures to improve the condition of patients with sunstroke. To cool the skin, you can apply a piece of cloth moistened with cold water. In parallel with this, rehydration therapy is carried out - the patient must receive the optimal amount of fluid, it is better to give mineral or regular drinking water. In case of clouding of consciousness, inhaling ammonia has a good effect. You can bring a cotton swab soaked in ammonia to the patient’s nose or wipe his temples with it.

Doctors do not recommend using antipyretic drugs. In case of sunstroke, it is better to wipe the victim’s palms and feet with a solution of vinegar diluted half with water.

Symptoms heatstroke are in many ways similar to those with sunstroke. Heatstroke is also accompanied by tachycardia (pulse rises to 120-150 beats per minute), changes in the nervous system (delirium and hallucinations may appear).

First aid for heatstroke is no different from first aid for sunstroke.

Heatstroke and sunstroke usually go away on their own within a day to a week and rarely lead to serious consequences. However, it is better to prevent these conditions than to look for help later.

And to protect yourself from heat and sunstroke, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or on the beach. It is better to sunbathe not while lying down, but while moving; sunbathing in the morning and evening hours and not earlier than an hour after eating. It is useful to combine them with bathing. Protect your head with a light, light-colored hat, and your eyes with dark glasses. Wear light, light-colored clothing that does not prevent sweat from evaporating. During hot weather, do not eat too much or drink too much liquid. Give preference to fermented milk products and vegetables.

And in conclusion, a few words about what worries mothers and grandmothers so much: is it possible for a child to sunbathe? Pediatricians categorically prohibit children under three years of age from being exposed to direct sunlight. It has been scientifically proven that burns received in childhood subsequently several times increase the risk of developing malignant skin tumors. To avoid the harmful effects of aggressive sun rays on the delicate children's skin, parents should take care of their beloved offspring in advance: buy a special protective baby cream with SPF 30. It must be applied to the child’s skin before each walk. But even then, the baby’s skin cannot be considered completely protected. Therefore, you can only walk with your child in the summer in the shade, where ultraviolet radiation is 20% less than in the sun.

Of course, a tanned body color is beautiful and sexy, but we should not forget that the summer sun can be not only gentle, but also merciless. Caution and attentiveness will allow you to fully enjoy the beneficial effects of sunbathing, acquire beautiful tan without any unpleasant surprises or disappointments.

Thanks to the sun, life appeared on our planet; sunlight ensures the vital activity of all living things. The benefits of the sun are clear and undeniable. But in lately The opinion is spreading about the dangers of exposure to ultraviolet rays on the human body. Various data are regularly presented that allegedly confirm the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on skin person.

Today it has already been absolutely proven that it is possible to successfully avoid some diseases, including cancer, by consuming foods or medications containing this vitamin, which leads a person to certain health problems, even the occurrence of low-quality tumors. The main sources of vitamin D are a variety of animal products, but greatest number cholecalciferol (vitamin D) is formed in the layers of the skin precisely under the influence of ultraviolet rays.

The sun's rays provide harmonious health, but prolonged exposure to the sun is very dangerous for a person; it can not only cause overheating. As a result, dehydration, heat stroke, sunburn are fraught with skin cancer.

If you stay in the sun for a long time, you need to drink a lot of water, and existing moles on an open surface need to be protected from direct sunlight; to do this, just cover the mole with a plaster. When staying in bright sunlight during the daytime, it is advisable to use special skin protection, glasses and a hat.

Dosed, but sufficient exposure to sunlight allows a person to get stronger and receive the necessary supply of vitamins. With moderate exposure, the benefits of the sun are obvious. It is sunlight that helps improve mood, vision, hearing, normalizes the functioning of the circulatory system, and accelerates metabolic processes. Solar energy accelerates recovery from various diseases of the skin and nasopharynx. Bright sunlight can even cure depression.

Each person determines the time spent in the sun for himself based on the condition of the skin and general health, and if necessary, then on the advice of a doctor.

The amount of ultraviolet in sunlight depends on the angle at which the rays fall. Naturally, there are significantly more ultraviolet rays at noon in summer than at noon in autumn or spring. Therefore, spending a few winter hours in sunlight can be much more beneficial than spending half an hour in sunlight on a hot summer afternoon.

The intensity of ultraviolet radiation depends on many factors. These are the terrain, the percentage of air humidity, the presence of a reservoir in the immediate vicinity, the proximity of industrial facilities, and environmental gas pollution. A polluted atmosphere reduces exposure to ultraviolet rays by about a quarter.

Research suggests that the benefits of the sun are greatest at dawn or sunset.

By charging with solar energy, the body receives a powerful positive impulse, the mood is leveled, and the nervous system calms down. Sunbathing the best remedy from stress. By following the well-known rules for being in the sun, you can get an attractive appearance, a lot of positive emotions, vivid impressions, recharge your batteries, improve your health, prevent various diseases. Take care of your health!

Sunlight, air and water are necessary for man; if it were not for the Sun, then life on Earth would be different!

The benefits of the Sun have been known since ancient times. In Ancient Rome it was believed that being in the sun strengthens the spirit and improves health. People living in temperate climates note that their mood and well-being improves on sunny days and worsens in cloudy autumn.

Experts led by Richard Weller (Edinburgh) have found that when exposed to the sun, a person’s blood pressure decreases, the formation of blood clots decreases, and therefore the sun not only improves health, but also prolongs life and can prevent the occurrence of such serious diseases as stroke and heart attack. The conclusions of the experts are fundamental, since it was previously believed that the benefit of the sun was exclusively in the production of vitamin D.

In the human brain, when exposed to sunlight, increased production of serotonin occurs. This “hormone of happiness” not only improves mood, but also plays a big role in blood clotting processes.
Under the influence of the sun, vitamin D (calciferol) is produced, which helps strengthen bone tissue, helps remove heavy metals from the body, and helps strengthen the immune system.
Under the influence of the sun's rays, the body releases biologically inert nitrite and turns into nitrate and nitric oxide, which lower blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
The sun has an antibacterial effect and therefore healing processes occur much faster.

Benefits of sun rays:

The sun actively prolongs the quality of life: experts recently discovered this unique property vitamin D. Vitamin deficiency provokes the development of hypertension and increases the tendency to be overweight.

The sun treats skin diseases: the condition of patients with skin diseases improves significantly in the summer, various inflammations on the skin disappear. Ultraviolet rays have a bactericidal effect and kill bacteria.

The sun improves your mood: the rays of the sun stimulate the production of serotonin and endorphin in the body. Endorphins are called the “hormone of joy and happiness” - they improve mood and increase tone. Studies have shown that residents of northern countries are more likely to suffer from depression than southerners. This is due to a lack of sunlight. Sun deficiency significantly reduces mental and physical performance. Serotonin is also called the “happy hormone”.

Sun reduces blood pressure: Experts from Edinburgh say the sun lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of blood clots.
Under the influence of sunlight, the human body begins to release nitric oxide and convert it into nitric oxide and nitrate, and these substances reduce blood pressure and prevent blood clots.

The sun prevents the occurrence of sclerosis: scientists have proven the beneficial effects of sunlight. If a person was not deprived of sunbathing in childhood, then in adulthood his risk of developing multiple sclerosis is lower than that of children who grew up in conditions of sun deficiency.

The sun helps you lose weight: if you are in the sun in the morning, it is easier to fight weight loss. overweight and it’s easier to maintain normal weight all the time without much effort.

Products that help you get a beautiful tan:

Beta-carotene is a pigment that helps protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and, therefore, burns, an antioxidant, found in red and yellow foods of plant origin;

Tocopherol - vitamin E, prevents the removal of moisture from the surface of the skin, and as a result - aging, the main content in oils of plant origin;

Selenium is a chemical element that strengthens the immune system, found in large quantities in seafood (squid, seaweed), cabbage, garlic;

Lycopene is a pigment that promotes an even tan and is found in red fruits.

You will be surprised, but this world was created for joy and pleasure!

In childhood, everyone dreams of miracles and pleasant surprises, and many do not lose hope for miracles as adults.

Why is this happening?

The fact is that our consciousness is very similar to a computer. And the speed and efficiency of completing life’s tasks depends on how many viral files have entered our consciousness. The dream may be just around the corner, but it takes a little effort to make it come true. This effort is hampered by various limiting beliefs, false stereotypes and incorrect ideas about what is good for us and what is harmful.

Such viral files enter our consciousness in early childhood, when we have unlimited trust in the people around us and cannot critically perceive the information we hear from the most significant people - dad, mom, grandparents. We can live our whole lives with these files and never know about their destructive impact. We can strive for happiness, but never achieve it.

The question of how the sun is useful and how it affects the human body was asked back in antiquity. The ancient sages already understood that fresh air and sunbathing helps quickly heal wounds and relieves many external and internal health problems.

Today, the influence of UV rays has been well studied, which means that it is really possible to get the maximum benefit from sunbathing.

Health Benefits of the Sun

Solar radiation that reaches the surface of the earth is divided into ultraviolet A and B. Ultraviolet C is the most dangerous; it is retained by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. UVA and UVB stimulate the production of special substances in human skin. This is due to the positive influence of the sun.

Benefits of contact of UV rays with human skin:

stimulation of the production of vitamin D, which is involved in calcium metabolism, protects against malignant tumors and strengthens the immune system;
with moderate exposure to the sun, blood pressure decreases and heart rate normalizes;
increasing the functioning of the immune system due to the production of antibodies;
healing of skin wounds, improvement of dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and acne;
increased metabolic processes and activation of cellular respiration.

The sun directly affects a person's mood and general emotional state. With the first rays of spring, a person’s apathy disappears, depressive states, tearfulness and insomnia go away. This is due to the hormone serotonin, which is actively produced under the influence of UV rays. In addition to serotonin, the sun improves the synthesis of sex hormones in women and men, therefore, in the spring-summer period, sexual desire is increased, and dishormonal conditions are temporarily stabilized.

Tanning is another conditional benefit of the sun, which is contained in beautiful color skin. In fact, this is the body's protection from ultraviolet radiation, but in light fashion trends acts as a positive thing.

The benefits and harms of tanning in the sun

Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the substance melanin is formed in the upper layer of the skin - the epidermis. It is synthesized by special cells - melanocytes. The sun's rays only need to touch a person's skin for 5 minutes to trigger the production of melanin and vitamin D. The intensity of their formation depends on the type of skin and the time spent outside. If you sunbathe regularly, your tan will last throughout the warm season. In winter, melanin is partially destroyed and removed from cells. Vitamin D also goes away.

But besides the benefits, there is also harm:

the rate of skin photoaging increases (dry epidermis, deepening of wrinkles, including facial wrinkles);
the risk of developing skin cancer and its most complex form, melanoma, increases;
the likelihood of allergies due to prolonged exposure to the sun;
worsening of some chronic skin diseases;
appearance age spots, white spots.

Tanning is especially harmful for people with fair skin and hair, children and nursing mothers. They have increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, and the protection processes, that is, the production of melanin, are not intense. Therefore, exposure to UV rays for more than 20-30 minutes leads to burns.

How to tan properly

Due to the incidence of skin cancer, doctors have created a list of recommendations for sunbathing. Their main rule is moderation and protection. How long to bathe in UV rays, at what time and what protection to use depends on your skin type and region. The closer the region is to the equator, the more intense the solar radiation and the higher the risk of burns.

What is the best time to sunbathe?

Ultraviolet radiation peaks from 12 noon to 4 pm. The rest of the day is conditionally safe. This does not mean that you can only go outside and sunbathe in the morning and evening. It is difficult to maintain such a regime on vacation at sea. Therefore, it is permissible to actively sunbathe from 8.00 to 11.00 or from 17.00 to 20.00. The rest of the time you can sit under an umbrella, on a closed terrace, under a canopy so that direct sunlight does not touch your skin.

Advice! During active sunbathing, it is recommended to wear a hat to prevent heat stroke and protect your hair from moisture loss.

During the first days by the sea, they choose places further from the water's edge, since the surface of the sea is reflective, which means that the risk of burns increases significantly. Also, you should not sunbathe immediately after leaving the water; you must dry your body with a towel.

How long can you sunbathe?

The lighter the skin, the shorter the sun exposure. Active sunbathing begins with a 15-minute sunbath at the permitted time. At the same time, they apply to the skin protective cream 30 minutes before going outside. If the skin is white and thin, on the first day tan for 5-10 minutes in the morning and evening.

For 1 week, sunbathing time is increased to 30-40 minutes; for people with active melanin production, this time is increased to 1 hour. If you use a protective cream with a protection level of more than 30, even 2 hours in the sun will not harm your health, but only with preliminary preparation of the skin.

Is it possible for pregnant and breastfeeding women to sunbathe?

Ultraviolet light penetrates only 15 mm into the skin. That is, other tissues and organs do not feel its direct effects. This means that sun tanning is absolutely safe for the fetus, but not always for the pregnant woman. The point is the increased sensitivity of a pregnant woman’s body to any external influences, including sunlight. In combination with a special hormonal status, a woman’s risk of developing age spots on the face and body increases.

Other negative factors of tanning:

increased blood pressure;
increased blood flow;
allergy.

This reaction does not occur in everyone, but in order not to fall into a risk group, it is better to limit the time of sunbathing to the recommended time.

Sun for children

Ultraviolet light is a good doctor for children. Your baby can be healed with simple sunbathing combined with clean sea air. This will increase its defenses for many months, strengthen bones and improve the condition of atopic dermatitis. A child's body reacts more strongly to ultraviolet radiation than an adult. All metabolic processes accelerate, vitamin D is actively produced and calcium is absorbed, blood pressure rises and blood vessels dilate.

Some rules for staying in the sun with children:

children under 2 years old can only be exposed to direct rays for 10 minutes a day;
for children over 3 years of age, the stay is increased to 30 minutes, but with their head and shoulders covered;
prohibition on walking at temperatures above 25°C;
To avoid rapid loss of moisture, observe the drinking regime. They drink often, but little by little.

Sunlight is beneficial for children only in moderation. Any burn is fraught with increased pigmentation in the future and the development of an allergy to UV. If the family goes, 2 weeks in advance they begin to prepare the child for active exposure to the sun. To do this, they walk every day 2 times in the morning and in the evening, in hot and sunny weather they lubricate the body with a special cream. They teach the child to wear a hat, preferably a Panama hat with a brim that will protect the face, neck and hair.

How to protect your skin and hair from the sun

When exposed to ultraviolet light for a long time, protection and hydration are important. If the body is often covered with clothes, then the face, hands and hair are almost always open. These areas need to be looked after more carefully. Headdress - the first and most effective remedy protection. This is a cap or a hat with a brim, or a Panama hat mainly white. Hair and facial skin are well protected in this case.

If a headdress is inappropriate, you must:

In the morning, lubricate the skin of your face and neck with moisturizer, and 20-30 minutes before going outside, apply a sunscreen spray or cream with SPF 15 or higher;
collect hair in easy hairstyle. Tight and complex hairstyles with hairspray and other styling products increase hair fragility, and in summer they lose a lot of moisture and often fall out;
in the evening after a shower, make moisturizing and caring masks for face and hair from natural homemade ingredients 2-3 times a week.

While relaxing at sea, to protect your face from the sun, you should not use lotions containing alcohol. They increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and provoke skin pigmentation.

How to choose sunscreen

It all depends on the time spent in the sun, skin type and reaction to ultraviolet radiation. The darker the skin, the less protection in the form of a cream is needed. So blacks don’t need it at all.

The essence of any protective equipment is the reflection of sunlight and the adsorption of ultraviolet radiation. The degree of protection shows how long a person can be in the sun without harming the skin. To calculate this time you need:

determine how many minutes of exposure to the sun the skin turns red without protection;
multiply this time in minutes by the SPF number;
So, if the skin becomes redder in 5 minutes, and a cream with a degree of 10 is chosen, then you can be in the sun for 50 minutes (5 × 10).

These are conditional calculations, since individual characteristics are not taken into account. These include age and skin condition. So, up to 35 years of age, the skin can independently cope with moderate UV radiation, and if the UV index does not exceed 3, then on this day you can not use the cream at all. The UV index value can be viewed in weather forecasts for your region. To protect your child from the sun, use creams with an SPF level of 30-50.

The benefits and harms of sunscreens

The action of any sunscreen or spray is based on the filters it contains. Their role is played by substances such as benzophenone or titanium dioxide, which with frequent use cause allergies or exacerbation of skin diseases. Therefore, it is important to choose a product that is optimally suited for all indicators, from skin type and condition to age and place of residence.

Important! With frequent use, chemical filters accumulate in the upper layers of the skin, and, in addition to allergies or inflammation, provoke cancer.

It is believed that spring tanning is the most aggressive, since the skin after winter is very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, so negative consequences from sunbathing in the form of burns or allergies are almost inevitable. In the spring, doctors recommend actively using creams with protection from 15 and higher, and in the summer switching to a lower level of 2-4 SPF.

If we talk about the benefits, it consists in reflecting ultraviolet radiation and protecting against its penetration into the deep layers of the skin. Burns or pigmentation are not dangerous if the cream is selected correctly.

Harm of sun rays to humans

In general, the sun is beneficial for health and general well-being. But harmful effects also needs to be taken into account. People with large moles on the body and hormonal imbalances are at risk. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, processes in moles can lead to the degeneration of cells from normal to malignant. This can be determined by their intensive growth, change in shape, and discomfort in the problem area.

The harm of the sun to the skin of people with hormonal disorders is the appearance of large pigment spots. This indicates a disruption in the process of melanin formation in the epidermis of different parts of the body. Typically, pigmentation affects open areas of the body: face, shoulders, chest. Not everyone develops this reaction.

Photoaging is another harm that ultraviolet radiation brings. If the skin is not protected, ultraviolet light penetrates deep into the skin, causing an imbalance in water balance. This causes the skin tone to decrease, it loses moisture, and collagen synthesis processes are disrupted. This causes a network of wrinkles and noticeable aging of the skin to appear on the face and body.

Hypertensive patients and heart patients suffer from hypertensive crisis and tachycardia from prolonged exposure to the sun.

Who should not sunbathe?

The list of contraindications for sunbathing can be presented as follows:

hypertension, poor circulation;
diseases of the endocrine system, in particular the thyroid gland;
neurosis;
varicose veins (legs and other areas are protected by clothing);
children under 2 years of age.

Photosensitivity, old age, obesity, skin diseases - a reason to limit your time in the sun. Sun protection for children should be especially careful, especially if the child has light skin and hair color.

The benefits of the sun for humans have been confirmed. Not in vain best treatment from bad mood and well-being – a resort on the shore of a warm sea. The production of vitamin D and the happiness hormone serotonin are two components of effective recovery.

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Rays of the sun is a flow of radiation that has a different spectrum of effects on our body. Before the onset of each summer, we think about how good the sun is for our health, and also what harm we can get. But, despite everything, we rejoice in the coming of summer. The sun's rays lift your spirits and help get rid of depression. Let's consider all the pros and cons of sun exposure on human health.

Ultraviolet radiation

There are three classes of rays that have different effects on the body:

A-rays have the lowest level of radiation, their harmful effect on human health is the lowest. But there are no barriers to such rays; they can penetrate very deeply into the skin layer and damage the structure of the epidermis, destroying collagen fibers. In this way, skin aging accelerates.

B-rays - synthesize vitamin D, which is the main source of calciferol for humans. But these rays can pass through the atmosphere into exact time from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sun is highly active during a significant part of this time, so you should not be under its direct rays at this time; serious consequences may occur.

C-rays are the most serious radiation and can even cause cancer. Nature has taken care of this; harmful rays are absorbed by the ozone layer without reaching the Earth.

Positive effects of the sun on the body

By taking sunbathing, we strengthen the immune system; this is facilitated by the production of calciferol - vitamin D. It strengthens bone tissue and removes heavy metals from the body. With a lack of this vitamin, children can develop a disease - rickets, and adults - osteoporosis. There is very little of this vitamin in foods, so we need sunlight.

When exposed to the sun, serotonin is produced. It is rightfully considered the “happiness hormone”; it improves mood and is involved in the process of blood clotting. The arrival of summer is always accompanied by a surge of positive emotions and good mood. For people with high blood pressure sunny days are a blessing. Because the rays of the sun, affecting the body, reduce blood pressure and prevent heart attacks.

The sun heals pimples, blackheads, wounds, and cuts faster, as it has an antibacterial effect. Moderate exposure to the sun definitely has a positive effect on your health, plus a beautiful tan.

What harm do the sun's rays cause to humans?

If we stay in direct sunlight for a long time, we can get a burn or sunstroke. This is accompanied by redness of the skin, possible nausea and fever. People with white skin are especially at risk.

Ultraviolet radiation can have a destructive effect on the skin during prolonged sunbathing. Premature aging of the skin is possible, small wrinkles appear. There is also a risk of dangerous diseases, to prevent which you should sunbathe within a certain period of time. Be sure to use sunscreen for your skin.

Statistics confirm that people living in the northern regions look younger than southerners. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause retinal burns. Therefore, you should take care of your eyes, especially if you are on the seaside, sunglasses should be your constant companion.

Sunbathing correctly

1. In order not to harm your health, you should choose the right time for sunbathing. This is the morning time from 6 to 11 o'clock and after 16 o'clock until sunset.

2. You shouldn’t even go out into the open sun without a hat and sunglasses. Moreover, you need to choose glasses carefully and only in optical stores, because low-quality glasses focus the rays incorrectly and can worsen your vision. It is advisable to choose a headdress in light shades.

3. You should not be in direct sunlight for more than an hour, otherwise you will harm your body.

4. It is necessary to use sunscreen for the body before and after tanning.

5. When sunbathing, do not forget to drink enough water.

6. Get beautiful even tan Some foods will help - apricots, carrots, tomatoes, watermelons, melons and others. These vegetables and fruits contain substances that protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays and burns and maintain water balance in the body.

It is simply impossible to live on earth without the sun. Its benefits to human health are priceless. Learn to use this gift of nature correctly, and you will be healthy and happy.