September 21, 2020
Sun protection is something that those of us who live in the Caribbean cannot ignore. Although the climate is one of the main attractions of the destination, it also increases the importance of adding this barrier against the sun to our daily routine. Even so, this issue should not only be addressed before a visit to the beach. Knowing the necessary care and recognizing the different components on the labels of these products will facilitate the task of minimizing the risk of sun damage. Yes, the terminology is confusing, but among all the specialized products we can even find environmentally friendly options… time to meet them!
Today’s enviable tan may turn into tomorrow’s visit to the hospital. The sun destroys collagen and elastin fibers, so many of the sun’s effects will be noticeable only years later. Premature aging, skin cancer, permanent damage to the skin’s immune system and the genetic material of skin cells (DNA). Don’t take that risk! The intensity with which the sun’s rays hit us has intensified (the weakened ozone layer is no secret).
Well, according to the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 20-30 minutes of sun a day is enough for your skin to produce the essential vitamin D3. After this period of time, the radiation is basically harmful.
Definitely yes! Solar radiation is reflected in the snow, in the sand, in the sea, on the pavement. Even on a cloudy day, the clouds reduce the sensation of heat, but the ultraviolet radiation keeps reaching our skin.
If I had to guess, I’d say that means spending many hours in front of a computer or having a cell phone close to your face. Applying sunscreen should be the most important step in our daily routine, as well as hydration. The screens of cell phones, televisions or computers emit blue light. Michelle Henry, a New York dermatologist in an interview for the New York Times website, said that “Blue light damages the retina and destroys collagen through oxidative stress', being the proximity of our devices to our faces a large part of the problem. If we take care of our eyes with special glasses, why not our skin?
What to do?
Although it sounds like a “different but the same” type of situation, the level of protection they offer is different and to explain their main differences, we first need to formally introduce the bad guys of the story: ultraviolet (UV) rays, whose main natural source is the Sun; but more specifically, UVB and UVA rays.
With that in mind…
As we already mentioned, this invisible barrier has been weakened over the years. Surprisingly, in 2016 and with the help of the Montreal Protocol, evidence showed that the ozone layer is slowly recovering! Here are some tips that you probably already knew but are worth keeping in mind…
Corals, protected areas under threat: what is coral bleaching?
Being responsible consumers is all about really knowing what you’re buying: let’s read some labels! If your sunblock has one of these components, it’s not 100% biodegradable (although the lower the percentage, the better):
The product might still reach our water bodies (oceans, subsoil, etc.), when you remove it by taking a shower, so it never hurts to choose these products.
Yes, most have SPF 50+. Really the only visible difference is that (as we established in the sunblock definition), it can leave a white cast on the skin and take a bit longer to properly spread. What is also said about these products is that they are a little more expensive (sadly there’s not as much demand yet), but I assure you that environmental deterioration comes with a bigger price. Our corals will thank you for choosing their protection over aesthetics.
It may seem that we’ve made your trip to the beach a very complex process, but it’s just one more way of respecting this beloved space. We invite you to enjoy the natural wonders of the Riviera Maya, under this new mentality.
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