Guide to choose the ideal

In a tropical country like Guatemala, the Ultraviolet radiation It is constant during the year and radiation can cause spots, aging and skin cancer. Therefore, using sunscreen in areas that clothing does not cover is indispensable to protect the skin daily, explains Sofía Hernández, dermatologist and tricologist.

“It is important to know that sun damage is cumulative because the DNA of our skin cells is damaging. The most immediate consequences can be evidenced in our skin such as burns or tan, but in the long term you can see darker or darker spots in the areas of our body that were more exposed to the sun, aged skin that begins to be seen with a thinned appearance and skin cancer,” The skin.

To avoid such damage, the sun block It is the most appropriate way to protect the skin from both the face and the rest of the body. Specialists recommend that the use be daily.

The reapplication of the blocker, says Hernández, must ideally be done every 4 hours and when we are under the sun, outdoors or submerged in water every 2 hours.

How to choose a good sunscreen

The ideal is to consult a dermatologist to determine, in a more accurate way, what type of blocker fits the needs of each person. However, these are some general tips that can help make a good choice.

• Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA/UVB) with FPS (sun protection factor) or more, and apply it correctly.
• Verify that the protector is water and sweat resistant for greater effectiveness
• Use physical or mineral filters for sensitive skin, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• When it is to use on the face, keep in mind that for fatty skin it is best to choose a sunscreen whose texture is gel, fluid or has “matte effect”.
• For dry skin the idea is to choose a sunscreen that has a cream texture
• Verify that sunscreen does not contain ingredients that are classified as endocrine disruptors, which are chemical substances that can interfere with the body hormonal system
• Choose a sunscreen from a dermatological brand
• Ideally it must be a protector whose characteristics are pleasant for the person, so that the reapplication is constant
• Seek advice from a professional in skin care

It is necessary to highlight that no sunscreen offers complete protection against sun damage, especially in climates such as Guatemala. Therefore, it is important to take additional protection measures, such as looking for shadow during peak hours or avoiding exposure at that time, and wearing protective clothing and accessories such as hats, long -sleeved shirts and sunglasses with solar filter.