“During the winter, fall and spring, sunscreen should also be used. Even if temperatures are cooler and the sun’s heat is not felt as much, UV radiation is still harmful to the skin and can cause damage even on cloudy days,” says Dr. Yaril Moreyra, a dermatologist at our clinic, who offers valuable recommendations on the use of sunscreen during the rest of the year.

• It is important to use sunscreen as it helps protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can cause sunburn, premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
• To choose the ideal sunscreen, you should look for one with a sun protection factor (SPF) that is suitable for your skin type and activity, offers protection against UVA and UVB rays, is water resistant if necessary, and is comfortable to apply and wear. In general, a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen is recommended; however, very fair skin requires a protection factor of 50 or higher.
• Even if you do not leave the house, it is advisable to use sunscreen if you will be exposed to indirect sunlight through windows or during outdoor activities in the garden or on the balcony, as UV light can penetrate through glass and cause skin damage.
• The risk of getting skin cancer increases significantly if you do not use sunscreen on a regular basis, especially if you expose yourself to the sun for long periods of time without protection, as cumulative exposure to UV rays can cause cellular damage that can lead to the development of skin cancer.
• Some benefits of using sunscreen include protecting the skin from premature aging, preventing sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer, maintaining healthier skin and reducing the appearance of spots and wrinkles.
• In addition to using sunscreen, it is recommended to seek shade during peak hours of solar radiation (10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts, and avoid tanning in tanning beds.

Dr. Yaril Moreyra
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma