Skin types according to the presence of pigments (part one)

Skin types according to the presence of pigments ,The skin remembers every ray of sunshine ,

With hot and sunny days we increasingly dream of a vacation at sea or just a nice walk outdoors. But do we really know how to enjoy the sun without harming us?

Targeted sun exposure can be beneficial, but also dangerous with excessive duration and frequency. It can be the cause of numerous and different skin reactions (photo-aging, allergies, blackening, burning, etc.).

Tanning is a natural defense mechanism of the skin against UV rays. Located in the basal layer of the epidermis, melanocytes produce a brown pigment under the action of UV rays, called melanin.

This melanin migrates with keratinocytes to the statum corneum, giving the skin color and protection. Unfortunately, this “natural” protection is not enough to counteract sun damage.

What do we know about UV rays (UVA and UVB)?

UVA and UVB rays differ in wavelength and energy content. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and a lot of energy. In addition to being responsible for sunburn, they can also cause skin cancer in the long run. UVA rays have less energy and a longer wavelength. They penetrate deep into the skin and cause premature aging, wrinkles and changes in our DNA, which are a risk factor for the development of skin cancers.

Transmitting UV rays (UVA / UVB)

  • 1 m under water – 80% / 50%
  • cloudy weather – 75% / 75%
  • in the shade – 50% / 50%
  • through a wet T-shirt – 36% / 19%

Sun protection is important because of:

  • Increasing the time during which people are exposed to the sun’s rays:
  • sports, fitness fashion, special studios to get a “fashionable suntan” Increased UVB rays reaching the ground in some areas
  • Increased cases of skin cancer

The sun – useful and dangerous or why do you need sun protection?

UVB (290-320 nm) causes:

  • sunburn
  • premature skin aging
  • skin cancer

UVA (320-400 nm) causes:

  • sun allergies
  • premature skin aging
  • skin cancer (most commonly melanoma)
  • increased risk of developing skin cancer due to chronic UVB radiation

What is a SPF-Sun Protection Factor?

The system for assessing the strength of sunscreens – SPF, was introduced in 1978. The sunscreen shows the time you can stay in the sun without the risk of sunburn.

Dermatologists recommend sunscreens with protection levels of 15, even for people with darker skin, who are relatively harder to burn. This is the minimum level that provides protection from UVA rays. But a higher SPF implies a higher content of chemicals, which is not suitable for sensitive skin.

SPF = time to redness with protection / time to redness without protection

The effects of sunlight depend on our “phototype”.

The phototype is determined by the color of the skin – the genetically determined ratio between red and brown pigments. The amount of dark pigments determines the skin’s natural protection from the sun. The larger the quantity, the higher the protection. This does not automatically mean that people with dark skin are not at risk of sunburn or other skin reactions. The following six skin phototypes are known:

Phototype I:

Very pale skin, blond or red hair and freckles, light green or blue eyes. In the sun, the skin burns and never gets a tan. It needs a very high degree of protection (SPF over 50). High susceptibility to sun damage on the skin and extremely high risk of melanoma. It is advisable to follow the basic rules for protection from sun exposure. The skin should be examined independently every month, paying special attention to any suspicious formations, as well as examined by a personal physician once a year.

Phototype II:

Light skin, light hair and blue or brown eyes. The skin burns with prolonged sun exposure and easily gets a tan. It needs a very high degree of protection (SPF over 50). High susceptibility to skin irritations due to sun exposure and extremely high risk of melanoma. It is advisable to follow the basic rules of sun protection.

The skin should be examined independently every month, paying special attention to any suspicious formations, as well as examined by a personal physician once a year.

Phototype III:

Light skin, brown hair and brown or blue eyes. The skin burns with prolonged sun exposure, but usually also easily gets a tan. Needs a medium degree of protection (SPF 15-30). People with phototype III are susceptible to skin irritation due to sun exposure, as is the formation of melanoma.

It is recommended to use sunscreen with the lowest SPF 15 factor daily, wear sunscreen and stay in shady places between 11:00 and 15:00, when the sun is strongest. The skin should be examined independently every month, paying special attention to any suspicious formations, as well as examined by a personal physician once a year.

Phototype IV:

Matte skin, dark brown hair and brown eyes. The skin burns only if it has been exposed to the sun for a long time and easily gets a tan. Needs a medium degree of protection (SPF 15-30). The skin should be examined independently every month, paying special attention to any suspicious formations, as well as examined by a personal physician once a year.

Phototype V:

Dark skin, black hair and dark eyes. The skin burns only when exposed to excessive sunlight and gets a tan very easily. Needs a low level of protection (SPF 6-15). People with dark skin are at greater risk of acral lentiginuous melanoma, a very insidious form of the disease.

These melanomas appear on parts of the skin that are not exposed to the sun too often and in most cases remain hidden as the disease progresses. The skin should be examined on its own every month, especially in the palms, soles and mucous membranes, paying special attention to any suspicious formations, as well as examined by a personal physician once a year.

Phototype VI:

Very dark skin, black hair and dark brown eyes. The skin burns only when overexposed to the sun and gets a tan very easily. Needs a low level of protection (SPF 2-6). People with dark skin are at greater risk of acral lentiginuous melanoma, a very insidious form of the disease.

These melanomas appear on parts of the skin that are not exposed to the sun too often and in most cases remain hidden as the disease progresses. The skin should be examined on its own every month, especially in the palms, soles and mucous membranes, paying special attention to any suspicious formations, as well as examined by a personal physician once a year.

Your phototype is not a constant. Watch for any changes in moles and other skin growths and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any.

In the second part of the material for skin types we will introduce you to the term UV index, as well as useful tips on how to effectively protect yourself from unwanted burns.

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