How to protect your skin from uv damage with sunscreen and laser treatments

UVA rays make up about 95% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. The remaining 5% consists of UVB rays, which have a shorter wavelength but higher energy.

It is primarily UVB rays that cause surface-level skin damage, such as sunburn. UVA rays, on the other hand, have a longer wavelength but lower energy, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the dermis and significantly contribute to photoaging and the appearance of sunspots.

In summer, the intensity of UVA and UVB rays peaks between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when sun exposure should ideally be avoided or approached with great caution.

There are several strategies for sun protection, including:

• Topical agents (like sunscreen),
• Sun-protective clothing, or
• Avoiding sun exposure entirely (although rarely feasible).

Sunscreens contain two main types of filters:

• Physical filters (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide): these form a barrier that reflects UV rays and are ideal for individuals with very fair or sensitive skin.
• Chemical filters: these are lighter and easier to apply, working by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat through a chemical reaction.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the most well-known indicator of a sunscreen's effectiveness against UVB radiation. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection. Each skin phototype (a classification based on melanin content and skin’s response to UV exposure) has a corresponding recommended SPF:

• SPF 6–10 (low protection): Phototypes V and VI
• SPF 15–25 (medium protection): Phototype IV
• SPF 30–50 (high protection): Phototype III
• SPF 50+ (very high protection): Phototypes I and II

How to Apply Sunscreen Properly

Sunscreen should ideally be applied uniformly and generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapplication is necessary at least every 2 hours, or more frequently if sweating or swimming.

Quantity also matters: most people apply too little sunscreen. The recommended amount is 2 mg of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin, approximately one full teaspoon for the face alone.

In addition to using protective measures, it is important to undergo a dermatological examination at least once a year, preferably in autumn or winter, to monitor the skin using dermoscopy and detect any atypical lesions that could have serious health consequences. In selected cases, more frequent evaluations may be necessary, including videodermoscopy.

If the summer has left behind visible signs or sun-induced damage, from autumn onward (once a tan has faded), next-generation corrective lasers can be used effectively. These treatments are particularly beneficial for:

• Hyperpigmentation (e.g., solar lentigines on the face and hands)
• Dyschromia (uneven skin tone in areas with insufficient protection)

Lasers are also effective for melasma, a chronic skin condition more common in women and triggered by sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, stress, and genetic predisposition, characterized by dark patches on the skin, especially the face.

Melasma can be treated successfully with a combination of laser therapy and conventional outpatient and at-home treatments.