Sun protection - page 8

Sun protection is an important part of daily skin care, especially during spring, summer, seaside holidays, mountain trips, pool days or longer outdoor stays. A properly selected SPF product helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, premature aging, dark spots, redness and an unpleasant stinging feeling after sun exposure.

Within the Personal hygiene category, sun protection products are chosen according to skin type, age, application area, protection level, texture and daily habits. Light creams and fluids often suit the face, while body lotions, sprays and sun milks are practical for the body.

Sun protection is not needed only at the beach. UV rays act during walks, driving, sports, outdoor work and everyday city activities. That is why it is important to apply a suitable product regularly, renew protection and combine SPF with physical protection such as a hat, sunglasses and clothing.

Sun protection available at ApotekaOnline

Who is sun protection for?

• People who spend time outdoors, at the seaside, pool, mountains or in the city
• Protecting face and body skin from UV radiation
• Skin prone to redness, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and sensitivity
• Adults, children and teenagers, with products chosen according to age
• Daily skin care during sunny days and longer outdoor exposure

How to choose sun protection?

For sun exposure, beach, pool or outdoor activities, view the Sun care category. In this category you can choose SPF creams, lotions, sprays and other products for skin protection during sun exposure.

After spending time in the sun, the skin often needs additional hydration and soothing care. The After-sun care category includes products that help refresh, soften and care for the skin after UV exposure.

For the face, it is important to choose a texture that suits the skin type: light fluids for oily and combination skin, richer creams for dry skin, and specially formulated products for skin prone to dark spots, redness or sensitivity.

How to use SPF protection properly?

SPF product should be applied before going out in the sun, in a sufficient amount and evenly on all exposed areas. Special attention should be paid to the face, neck, décolleté, shoulders, ears, hands and body areas that burn easily.

Protection should be renewed during the day, especially after swimming, sweating, towel drying or longer outdoor exposure. Even with a high SPF product, prolonged exposure to the strongest midday sun is not recommended.

Sun protection, dark spots and redness

Skin prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation requires regular and consistent sun protection. UV rays may contribute to the darkening of existing spots and the appearance of new ones, so SPF is an important part of the routine for people with melasma, post-inflammatory marks or uneven skin tone.

For skin prone to redness, rosacea or a stinging sensation, products suitable for sensitive skin should be chosen, while overheating, direct sun and aggressive products should be avoided. If redness worsens or is accompanied by swelling, strong heat sensation or pain, dermatological advice is recommended.

After-sun care

After sun exposure, the skin needs hydration, cooling and comfort restoration. After-sun care products may help reduce the feeling of tightness, dryness and discomfort, especially after time spent at the seaside, pool or in windy conditions.

If the skin is very red, painful, warm to the touch, with blisters, fever, nausea, headache or weakness, stop sun exposure and seek medical advice. Such symptoms may indicate a more serious skin reaction or sunstroke.

Pharmacist’s advice

Choose sun protection according to skin type, age and length of outdoor exposure. Apply SPF before going out, reapply during the day and do not forget areas that are often missed, such as ears, neck, hands and décolleté. With dark spots, redness, sensitive skin, children, pregnant women or people using medicines that may increase sensitivity to the sun, extra caution and professional advice are recommended.

Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy

Tips and useful guides

• Personal hygiene
• Sun care
• After-sun care
• Which are the best sunscreens – comparing the best on the market
• How to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation
• How to reduce facial redness