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Healthy sun exposure is key to preventing sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer

 

Protecting ourselves from the sun and avoiding direct exposure to its rays during the central hours of the day is the optimal way to prevent skin cancer.

 

Using sunscreen, wearing appropriate clothing and seeking shade are habits that can save lives.

 

With the arrival of the good weather, we start enjoying more moments outdoors, which significantly increases our exposure to the sun. In Marbella, where the season of long sunny days has already begun, we are exposed to very high or even extreme levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

 

Although sunlight, in moderate levels, provides benefits to health such as vitamin D production, overexposure to it can cause skin cancer, sunburn and premature aging of the skin.

 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Its incidence has increased considerably in recent decades, especially due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology (AEDV) reports that more than 78,000 new patients are diagnosed each year and it is expected that by 2040, melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, will become the second most common tumour worldwide.

 

The good news is that most cases can be prevented by adopting appropriate measures against sun exposure from childhood. And, apart from that, “they can be diagnosed early through dermatological check-ups”, explains Dr Marta Frieyro, specialist in Dermatology at HC Marbella.

 

¿How can you protect yourself from the sun?

 

Adopting healthy habits towards the sun is an investment in our future health. Dr Marta Frieyro reminds us with these tips that if we protect ourselves from the sun our skin will thank us for it. In this regard, it is important to:

 

1. Avoid exposure to the sun during peak sunlight hours.

 

Between 12 noon and 4 p.m., UV rays are at their strongest.

Seek shade or stay indoors during this period.

 

2. Wear appropriate clothing

 

Clothing made of thick fabrics, with long sleeves and in dark colors.

Caps or wide-brimmed hats that protect the face, ears and neck.

Sunglasses with certified UV protection.

 

3. Apply sunscreen correctly.

 

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) with SPF 30 or higher.

Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating or towelling.

Apply a suitable amount of sunscreen.

Do not overlook areas such as ears, insteps, neck and lips (use lip balm with SPF)

Darker skins also need to be protected, even if they are more resistant to redness, they are still vulnerable to radiation damage. It is a common misconception that tanned skin is already fully protected.

 

4. Protect children in particular.

 

Never expose children under the age of 6 months to direct sunlight.

Use protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and photoprotection appropriate to their skin.

Teach them photoprotection habits from an early age.

 

5. Avoid the use of tanning booths.

 

They are classified as carcinogenic by the WHO.

They increase the risk of skin cancer.

 

6. Check your skin and, if you have any doubts, consult your dermatologist.

 

Thus, if there is any problem with your skin, we can detect it as soon as possible and treat it in the simplest way possible.

 

Your skin has a memory, protect it from the sun today and it will thank you tomorrow.

 

 

May 23, 2025

 

 

 

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