Tanning is a natural defense mechanism of the skin which, especially in the first exposures to the sun, is very vulnerable because it has not yet been able to produce enough melanin to protect itself. Factors such as the time and frequency of exposure will have consequences on the health of your skin, but we remind you that they are not the only ones. The place and altitude where you are – every 1,000 meters of ascent, the intensity of the sun’s rays increases by 15% – and the albedo, i.e. the percentage of radiation that any surface reflects with respect to the radiation that affects it, explain why, for example, you don’t tan as much on the beach as on the mountain.

To enjoy the sun in a healthy way we recommend that, whenever possible, you avoid exposing yourself in the central hours of the day and cover your skin with clothing such as sunglasses, hats, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Also remember to use a protective cream with filters for UVA and UVB rays. Photoprotection avoids acute reactions to the sun such as redness, inflammation, sensation of pain and blisters. In addition, it protects you from the sun’s long-term harmful effects such as photoaging, spots and, in the most severe cases, skin cancer. 90% of melanomas are related to UV exposure. The effects of solar radiation are cumulative and irreversible so changes in the skin should serve as an alarm to consult with the specialist, remember: “skin has memory.”