A Summer Guide to Great Armpits, the Belo Way
February 28, 2024
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Too much fun under the sun can be dangerous. As tempting as it is to enjoy the summer season, understanding the effects of sun exposure, appropriate treatment measures, and safety tips for protection is vital for maintaining healthy skin. Dr. Ria Arrobio, Associate Physician of Belo Tomas Morato, tells us more.
Dr. Arrobio: The UV from the sunlight affects the skin’s growth and appearance. It loses moisture and collagen, causing dry skin and making it wrinkly. The skin is actually protected from the sun by the melanin that is located on the deep layer of the skin. The more exposure the more it produces melanin, causing pigmentations.
Too much sun exposure also causes sunburn, somehow irritating the natural moisture and growth of the skin. Long term effects of sun exposure can also sometimes lead to skin cancer.
Dr. Arrobio: Usually, there’s SPF 30 and 50 in the market. SPF 30 allows about 3% of UV rays entering the skin. SPF 50 allows 2%. It doesn’t matter which one – both have good sun protection. Although some moisturizers have smaller SPF 20-30, frequent application is a must during the day to stay protected.
It’s also important to get a sunscreen that’s water resistant and broad spectrum to block two basic types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin. They play a greater role in skin aging. On the other hand, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn.
Dr. Arrobio: People who are dark skinned have more melanin than lighter skinned. Although they have more protection against the sun’s damaging effects, they are still vulnerable to it.
Dr. Arrobio: Early morning before 9-10am, and then 4pm onwards. Studies said that the sun emits more harmful UV rays during the mid day. Try to avoid being outdoors as much as possible in between those times.
If you can’t help it, wear a hat that shades your face, ears and the back of your neck. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants/skirts is recommended, too. Breathable fabric like cotton can help you stay comfortable. Don’t forget to keep reapplying sunblock (every 1-2 hours). Hydrate!
Dr. Arrobio: It doesn’t matter which brand of sunscreen you use, as long as it contains the right ingredients. Sunscreen has two main types of ingredients: physical (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and chemical (avobenzone, oxybenzone etc). Physical blockers, sometimes called mineral sunscreens, have broader coverage. They are effective immediately after being applied since they work by reflecting the UV rays. Chemical blockers need to be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Dr. Arrobio: Teenagers should start as early as school age, especially those who are engaged in outdoor extracurriculars in school, like sports! Those who are fond of going to the beach should also start young. They’re often the ones exposed under the sun.
Dr. Arrobio: The skin’s epidermis gets damaged after a long sun exposure. It causes the outer layers to peel. It should take about a week or more to heal, depending how severe.
We can apply mild creams for faster healing. Thereafter, you can visit the clinic for more treatments when the affected skin gets calmer. We can repair damaged skin with lightening creams, lasers, skin resurfacing and ASCE+ Exosomes. Come in and your Belo doctor will be able to recommend treatment(s) and/or products for you!
Our Belo doctors can best recommend a skin care regimen for you during the hot climate. Call 8819-BELO (2356) to book a consultation today!
We have clinics located around Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu and Davao! Give us a call at 8819-BELO (2356) or book your appointment here.
Please note that prices may change without prior notice and the final price will be based on the doctor’s quotation upon consultation.
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