Which is better, sunscreen or a UV protection umbrella?

BarcelonaAs a Mediterranean country, it's clear that socializing tends to take place outdoors, and in the summer, probably enjoying the sun. But despite our geographic predisposition to greater exposure to the sun's rays, it's up to each individual to decide what relationship we want to have with the sun. We spoke about all this with the doctor of dermatology. Ramon Grimalt Santacana.

The relationship with the sun, a cultural issue

"Would you rather prevent skin aging, avoid wrinkles, and reduce your risk of cancer, or socialize outdoors with little sun protection?" he says. He emphasizes that our priorities are strongly influenced by cultural and social factors: "What a person from Seoul wants is to not age, and this is the socially accepted reward. For them, this is much more important than baking a pan in the sun."

However, it should also be taken into account that not everyone is equally predisposed to complications from solar radiation. In this regard, there are two key factors: genetics and hours of sunlight. People with blond hair and green or blue eyes are more vulnerable to solar radiation. Furthermore, the hours of sunlight and the level of radiation—summer sun is not the same as winter sun—are also factors to consider when exposing ourselves. Dr. Grimalt states that, generally speaking, we should not receive more than 20 minutes of sun per week, "and it doesn't have to be on the whole body; it can be just on one part, such as the legs."

Sunburn or umbrella?

Despite the need to protect ourselves from the sun, we should know that not all strategies are equally effective. Dr. Grimalt calls it "stupid" to have sunscreen as a facial routine every day of the year. He concludes: "Then, this same person will start sunbathing during peak summer hours."

In this regard, Grimalt warns that the sense of security that sunscreen can provide can be dangerous. "Any physical sun protection is better than chemical: a good lifeguard in the summer doesn't have to take off their hat, long sleeves, or long pants, just as farmers have always done, who never wore shorts in the summer," she emphasizes. Therefore, the idea of carrying a UV-protection umbrella is an alternative that perfectly fulfills the goal of sun protection.