Beach, sun, sea, vacation, these are the summer characteristics that we associate with a beautiful tan and I say YES, to get this tan in optimal conditions, safe from the damaging action of the sun. ultraviolet radiation (UV).

I decided to start with this topic because we are in the middle of summer, we are tempted to tan quickly. But for this I think we need to understand what ultraviolet or UV radiation is, how they are divided into 3 categories, depending on wavelength.

1. UV-C radiation are usually absorbed by the ozone, but we all know that in recent years the ozone layer has become increasingly rarefied. These radiations are the most harmful because of the chromosomal mutations that can occur in the skin.

2. UV-B radiation are those that penetrate the atmosphere in smaller amounts, are those that stimulate the synthesis of melanin, but produce solar erythema, including burns, these radiations are those that can cause skin cancer.

UV B radiation is that which activates provitamin D in the skin and converts it into Vitamin D, the essential vitamin for life.

3. UV-A radiation cause skin reddening and have negative effects on the immune system. Repeated and intense exposure to the sun (over many years) accelerates skin ageing, drying and premature wrinkling. They are also responsible for the appearance of cancer leather.

The protection of the body from UV radiation is achieved thanks to the natural pigment melanin, which absorbs radiation in the upper layer of the skin. 

Melanin is the substance that gives the skin its color (darker or lighter) and is responsible for tanning. People with fair skin also have lower melanin secretion, which results in a lower body defense system than people with darker skin.

I have emphasized these dangers without forgetting the benefits and pleasure of sunbathing if done in moderation, with caution and necessarily with sunscreen.

We all know that the sun improves the immune system, relieves rheumatic diseases, and the synthesis of vitamin D, which helps to fix calcium, is realized only in the presence of sunlight.

The joy that the sun brings, also determines the synthesis of that hormone that brings an excellent state of mind and well-being.

Additional protection against UVB and UVA is provided by creams and lotions that are made of natural ingredients with intrinsic sun protection factors (SPF) and certain non-toxic chemical compounds that can block and reflect ultraviolet radiation.

For this I propose natural ingredients that are real physical sunscreens that protect against the sun's rays, reflect light and create a protective barrier on the skin.

The active ingredients in natural sunscreens are: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, excellent natural physical filters for UVA and UVB radiation.

This complete non-toxic melanjcomplet made of titanium dioxide și zinc oxide they absorb and reflect a significant part of UVA and UVB rays.

Next week I'll post a recipe for a natural SPF 20 sunscreen and the concentrations of ingredients to make SPF 10, 20 and 30.