El sol: ¿amigo o enemigo?
Sunlight is essential for life: it helps our body produce vitamin D, improves mood, and regulates sleep. However, excessive exposure to the sun without protection can have serious, even potentially fatal, consequences.
Although many people associate tanning with health and beauty, the truth is: there is no safe tan. Tanning is actually a sign of skin damage.
What happens when you are exposed to the sun too much?
The ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates the skin and damages the DNA of cells. Over time, this damage can lead to:
🌡️ 1. Sunburns
Red, painful skin with peeling
Bullae in severe cases
It can happen in just 15 minutes on a sunny day
🕳️ 2. Premature aging
Wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots
Loss of skin elasticity
Textura áspera o cuero
👁️ 3. Eye damage
Waterfalls
Macular degeneration
Photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea)
🧬 4. Weakness of the immune system
UV radiation can suppress the local immune response of the skin, making you more vulnerable to infections.
🧫 5. Skin cancer — The most serious risk
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. More than 5 million cases are diagnosed each year.
The three main types are:
Basal cell carcinoma – The most common, generally treatable
Squamous cell carcinoma – It can spread if not treated
Melanoma – The most dangerous; it can be fatal if not detected in time
💡 Did you know?
One severe sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma in the future.
Who is at risk?
We are all at risk, but especially:
People with fair skin, light eyes, or blonde or red hair
Those with a history of sunburns
People with many moles or a family history of skin cancer
Those who spend a lot of time outdoors (work or recreation)
Users of tanning beds (that emit UVA/UVB rays)
How to protect yourself
✅ Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Apply it 15 minutes before going out. Reapply every 2 hours — or after swimming or sweating.
✅ Wore protective clothing
Long sleeve shirts and pants
Wide-brimmed hats
UV protection sunglasses
✅ Look for the shadow
Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
✅ Avoid tanning beds
They are classified as carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization (WHO).
✅ Check your skin monthly
Look for new moles or those that change: Asymmetry, Irregular border, Varied color, Diameter >6 mm, Evolution (ABCDE rule).
The sun is not the enemy — overexposure is. With simple and mindful habits, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and reduce the risk of skin damage and cancer.
🌞 Protect your skin. It is the largest organ in your body — and it lasts you a lifetime.
📌 Quick Facts
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UV radiation is a proven carcinogen.
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90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure.
📬 Take care of your skin. Your future self Will thank you.
Si aún no tienes una póliza de seguro, contáctanos y con gusto te ayudaremos a tomar la mejor decisión para ti, tu familia y tu presupuesto