The Dangerous Sun Callus Trend: A Viral Hoax That Can Cause Serious Skin Harm | Aragon

There is a hoax circulating on social media about sun exposure, which can be “dangerous” to both skin and health. Some internet users recommend the practice of solar callus, which consists of sunbathe constantly and without protection, “in order to adapt the skin.” However this “misconception”, “harmful myth”, which can have serious consequences.

Miguel Montero, member of the Department of Dermopharmaceutics at the Official College of Pharmacists of Zaragoza, emphasizes that adequate protection “is crucial to prevent serious damage to the skin.” “Exposing your skin to the sun without protection significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of cancer. Additionally, this type of exposure can cause sunburn, premature aging, blemishes and cellular damage, damage that the skin cannot easily adapt to or heal over time,” he emphasizes.

In this sense, Montero points out that, contrary to the belief that the skin can form a kind of callus that protects it, a tan obtained in this way “does not provide significant protection against future ultraviolet damage.”

and emphasizes the importance of using sun protection and taking preventative measures such as finding shade and wearing protective clothing to avoid excessive sun exposure.

According to the Observatory of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), Last year, 175 melanomas were diagnosed in Aragon: 90 for men and 86 for women; And 455 non-melanoma skin cancers: 275 men and 180 women, with the majority concentrated among the population over 75 years of age.

David Planas, prevention and health promotion specialist at the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Zaragoza, believes that the general population knows that sun exposure is “not without risks,” but that, like other healthy lifestyles, “It is difficult to learn habits that protect against its consequences. “In our society, one of the canons of beauty is dark skin, and often we prioritize aesthetics over health, and sometimes we don’t directly consider whether the actions we take might affect us in the long run. Sometimes we have learned that we have to protect ourselves when we go to the beach or the pool, but we forget about occasions like sports, work or going to the park,” he adds.

The expert reminds that the sun is “very important for our well-being and health,” but despite its benefits, Exposure to ultraviolet radiation “can have very harmful effects.” “Ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB, has been scientifically proven to cause skin cancers such as melanoma and non-melanoma cancers, as well as other skin problems,” he adds.

Choosing the right social protection

To properly protect your skin, you must It is essential to use a sunscreen that provides “total protection.” “The ideal sunscreen should provide protection against UVA and UVAB rays, which cause sunburn, premature skin aging and various types of skin cancer. It’s also important that it includes protection against blue light and infrared radiation A (IRA), both of which contribute to skin damage and aging. The inclusion of antioxidants is essential to combat free radicals and prevent photoaging,” says a member of dermopharmaceuticals of the Official College of Pharmacists of Zaragoza.

Likewise, Montero notes that whether you’re going to the beach, the mountains, or exercising, “it’s important that you“The sunscreen is water, sweat and abrasion resistant.”

Regarding the statement, the expert explains that You must follow rule 2: “Two fingers of product for the face and two tablespoons for the body, reapplying every two hours. By following these guidelines, we can provide complete and adequate protection tailored to the specific needs of each person and situation.”

Sun protection should also be used on cloudy days, and people who, because of work or leisure, spend many hours in the fresh air, must take “special” care of themselves.

Finally, Montero points out that in summer and during heat waves it is important to “avoid direct exposure to the sun and stay home or shelter in the shade from 11:00 to 17:00.” concludes.