The benefits and harms of the sun. How to protect your skin from the sun

What is the Sun? On the scale of the visible universe, this is just a tiny star on the outskirts of the galaxy, which is called the Milky Way. But for the planet Earth, the Sun is not just a hot bunch of gas, but a source of heat and light necessary for the existence of all life.

Since prehistoric times, the daylight has been an object of worship, its movement across the firmament has been associated with the manifestation of divine powers. Studies of the Sun and its radiation began even before the adoption of the heliocentric model of Nicolaus Copernicus, the greatest minds of ancient civilizations puzzled over his riddles.

Technological progress has given mankind the opportunity to study not only the processes inside and on the surface of the Sun, but also changes in the earth's climate under its influence. Statistical data allow us to give a clear answer to the question of what solar radiation is, how it is measured and to determine its impact on living organisms inhabiting the planet.

What is called solar radiation

The nature of solar radiation remained unclear until, at the beginning of the 20th century, the eminent astronomer Arthur Eddington suggested that the source of the colossal solar energy is the thermonuclear fusion reactions that occur in its depths. The temperature near its core (about 15 million degrees) is sufficient for the protons to overcome the force of mutual repulsion and, as a result of the collision, form Helium nuclei.

Subsequently, scientists (in particular, Albert Einstein) discovered that the mass of the Helium nucleus is slightly less than the total mass of the four protons from which it is formed. This phenomenon is called the mass defect. After tracing the relationship between mass and energy, scientists found that this excess is released in the form of gamma quanta.

When passing the path from the core to the surface of the Sun through the layers of its constituent gases, gamma quanta are crushed and turn into electromagnetic waves, among which is the light visible to the human eye. This process takes about 10 million years. And it takes only 8 minutes to reach the solar radiation of the earth's surface.

Solar radiation includes electromagnetic waves with a wide range and the solar wind, which is a stream of light particles and electrons.

What are the types of solar radiation and its characteristics

At the boundary of the Earth's atmosphere, the intensity of solar radiation is a constant value. The energy of the Sun is discrete and is transferred in portions (quanta) of energy, but their corpuscular contribution is relatively small, so the sun's rays are considered as electromagnetic waves that propagate evenly and rectilinearly.

The main wave characteristic is the wavelength, with which the types of radiation are distinguished:

radio waves;
infrared (thermal);
visible (white) light;
ultraviolet;
gamma rays.

Solar radiation is represented by infrared (IR), visible (VS) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the ratio of 52%, 43% and 5%, respectively. The quantitative measure of solar radiation is considered to be energy illumination (energy flux density) - radiant energy arriving per unit of time per unit of surface.

Distribution of solar radiation over the earth's surface

Most of the radiation is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere and heats it up to the usual temperature for living organisms. The ozone layer transmits only 1% of ultraviolet rays and serves as a shield against more aggressive short-wave radiation.

The atmosphere absorbs about 20% of the sun's rays, scatters 30% in different directions. Thus, only half of the radiant energy, called direct solar radiation, reaches the earth's surface.

Several factors influence the intensity of direct solar radiation:

the angle of incidence of the sun's rays (geographical latitude);
distance from the point of impact to the Sun (season);
the nature of the reflective surface;
transparency of the atmosphere (cloudiness, pollution).

Scattered and direct radiation make up the total solar radiation, the intensity of which is measured in calories per unit surface. It is clear that solar radiation has an effect only in the daytime and is distributed unevenly over the earth's surface. Its intensity increases as it approaches the poles, however, snow reflects a large proportion of radiant energy, as a result of which the air does not heat up. Therefore, the total indicator decreases as you move away from the equator.

Solar activity shapes the Earth's climate and affects the life processes of the organisms that inhabit it. On the territory of the CIS countries (in the northern hemisphere), diffuse radiation prevails in the winter season, and direct radiation in the summer.

Infrared radiation and its role in the life of mankind

Solar radiation is represented predominantly invisible to the human eye. It is it that heats the earth's soil, which subsequently gives off heat to the atmosphere. Thus, the temperature and habitual climatic conditions are optimal for life on Earth.

In addition to the Sun, all heated bodies are sources of infrared radiation. All heating devices and devices that allow you to see more or less heated objects in conditions of poor visibility work according to this principle.

The fact that a person is not able to perceive infrared light does not reduce its effect on the body. This type of radiation has found application in medicine due to the following properties:

expansion of blood vessels, normalization of blood flow;
an increase in the number of leukocytes;
treatment of chronic and acute inflammation of internal organs;
prevention of skin diseases;
removal of colloid scars, treatment of non-healing wounds.

Infrared thermographs allow timely detection of diseases that cannot be diagnosed using other methods (blood clots, cancerous tumors, etc.). Infrared radiation is a kind of "antidote" against negative ultraviolet radiation, therefore its healing properties are used to restore the health of people who have been in outer space for a long time.

The mechanism of action of infrared rays is not fully understood and, like any type of radiation, if used improperly, can be harmful to human health. Treatment with infrared rays is contraindicated in the presence of purulent inflammation, bleeding, malignant tumors, insufficiency of cerebral circulation and the cardiovascular system.

Spectral composition and properties of visible light

Light beams propagate in a straight line and do not overlap each other, which raises a fair question why the world around us strikes with a variety of different shades. The secret lies in the basic properties of light: reflection, refraction and absorption.

It is known for certain that objects do not emit light, it is partially absorbed by them and reflected at different angles depending on the frequency. Human vision has evolved over the centuries, but the retina of the eye can only perceive a limited range of reflected light in the narrow gap between infrared and ultraviolet radiation.

The study of the properties of light has given rise not only to a separate branch of physics, but also to a number of non-scientific theories and practices based on the effect of color on the mental and physical state of the individual. Using this knowledge, a person decorates the surrounding space in the most pleasing color for the eyes, which makes life as comfortable as possible.

Ultraviolet radiation and its effect on the human body

The ultraviolet spectrum of sunlight consists of long, medium and short waves, which differ in physical properties and the nature of the impact on living organisms. Ultraviolet rays, which belong to the long-wave spectrum, are mainly scattered in the atmosphere and do not reach the earth's surface. The shorter the wavelength, the deeper the ultraviolet penetrates into the skin.

Ultraviolet radiation is essential for sustaining life on Earth. UV rays have the following effects on the human body:

saturation with vitamin D, necessary for the formation of bone tissue;
prevention of osteochondrosis and rickets in children;
normalization of metabolic processes and synthesis of beneficial enzymes;
activation of tissue regeneration;
improvement of blood circulation, expansion of blood vessels;
increased immunity;
removal of nervous excitement by stimulating the production of endorphins.

Despite the long list of positive qualities, sunbathing is not always effective. Prolonged exposure to the sun at unfavorable times or during periods of abnormally high solar activity nullifies the beneficial properties of UV rays.

Ultraviolet irradiation in high doses has the opposite result as expected:

erythema (reddening of the skin) and sunburn;
hyperemia, puffiness;
increase in body temperature;
headache;
dysfunction of the immune and central nervous systems;
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting.

These signs are symptoms of sunstroke, in which the deterioration of a person's condition can occur imperceptibly. Procedure for sunstroke:

move the person from the area exposed to direct sunlight to a cool place;
put on your back and raise your legs to an elevation to normalize blood circulation;
rinse your face and neck with cool water, preferably make a compress on your forehead;
provide the opportunity to breathe freely and get rid of tight clothing;
for half an hour, give a drink of a small amount of clean cold water.

In severe cases, with loss of consciousness, it is necessary to call an ambulance team and, if possible, bring the victim to his senses. Medical assistance to the patient consists in the emergency administration of glucose or ascorbic acid intravenously.

Safe tanning rules

UV rays stimulate the synthesis of a special hormone melanin, with the help of which human skin darkens and takes on a bronze hue. Disputes about the benefits and harms of tanning have been going on for decades.

It has been proven that sunburn is a protective reaction of the body to ultraviolet radiation, and excessive sunbathing increases the risk of malignant tumors.

If the desire to pay tribute to fashion prevails, you need to understand what solar radiation is, how to protect yourself from it and follow simple recommendations:

sunbathe gradually exclusively in the morning or evening;
do not stay in direct sunlight for more than an hour;
apply protective agents to the skin;
drink more pure water to avoid dehydration;
include in the diet foods that contain vitamin E, beta-carotene, tyrosine and selenium;
limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The reaction of the body to ultraviolet radiation is individual, so the time for sunbathing and their duration should be selected taking into account the type of skin and the state of human health.

Tanning is highly contraindicated for pregnant women, the elderly, people with skin diseases, heart failure, mental disorders and in the presence of malignant tumors.

Solar irradiation. What it is?

In summer, people tend to spend more time in nature: enjoy the riot of colors, soak up the hot sun until you get a tan. But is such a procedure so harmless?

The sun sends rays to the earth. Among them are ultraviolet and infrared. Infrared waves heat the surfaces of the body. They are the ones that cause heat stroke.

Ultraviolet waves produce a strong photochemical effect on the body. In the ultraviolet spectrum, rays A, B, C differ in wavelength. In the radiation of the sun, ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) is 5-9%. When passing through the layers of the atmosphere, part of the solar radiation is absorbed. The ozone layer plays an important role in this. At the surface of the earth, UVR is about 1%.

How does the sun affect a person?

Man cannot live without the sun. Lack of sunlight quickly affects health, regardless of how old he is.

Children suffer from rickets, grow weak.
In adults, bone strength decreases, osteoporosis develops - the risk of bone fractures increases.
Immunity declines at any age. Colds and infections are more common. including tuberculosis.
caries develops.

For proper metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body, vitamin D is needed. Its amount from food is not enough. The body must produce it on its own. This process occurs in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet rays.

At the same time, solar irradiation kills microorganisms dangerous to humans, including tuberculosis bacteria and staphylococcus aureus.

Small doses of solar radiation have a beneficial effect on human metabolism, increase the function of endocrine glands and immunity.

Under the influence of sunlight, melanophores - special cells in the skin - begin to intensively produce melanin. This pigment is the culprit in sunburn. At the same time, tanning itself is a protective reaction of the body to the sun. The sun's rays have a less negative effect on a tanned body. But at the same time, the production of vitamin D in the body decreases.

The sun can hurt. Much depends on the dose of radiation and on the characteristics of the organism.

In addition to vitamin D, under the influence of UV radiation, histamine and acetylcholine are produced in human skin. These are the same biologically active substances that cause allergies. Under their influence, the skin turns red - blood vessels dilate, there is a rush of fluid to the skin, which often ends in blistering, itching and pain. This reaction is called a sunburn, which, unlike thermal, does not appear immediately, but only 4-8 hours after exposure to the sun.

Even if a person managed to treat the burn in time, the redness disappeared, blisters did not appear, this does not mean that everything is in order in the body. Redness indicates that solar radiation has been excessive. The negative impact has already been made on the body, and the consequences may appear even after 20 years. For example, in the form of cancer. That is why it is unacceptable when children are exposed to excessive radiation.

Increased release of histamine and acetylcholine can also cause urticaria.

The rush of fluid to the skin, its loss with sweat causes blood to thicken. Therefore, if you stay in the sun for a long time, you need to drink plenty of water. Thickening of the blood increases the risk of thrombosis, has an adverse effect on blood microcirculation.

Under the influence of the sun, the heartbeat quickens. The reason is that the human motor works harder, it needs more oxygen. If a person suffers from cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, the body does not receive enough of it. As a result, the patient's condition may worsen.

High doses of UV-B rays, especially in non-tanned skin, cause damage to proteins and DNA. Because of this, cell mutations occur, some of them die. The likelihood of developing oncological processes on the skin increases. The risk increases if a person's skin is not accustomed to exposure to strong solar radiation, if there are many moles on the body. If there are more than 50 moles on the body, the risk of melanoma is doubled. If there are already tumors in the body, then solar radiation accelerates the growth of diseased cells.

Strong solar radiation negatively affects the eyes, causes a number of diseases: photoconjunctivitis - inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, photokeratitis - inflammation of the cornea, damage to the retina, stimulates the development of cataracts.

With severe tanning, a person's skin becomes thicker and ages faster.

At low doses of solar radiation, the listed negative effects will be minimal.

In addition to direct sunlight, the human body is affected by scattered and reflected solar radiation. In summer, scattered radiation is especially strong. It is because of her that the sky turns blue. Thanks to her, you can sunbathe in the shade. This type of tanning is much more beneficial.

High reflected radiation is found in snow-capped mountains and sandy beaches with light sand.

The intensity of UVR depends on the thickness of the atmospheric ozone layer, which thickens towards the equator and thins towards the poles. There are ozone "holes". Where they are, the effect of the sun on the human body is the most dangerous.

The degree of exposure also depends on the state of air pollution. The cleaner the air, the higher it is. That is why it is easier to get burned in nature than in the city.

In reasonable doses, the sun's rays are useful for healthy people.

The sun's rays, swimming in the river, clean air and being in nature strengthen the body. Do not deny yourself pleasure. The main thing to remember is that everything is good in moderation.

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What if we collect all the visible radiation of the Sun into a beam like a laser with a diameter of a meter and send it to the Earth?
Max Schaefer

This is what Max described:

Once in the path of the beam, you will, of course, die quickly. And not even "from something", as is usually the case - you will simply turn from a biological phenomenon into a physical one.

When a beam of light reaches the atmosphere, it will heat the air at the point of impact to millions of degrees in a fraction of a second. [ one ] . ↲Fahrenheit, Celsius, Rankine or Kelvin - it doesn't matter at all.↳ This air will turn into plasma and will begin to dissipate heat in all directions in the form of x-rays. They will heat the surrounding air, turning it into a plasma that will emit infrared light. It's like an explosion of a hydrogen bomb, but much more intense.

This radiation will evaporate everything around, turn the nearest area of the atmosphere into plasma and begin to devour the surface of the Earth.

What if you find yourself on the other side of the planet? You still can not survive - in this scenario, the Earth is doomed. But from what exactly you will die?

The size of the Earth is enough to protect the people on the far side from Max's beam, albeit not for long. Seismic waves from destruction also will not immediately pass through the planet. But they won't kill you anyway. The earth is not a perfect shield.

Twilight will kill you.

It's dark at night [ ] , because the Sun shines on the other side of the planet [ ] . But the darkness of the night sky is not always absolute. Before dawn and after sunset, a glow is visible, because the atmosphere bends the light of the hidden Sun.

If our beam hits the Earth, a spectrum of radiation from x-rays to heat will escape into the atmosphere, so it's worth understanding how different types of light interact with air.

Speaking of ordinary light, you may have heard of Rayleigh scattering as an answer to the question “why is the sky blue?”. The explanation is generally correct, but the answer “because the air is blue” is perhaps even better. Sure, it's blue for a variety of physical reasons, but all has color for many physical reasons [ 2 ] . ↲To the question "why is the Statue of Liberty green?" we will answer something like "the statue is covered with copper and was once copper in color, but over time, due to oxidation, a layer of copper carbonate formed, and it is green." We will not say "a statue is made green by the scattering and absorption of light of certain frequencies by surface molecules."

When the air heats up, the electrons lose their connection with the nuclei of atoms - a plasma is obtained. A stream of radiation from the beam passes through it, so we need to find out how transparent this plasma is to various types of radiation. Here I want to recall an article by Harris L. Meyer from 1964 transparency calculations. Past and future, her introductory paragraph is the best of any physics paper I've seen:

The prerequisites for this work appeared several billion years ago. As soon as stars began to form, transparency became one of the basic parameters that determined the structure of the physical world in which we live. And more recently, with the development of nuclear weapons operating at intrastellar temperatures, transparency is also becoming one of the basic parameters that determine the processes from which we can all die.

Plasma transmits X-rays better than air. They will pass through it and heat it up due to the Compton effect and the birth of pairs. But the beams will quickly stop as soon as they come into contact with the non-plasma air outside. But the plasma sphere will constantly expand due to X-rays from the superheated air around the beam. The new plasma along the edges will add infrared radiation to the stream that heats everything in its path.

The ring of heat and light will spread across the planet, heating the air and the earth. As the air heats up, the plasma and radiation will propagate farther beyond the horizon. In addition, part of the atmosphere will be knocked out by the beam into space and from there it will reflect light back to the planet.

Accurate the speed at which radiation circles the earth depends on various characteristics of atmospheric scattering, but it does not matter if the moon is at a quarter all this time.

When Max's device turns on, the moon will not be visible - the sunlight illuminating it will be collected in a beam. After it touches the atmosphere, a quarter of the moon will peek out.

When the beam from Max's device touches the Earth's atmosphere, the light from the point of contact will illuminate the Moon. Depending on the position of the satellite and your position on the surface of the planet, reflected moonlight alone can easily incinerate you...

... and twilight, enveloping the planet, will bring with it the last sunset [ 3 ] . ↲This picture is convenient to annoy certain groups of people:

One subtlety could save the Earth from complete destruction. Is Max's mechanism capable of keeping a fly moving goal? If not, the planet will be out of the way in just three minutes. True, people will still fry, the atmosphere and surface will become noticeably smaller, but the main mass of the Earth as a charred lump will continue its path in orbit.

Our solar death ray will open deep space. If, years later, it reaches another planetary system, it will already be too scattered and will not be able to incinerate anything, but its brightness will certainly be enough to warm up the surfaces of local planets.

Max's scenario may have doomed the Earth to destruction, but - if it's any consolation - we won't necessarily die alone.

The benefits and harms of ultraviolet rays of sunlight on the human body and skin: how to provide protection when tanning

The sun's ultraviolet rays give life to all life on our planet. If at one moment the ultraviolet rays of sunlight disappear, then all the processes of photosynthesis will immediately stop, a terrible cold will come, the light will disappear. The real "end of the world" will come.

And all this importance, scientists are constantly questioning the positive biological effect of ultraviolet rays, theories are being built that this is harmful radiation. Indeed, some facts suggest that the action of ultraviolet rays on the body leads to the development of pathological processes. But basically, if you follow the recommendations of dermatologists, even a tan is a useful procedure. After all, only under the influence of ultraviolet rays in the human body is produced irreplaceable vitamin D. Without it, bone destruction begins and the process of calcium absorption is impossible.

Needless to say, how we all aspire to the beach in summer to enjoy swimming and sunbathing? In recent years, scientists have greatly expanded their understanding of the effects of sunlight on the skin. And the more information about this appears, the louder they urge us to be careful. Abuse of sunbathing is fraught with serious consequences. Regular intensive tanning leads to premature aging: the appearance of wrinkles, unhealthy skin color, burns, irritation, and most dangerously, an increased risk of skin cancer. So why not prevent negative consequences in a timely manner?

Types, types and proven properties of ultraviolet rays

It is widely known that there are several types of ultraviolet rays. UVA and UVB radiation are two different types of solar radiation. UVA types of ultraviolet rays penetrate deep into the skin, reducing its elasticity and firmness, causing premature aging of the skin, which is expressed in the accelerated formation of wrinkles, age spots and freckles, especially in fair-haired and light-eyed people. These rays can also cause skin cancer.

UVB rays are much more energetic than UVA rays. They cause sunburn and are one of the most common causes of skin cancer. It should be remembered that UVA and UVB rays have a harmful effect on the skin even in cloudy weather! Various creams protect against UVB, and nutritional supplements increase internal resistance to UVA radiation. The scientifically proven properties of ultraviolet rays have both beneficial and harmful effects on the human body.

You have certainly noted that older people, who are used to protecting themselves from the sun with umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats, have much smoother and softer skin than their peers - sailors, gardeners and representatives of other professions whose work involves being outdoors in any weather. and at any time of the year.

But do not consider the sun as your enemy! In moderate doses, it prevents rickets and seasonal depression, helps fight psoriasis and, according to anecdotal evidence, breast and colon cancer.

Thanks to the sun's rays, our body produces vitamin D, which is necessary for strengthening the skeleton, and hormones of good mood. Among other things, the sun's rays are an excellent natural pain reliever.

However, do not forget that the possibilities of sunlight- a double-edged sword. Did you know that sunburn is not just ugly and painful? This is a real burn with a deep skin lesion, which requires no less treatment than household one.

7 bad news about the dangers of the sun

The benefits and harms of ultraviolet rays have not yet been thoroughly studied, so scientists are building hypotheses. Currently, there are 7 bad news for a modern person about the dangers of the sun:

To ensure effective protection against ultraviolet rays, doctors have developed special recommendations. They are listed further down the page.

Did you get sunburn? Take 500mg rose nutmeg oil capsules 3 times daily for 20 days.
"How many times have they told the world": protect yourself from the sun's rays! And all the same, adults and children sunbathe on the beach for hours in the heat! A classic example of frivolity and irresponsibility!
Careless exposure to the sun will inevitably affect the state of health. Deep wrinkles, redness, cataracts, degenerative spots, skin cancer - this is not a complete list of possible consequences. Not to mention that the sun's rays are the most powerful factor accelerating aging. UVB rays destroy the skin, and penetrating UVA rays damage the cells that make up the skin. Don't forget: sunscreens/sunscreens only protect against UVB rays!
The best means of protecting the body from the influence of ultraviolet rays on the body is a shadow, and it doesn’t matter what exactly helps in this - the wall of the house, an umbrella, a beach fungus, a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses ... A T-shirt, windbreaker or pareo will become indispensable helpers. And, of course, a protective cream that needs to be lubricated on all exposed surfaces, including ears and toes.
A balanced diet is another remedy for ultraviolet rays and a faithful assistant. Proper nutrition cannot protect against sunburn, but it will help strengthen the body's defenses. Eat more olive oil, exotic fruits and apricots, vegetables (especially tomatoes), and legumes. Limit your intake of meat, dairy products (including butter), and sweets.

Beware of the influence of ultraviolet rays on the body of the alpine sun - it is the most aggressive. When sunbathing on a sea beach, do not forget that the sun's rays reflected by the water surface, combined with a light and so pleasant sea breeze, are fraught with great danger.
Snow also reflects the sun beautifully, increasing UV radiation by 10% for every 1,000 meters. And this means that the higher you climb in the mountains, the more likely you are to get a sunburn. Moreover, if the sand reflects 10% of the sun's rays, and the water surface 20%, then freshly fallen snow reflects 90% of the sun's rays. Thus, the dose of UV radiation that your eyes and skin receive is multiplied many times over.
So how can you protect yourself from the influence of ultraviolet rays on a person: sunscreens, covering the body with a thin protective film, create a certain barrier that limits the sun's rays on the skin. This method of protection is only effective if you apply sunscreen to all exposed surfaces every 2 hours of sun exposure. However, the first manifestation of a tan indicates that UV rays have finally reached your skin! Remember that they cause significant harm to the body, enhance oxidation processes that accelerate cell aging. Taking sunscreen nutritional supplements that supply the body with the necessary antioxidants allows you to fight these processes from the inside. Among other things, nutritional supplements are aimed at the prevention of cancer, prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions to the sun (summer radiation dermatitis). No sunscreen can do this! Taking 1-2 capsules a day will provide reliable protection in the summer! In addition, taking the right nutritional supplements speeds up the time of obtaining a beautiful tan and makes it more long-lasting, moisturizing the skin and keeping it soft from the inside.

All devices for artificial tanning, standing in beauty salons and solariums, cause irreparable harm to health. For many years, dermatologists around the world have been doing everything possible to achieve a ban on their use. If you need to look tanned, it is better to use self-tanning products that do not burn or dry the skin. Opt for gel forms that contain fewer hazardous ingredients. However, in the presence of millet, freckles or enlarged pores, it is not recommended to use self-tanning products.
Self-tanning products do not prevent tanning, which means that they do not protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily. Apply sunscreen several times a day, especially after swimming or if you sweat excessively, even if the bottle is labeled "waterproof".
Drink plenty of water: Summer fluid intake ranges from 1 to 2 liters per day.
Don't confuse sun exposure with heat exposure. Ultraviolet rays do not cause a feeling of heat and retain their harmful effect on the body even at 40 ° C. It is necessary to protect yourself from the sun from the very first sunny days of spring, when the air is still quite cool. In the period from the beginning of June to the end of September, it is advisable to use day or foundation creams with the appropriate SPF. SPF is a sun protection factor that refers to the ability of cosmetics to increase the time of safe exposure to the sun. The value of the SPF factor can be in the range from 2 to 50 units. It is calculated in special laboratories, based on the fact that a certain agent will be used in an amount of 2 mg per 1 sq. see skin surface. Most often, sunscreens and lotions are produced with an SPF value, as well as day creams, foundations, powders, lipsticks and lip balms.

Don't forget to put sunscreen on your ears.
Don't rely on being in the city to save you from the harmful rays of the sun. The sun combined with polluted air is much more dangerous.
For children, the sun's rays are hundreds of times more dangerous, so protect them from the sun. Remember that for a child, the dose of ultraviolet rays of the sun received in 4 minutes is equivalent to the dose that an adult receives in 1 hour.
Do not think that solar radiation is most dangerous between 12 and 16 hours. In this interval, the greatest intensity of UVB rays is noted, while the rest of the time we are attacked by UVA rays.
Don't consider yourself invulnerable. The use of sunscreen and nutritional supplements helps protect against the sun, but common sense dictates that sunglasses, a hat, and a tank top are also essential.

Sun It is not only a source of heat and light. Air, earth, water and plants are completely permeated with his life energy. This energy is so concentrated and active that it would be extremely careless to expose the body to direct sunlight for a long time. Therefore, air and sun baths should be taken gradually.

The sun's rays can improve health and prolong life.- the skin should always be covered with a light tan. The reason for many diseases often lies precisely in the fact that we are too rarely in the sun. And the more the skin will absorb the sun's rays, the greater will be the supply of bactericidal energy.

There are certain rules for sunbathing. Start with short periods, gradually increasing them little by little. The best time for sunbathing is between 7 and 10 am. Between 11:00 and 15:00 the sun's rays are at their hottest and can carry radiation. Staying in the sun for more than an hour without a break is not recommended. It is better to take a walk on a sunny day than to lie still. Do not sleep or eat in direct sunlight.

Don't forget about your home, let in more sunlight and air - the guarantees of health. Take advantage of these precious gifts of nature in spring and summer when the sun is at its strongest. Then health and joy will become your best friends and will never leave you.

The sun has a huge positive effect on the human body., stabilizing blood circulation. Therefore, in the summer, the number of deaths from a heart attack decreases, the heartbeat and pulse become more frequent, blood vessels expand and, as a result, blood flow to the skin increases, which makes it look much better. Muscles become more elastic, metabolism increases, food is processed better, fats break down faster, protein is easier to digest.

solar energy stimulates the brain. Even a short exposure to the sun significantly improves brain activity.

Sun rays stimulate the immune system, and sunlight is essential for healthy teeth and bones. With its lack, children develop rickets, and osteoporosis in old age is more likely to affect people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and rarely go to the sun.

Ultra-violet rays slow down the growth of cancer cells. With the help of sunlight, our body produces interleukocytes and interferon - substances that successfully fight cancer cells. People who rarely go out into the sun have a higher risk of getting cancer.

Many people know the benefits of sunlight to improve vision. You need to look at the sun at sunrise, without taking your eyes off, starting from a few seconds, gradually increasing the time of the procedure.

The sun's rays have a healing effect on the entire body.. Blood circulation and the work of the heart muscle are activated, the nervous system is strengthened, physical activity is increased, and the supply of organs and bones with calcium is improved.

But solar procedures in case of overdose have side effects. An overdose of solar energy is fraught with overheating of the body, decay and death of leukocytes in the blood. The result is a headache, fatigue, excessive excitability, irritability and insomnia. To avoid this, it is necessary to know the measure and not be under the direct rays of the sun during the period of solar radiation - from 11.00 to 15.00 hours. Remember this.

You can not use glycerin, petroleum jelly and other mineral fats to protect the skin from the sun and soften it. To protect yourself from possible overheating and burns, you can cover the body with special sunscreen, but remember that they do not guarantee 100% protection from burns.

To protect your hair from drying out in the sun and when swimming, you need to wear a bathing cap, and before going to the beach, rub a mixture of equal parts of castor oil and any vegetable oil into the scalp. In addition, it would be advisable to recall the mandatory headgear in order to avoid sunstroke (this is necessary after 11 am).

Before a sunbath, do not wash your face and body with soap, do not wipe your skin with cologne or other alcohol tinctures and lotions.

Then, noticing redness on the skin and burning, go into the shade as soon as possible, rinse your face and body with fresh water. In case of severe sunburn, lubricate the burnt places with sour cream, butter, cover the body with cabbage leaves.

Always take a shower after the beach to free your clogged skin pores.

Many, after swimming in the sea or river, remain in a wet bathing suit, allowing it to dry on the body. But this can lead to various diseases, sometimes extremely severe. A warm and humid environment allows bacteria to thrive and multiply, causing fungal infections. Therefore, after bathing, be sure to change into dry clothes.