What You Need to Know in Spring and Summer

Spring and Summer: What You Need to Know

Spring and summer bring warmth, sunlight, and energy — and naturally, we want to spend more time outdoors. Walks, trips to nature, sunbathing — all of these are associated with joy and relaxation.
However, during the warmer months, ultraviolet (UV) radiation becomes more intense, and our skin requires special protection.

How Does the Sun Affect the Body?

Benefits:
– Stimulates the production of vitamin D, essential for bones, immunity, and metabolism
– Helps regulate circadian rhythms — making it easier to wake up and fall asleep
– Improves mood and boosts serotonin — the "happiness hormone"

Risks:
– Damages skin cells, especially with prolonged exposure
– Accelerates skin aging — causes wrinkles, pigmentation spots, and reduced elasticity (known as photoaging)
– Can lead to sunburn, inflammation, allergic reactions, and in the long term — increases the risk of skin cancer

Who Is Especially Vulnerable to the Sun?
– People with fair skin (Fitzpatrick phototypes I–II)
– Those taking photosensitizing medications (e.g., certain antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, retinoids)
– Individuals with many moles, freckles, or a family history of skin cancer

The Sun Is Not an Enemy — If You Treat It Wisely:

– Enjoy walks, but in the early morning or evening hours
– Sunbathe — yes, but never to the point of burning
– Exposed skin — always protected with SPF