Dermatology Specialist Nazmi Geyik: It is important to benefit from the sun in a controlled and conscious manner.

Atlas University Hospital Dermatology Specialist Dr. Nazmi Geyik emphasized that controlled and conscious sun exposure is effective in protecting skin health, saying, "It's possible to benefit from the sun with the right timing, short-term exposure, and an approach tailored to your skin type." Geyik emphasized that fair-skinned individuals, those with blonde and red hair, those with freckles, and those with a history of skin cancer are more sensitive to UV rays, and therefore, regular protection is absolutely essential. He warned, "Balance is crucial, as excessive sun exposure can cause skin aging, blemishes, and, in the long term, skin cancer. Sunbathing should be avoided between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, when the sun's rays are strongest."

Atlas University Hospital Skin and Venereal Diseases (Dermatology) Specialist Dr. Lecturer Nazmi Geyik commented on the importance of sun protection.

Dr. Geyik, a lecturer, stated that UV rays have significant effects on the skin, saying, “The sun is a very powerful source of energy that sends it to the Earth. However, only about two-thirds of this energy can pass through the atmosphere and reach the surface. Only a small portion of sunlight, approximately 5 percent, consists of ultraviolet (UV) rays. These UV rays are invisible but have significant effects on the skin. The majority of the remaining sunlight consists of visible light and heat. While all visible light can reach the surface, some types of UV rays are filtered by the ozone layer in the atmosphere. For example, the most harmful UVC rays (very short wavelength rays) are completely blocked by the ozone layer, meaning they do not reach the surface. Therefore, human skin is not normally exposed to UVC.”

"Vitamin D is not synthesized behind glass"

Dr. Geyik explained that UV rays are divided into three groups: UVA, UVB, and UVC. "UVA has the longest wavelength and penetrates the skin more deeply. In the long term, it can cause skin aging, blemishes, and DNA damage. UVB is the primary ray that causes sunburn. It also plays a role in the body's production of vitamin D. However, UVB cannot penetrate glass, so sitting behind glass doesn't produce vitamin D. UVC, on the other hand, has the shortest wavelength and can be lethal to cells. However, as we mentioned, the ozone layer completely blocks UVC, so we don't encounter it directly," he said.

UVB causes sunburns.

Dr. Geyik explained that exposure to sunlight causes certain changes in the skin, saying, "One of these is sunburn, and the other is tanning. Sunburn is generally caused by UVB rays and appears approximately 6–24 hours after exposure. Tanning, however, develops in two ways: Early tanning, which is primarily due to UVA rays, causes the skin to darken quickly. Delayed tanning, however, occurs due to UVB exposure and increases melanin production."

"It is important to benefit from the sun in a controlled and conscious manner"

Dr. Geyik, a lecturer, noted that sunlight also has an immune-suppressing effect on the skin, warning, "While this may be beneficial for some skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis), prolonged and intense exposure can lead to serious health problems like skin cancer. Therefore, it's incorrect to consider the sun as either entirely harmful or entirely beneficial. What matters is when, how much, and how we expose ourselves to the sun. Controlled and conscious sun exposure is crucial for protecting our skin health."

"10-15 minutes of sunbathing a day is enough"

Dr. Geyik, a lecturer, stated that it's not necessary to spend hours in the sun to meet vitamin D needs. "Sunlight is essential for our bodies because it enables the production of vitamin D in the skin," he said. "Vitamin D is important for bone health, the immune system, and many metabolic processes. However, it's not necessary to spend hours in the sun to reap this benefit. For fair-skinned individuals, sunbathing for approximately 10–15 minutes in the early morning or late afternoon, without sunscreen, with only arms and legs exposed, is generally sufficient. This short period is often sufficient for the body to synthesize the vitamin D it needs. Too much can damage the skin."

"Too much sun damages the skin"

"Balance is crucial, as excessive sun exposure can cause skin aging, blemishes, and, in the long term, skin cancer," warned Dr. Geyik. "The risk of skin cancer increases in later life, especially for those who frequently sunburn in childhood. Furthermore, the sun can trigger or exacerbate certain skin conditions. For example, conditions like lupus, rosacea, melasma, and herpes can be exacerbated by the sun. Therefore, with the right timing, short-term exposure, and appropriate approach for your skin type, it's possible to benefit from the sun."

Who should pay more attention?

Dr. Geyik, a lecturer, stated that certain groups need to be more careful about protecting themselves from the sun's harmful effects, saying, "Fair-skinned individuals, those with blonde or red hair, those with freckles, and those with a history of skin cancer are more sensitive to UV rays; therefore, they should definitely use regular sun protection. Children, especially babies under 6 months, should not be exposed to direct sunlight because their skin is very thin and vulnerable. The elderly, those with suppressed immune systems, patients undergoing cancer treatment, and those with autoimmune diseases should also be more careful about sun exposure."

Dr. Geyik also stated that regular and effective sun protection is vital for occupational groups such as agricultural workers, construction workers, fishermen and outdoor athletes who have to work long hours under the sun.

What should be done in case of sunburn?

Dr. Lecturer Nazmi Geyik emphasized that if a sunburn occurs, it's important to first avoid the sun and allow the skin to rest. "The burned area can be washed with cool (but not ice-cold) water or gently compressed with a damp cloth. Fragrance-free, alcohol-free creams containing soothing agents like aloe vera or panthenol can be used to moisturize the skin. If there's pain, simple painkillers like paracetamol can be taken. If the burn is severe, blisters develop, or accompanied by fever and fatigue, a physician should be consulted," he said.

Dr. Lecturer Nazmi Geyik emphasized the importance of avoiding incorrect practices, stating, "Applying homemade products like toothpaste, yogurt, or vinegar to sunburned skin is a mistake and can increase irritation. Ice should not be applied directly to the skin; this can cause frostbite. Blisters should not be popped, and the skin should not be peeled. Returning to the sun after sunburn exacerbates skin damage and prolongs the healing process."

Pay attention to these points while sunbathing

Pointing out the points to be considered while sunbathing, Dr. Lecturer Geyik listed his recommendations as follows:

Choosing the right time to sunbathe is crucial. Sunbathing should be avoided between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun's rays are most intense. Sun exposure during these hours is more damaging to the skin because the sun's rays are more direct. Furthermore, during the summer months, sun protection is essential in environments where UV radiation is increased, such as the seaside, high altitudes, or snow-covered areas.

At least 20 minutes before sun exposure, a broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting against UVA and UVB) with at least SPF 30 should be generously applied to the skin. This sunscreen should be reapplied every 2–3 hours or after swimming or sweating.

If the skin is actively inflamed, burnt, or has recently undergone a laser treatment or peel, it must be protected from the sun, as it is more sensitive. Furthermore, individuals with conditions that can be triggered by sun exposure (such as lupus, melasma, rosacea) should always protect themselves to prevent skin breakdown and flare-ups.

"In addition, physical protection should be provided with a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing; prolonged inactivity in the sun should be avoided. Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration is also important.

"Staying under the sun for extended periods of time can cause burns and blemishes, especially in fair-skinned individuals. Therefore, sunbathing should be controlled, conscious, and with protective measures." (DHA)