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Taking advantage of a recent publication of a prestigious dermatology journal, the Dr. Beatriz Fleta tells us some points that can provide us with a lot about photoprotection. Photoprotectors do not provide total protection although they are excellent products, so we should NOT rely only on them if we want to protect ourselves effectively: do not forget to look for shade, wear appropriate clothing, as well as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. NOT all sunscreens are the same: as in other fields of medicine, they are improved and evolve to adapt them to new knowledge. It is known that solar radiation generates oxidative damage to our skin, which is why some products already incorporate antioxidants. It has been proven that these products are MORE EFFECTIVE than classic photoprotectors in neutralizing some changes that radiation produces in our skin. If in doubt, get advice from your dermatologist! Photoprotectors and nanoparticles. Some photoprotectors contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide particles that are key to their photoprotective capacity. At “real” size, they give the photoprotector a “white cement” appearance that makes them very uncosmetic, which is why they are found in the form of very small particles smaller than 100 nm (a nanometer is one millionth of a mm) called nanoparticles. It has been debated whether these particles, because of their size, could be introduced into the skin, but studies show that they remain on the surface. However, there are no data on inflamed skin or skin with altered epidermis (e.g. with severe eczema), so in these patients we should be cautious and recommend protection by shade and appropriate clothing. Oral photoprotection is available. We should consider it as an aid, and keep in mind that it never replaces all the previous measures. Some substances have been shown to reduce burn severity, photosensitivity and prevent photodamage. We can especially consider these products for people who burn easily, have a tendency to skin cancer or diseases aggravated by the sun, or simply those who want to add extra protection. Don’t hesitate to ask your dermatologist! I hope I have cleared up some doubts and do not forget that skin health and beauty go hand in hand: protect yourself from the sun!