For years, the climate in Bogotá has been the subject of debate, because in the summer season it is often heard among residents that ‘the sun is hotter’ than in other cities in the country, which maintain a stable climate almost all year round. anus.
With the increase in temperature that has been recorded in the country’s capital in recent weeks, the inhabitants are once again putting this issue on the table. EL TIEMPO spoke with experts and they explained the reasons why the sun’s rays in Bogotá are perceived more strongly, if compared to other cities.
You may be interested: Why is it so hot in Bogotá? This is what the Ideam says
Temperatures of up to 22 degrees have been recorded, according to Ideam.
Photo:
Néstor Gómez Valderrama / EL TIEMPO
The dermatology surgeon, David Reyes, explained to EL TIEMPO that: “The inhabitants of Bogotá live at 2,600 meters above sea level, that is, 2,600 meters closer to the stars and closer to the sun, which is why “The radiation in Bogotá hits much harder than in other cities in the country, since we are closer to the sun, Bogota residents experience more radiation.”
Although for many, sunny days in Bogotá are ‘the most beautiful’, these can have great consequences for the health of the skin, especially if adequate care and good sun protection are not taken, in addition, they can alter the dynamics of the skin. the ecosystems of the country’s capital.
The World Health Organization explains on its website that ultraviolet radiation or UV rays is a type of energy produced by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds; however, exposure to these, without protection, can have great effects on skin health and is considered one of the main causes of skin cancer.
Likewise, it explains that ultraviolet radiation levels depend on several factors, such as sun elevation, latitude, altitude, cloudiness and ozone.
You can also read: In the coming months, dangerous values of UV radiation are expected in the country: Ideam
Similarly, the specialist, Sandra Suárez, from Clínica Presenza, told EL TIEMPO that: “The sun in Bogotá, since it is a city that is cold, people think that they should not take care of the sun, but it turns out that it is al On the contrary, because we are at a higher altitude than the vast majority of cities in Colombia and that makes the ultraviolet radiation stronger and penetrate more into the skin,” agreeing with the explanation of the surgeon, David Reyes.
What do experts recommend to protect yourself from the sun in Bogotá?
Also, the dermatologist, Sandra Suárez, gave some recommendations for the inhabitants of Bogotá to take care of their skin and prevent possible diseases: “It is always advisable to use sunscreen and avoid contact with the sun, this to avoid skin lesions, which in many cases “They can evolve into cancer, that the people of Bogotá take care of themselves and protect themselves adequately.”
“In addition, the environmental pollution that we go through in Bogotá also has effects on the skin of its inhabitants, since this causes the radiation to have worse consequences on the skin of all people, the recommendation will always be, use caps, hats, glasses, an umbrella, which are preferably dark colors and have sun filters, in addition, the constant use of sunscreen at least every 3 hours,” the health and skin care expert told EL TIEMPO.
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that in recent days, Ghisliane Echeverry, director of the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies or Ideam, that the hot season in Bogotá would extend until the month of April, since, currently, Colombia is going through the El Niño Phenomenon.
According to the World Solar UV Index (IUV), which establishes the intensity of radiation on the earth’s surface, Bogotá reaches the high category, so ‘sunny days’ can have great consequences on skin health.
ALEJANDRA HERNÁNDEZ TORRES
DIGITAL SCOPE EDITORIAL
TIME