A renowned dermatologist in Costa Rica explains: “A good sunshade with UV protection is even better than a palm tree’s shade, and you not always may find a nice, shady palm tree at the beach”.

Have you ever thought about how many hours spent at the beach can affect your family? Too much unprotected exposure to the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer, but there is a smart way to enjoy long days at the beach.

Recent statistics published by the Ministry of Public Health indicate that two new cases of melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each week. Out of each 100 serious cases of melanoma detected each year in our country, 40 of them are fatal. This is clearly a problem that can be alleviated with the use of the Otentik sunshade, an innovative product recently brought to Costa Rica by Israeli-American entrepreneurs.

The Otentik sunshade is a light-weight and portable sun protection system that is made from an Italian Lycra blend with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50. This special fabric is similar to the one used in certain swimwear and surfer suits; however, the Otentik 50 UPF fabric is lighter and more flexible.

Dr. Carla Hidalgo of the Centro Dermatológico Doctores Hidalgo (cenderma.com) clinic in San Pedro recommends Otentik sunshades to beach-going patients:

“We carry the Otentik sunshade in our clinic and we recommend it to our patients because of its smart design and material. These sunshades are better than the shade we get from palm trees because of the UV protection; besides, you may not always be able to find a nice shady palm tree at the beach.”

In essence, the Otentik system provides a large area of shade that can be assembled in a couple of minutes. It consists of two poles, four lines and sandbags (although tent stakes or fixed objects can also be used to anchor the sunshade). The original Otentik shade stands 1.65 meters and can accommodate three to four persons along with their beach chairs. A larger shade stands 2.20 meters high and is ideal for larger parties or for outdoor events such as picnics, races, concerts festivals, etc. A mini Otentik is also available for individual use or for couples.

Dr. Hidalgo continues:

“And so when we talk about protection from harmful UV radiation, we must start early. We have to remember that radiation accumulates in our skin, it is like adding mileage to a car. The cellular changes made by UV radiation start at an early age and they are not reversible; just because you were a beach bum for years and suddenly turn into Count Dracula does not mean you will never get skin cancer. This is why we have Otentik sunshades in our clinic, which we recommend to our clients.”

When asked about the Otentik as a present, Dr., Hidalgo states:

“This is an ideal gift for Father’s Day in Costa Rica, particularly for men who like to take their families and children to the beach and wish to protect them from the harmful rays of the Sun.”

Dr. Hidalgo is best known for her television appearances on Teletica’s Buen Día morning show. She has been heard on radio stations such as Columbia and Monumental, and she has also graced the pages of Perfil and Salud magazines. Dr. Hidalgo comes from a family of dermatologists; her father is the President of the Dermatological Association of Costa Rica.

The company behind the successful launch of Otentik sunshades in Costa Rica brought the concept from Israel for further expansion into Australia, Brazil and Europe. It is the first product in a series that represents the concept of Smart Outdoors. In the future, the company will also bring other smart products to make spending time in the outdoors in Costa Rica more enjoyable. These products share the philosophy behind the Otentik sunshades: they are smart, energy-efficient and ecologically conscious.

Questions? Contact Otentik

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