SPF creams. Which sunscreen should you choose?

SPF ( sun protection factor ) creams are necessary not only in summer, but all year round. The sun’s rays are available 365 days a year. The radiation is most pronounced in summer, when it is hot and the body is exposed. Unfortunately, without proper protection, you can damage your skin. How to protect yourself from harmful radiation? Which sunscreen should you choose? Read our article and get the answers to these questions.

Is it worth using SPF creams?

SPF creams protect the skin against the harmful effects of sunlight. There are two types of solar radiation: UVA and UVB. They are easy to distinguish from each other.

• UVA radiation (“A” is the first letter of the word aging ) leads to faster skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. It lasts continuously all year round, even in winter. Penetrates through glass and clouds;
• UVB radiation (the letter “B” for burning ) is responsible for tanning the skin and burning it from staying in direct sunlight for too long during the summer. The greatest intensity occurs in summer. UVB accounts for 5% of all radiation.

Harmful effects of UV radiation

It has been known for a long time that it is not a wise decision to avoid the sun on the hottest days. Why is it so important not to be exposed to strong UV radiation?

• is responsible for the formation of skin cancer, e.g. dangerous melanoma;
• the sun’s rays destroy the skin, violate collagen fibers, which leads to faster aging, the appearance of wrinkles and the disappearance of skin firmness;
• facial pores become larger and visible;
• the skin becomes thickened and discoloration develops;
• weakens and damages blood vessels. This is a dangerous phenomenon, especially for people with problematic, couperose and acne-prone skin;
• causes severe skin burns;
• is responsible for strokes.

Positive sunlight

In addition to the whole spectrum of dangers that being in the sun guarantees, there will also be advantages. The most important is the synthesis of vitamin D3 by the epidermis. It is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Deficiency of this vitamin causes many unpleasant ailments, such as: fatigue, insomnia, muscle and bone pain, hypertension, overweight and poor resistance to bacteria and viruses.

Which SPF cream to choose?

SPF creams should meet the skin’s requirements. When you want to buy a sunscreen, pay attention to its texture and composition. For dry, mature and dehydrated skin, choose a moisturizing and nourishing cream . Oily and combination skin must opt ​​for light formulas that do not clog pores. Demanding, sensitive and atopic skin must target delicate cosmetics based on physical filters. A good choice will be to buy a cream with the addition of hyaluronic acid.

In the case of acne-prone skin, it is best to choose a cream enriched with niacinamide.

Waterproof creams

There is really no such thing as a fully waterproof cream. Water will always wash it off the body surface. The “waterproof” cream stays on the body for about 80 minutes.

Waterproof sunscreen is not a good choice for use on the face. Sweat is produced that can enter the eye, causing discomfort, burning, and pain.

Types of sunscreen

SPF creams protect against UVB rays. They are divided according to the degree of protection that should be found on the product packaging. The degree indicates how many percent the cream will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The higher the index, the better the protection.

• low sun protection is SPF 15 – blocks up to 93% of UV rays;
• average protection: 30 – protection 97%;
• high protection: 50 – protection up to 98%;
• SPF 100 blocks 99% of the rays.

Additional markings on the packaging

Ordinary SPF creams protect only against UVB radiation, of which there is a few percent. They won’t protect you from dangerous UVA rays. If you want more protection, look for a special marking on the packaging: UVA in a circle or PA (+).

UVA in a circle means that the SPF protection is also responsible for 1/3 of the protection against UVA, e.g. 30 SPF cream has 10 degrees of protection against UVA.

The designations PA +, PA ++, PA +++ and PA ++++ are also a shield indicator. The more pluses, the better the protection against dangerous radiation.

Types of filters

SPF filters are not harmful to the skin and will all work properly to protect it:

• chemical filters – they absorb solar energy in the stratum corneum and turn it into thermal energy. They are light and imperceptible on the skin;
• physical (mineral) filters – reflect the sun’s rays, create a protective barrier on the skin. In addition, they contain zinc and titanium dioxide, which makes them more noticeable on the skin. Sometimes they leave white streaks behind. They are less irritating to delicate and allergic skin;
• mixed filters – they contain both of the above-mentioned filters. Like the others, they are protective.

What to consider when choosing an SPF cream

The choice of SPF cream depends on the intensity of the radiation and the frequency of exposure to the sun. It seems logical that the best choice would be to use the strongest cream while walking or working in full sun. The greater the SPF, the greater the protection. Despite this dependence, SPF 50 and SPF 100 are not very different from each other. The protective cream 100 contains more chemical ingredients that do not have a positive effect on the skin in large amounts.

It is worth using a 30-50 filter , because then you will provide adequate protection and minimize the risk of absorbing a huge amount of chemical components. After applying the cream all day, wash the body thoroughly.

When to use protection?

The protective preparation should be used all year round, not only in summer. UV rays penetrate clouds and windows. For this reason, you should not expose yourself to harmful effects, even on a cloudy day. Every day you should apply the product to the neckline, neck and face. When you are in the office or home, all you need to do is use a light mist that you apply under your makeup or buy a BB cream with a filter. SPF should be used especially after aesthetic medicine and dermatological treatments, and every time you use cosmetics with retinoids or acids.

How much should I apply the cream?

To apply the right amount, you would need to use a jewelery scale. That’s about 2 mg for 2 cm of skin. However, manufacturers indicate how much of the product the pump delivers. In practice, about 1 teaspoon of the product should be used. Unfortunately, most often a small amount is applied, which does not provide full coverage.

Available forms of SPF

Products with a protective SPF filter are not only creams. The cosmetics market is constantly growing. Currently also available: mists, sprays, emulsions, oils, gels, sticks. Each of them protects the skin in an appropriate way, only their formula is different.

Recommended SPF creams

Depending on the type of skin, it is recommended to use a different type of sunscreen.

1. Shiseido Sun Care Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Plus – has an SPF 50 level, also protects against UVA. It has a light cream consistency and is suitable as a make-up base, leaving no greasy stains.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine – SPF 50 cream with a gel consistency that does not clog pores, does not leave a shiny layer on the skin and is quickly absorbed. It is suitable for sensitive and allergic skin, it is hypoallergenic, has antioxidant properties and regulates the secretion of sebum.
3. Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control – light SPF 30 cream. It is especially suitable for people with oily and sensitive skin. It does not clog pores and moisturizes (does not grease!) The skin. It also prevents irritation caused by excessive sunbathing and reduces the risk of skin burns.
4. Bioderma Photoderm Max Tinted Aquafluide – SPF 50. It is odorless and easily spreads over the skin surface. The consistency is almost imperceptible after applying it on the face.

You already know how to choose SPF creams. Don’t forget to use filter products. This is essential protection against melanoma and sunburn.