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How to choose a sunscreen for the body and how to use it so as not to burn, prevent photoaging and loss of skin tone, read in this article.
Purpose of sunscreen
“This is an international abbreviation for English. Sun Protection Factor, that is, the sun protection factor, – Marina Kamanina, dermatologist, Garnier brand expert, clarifies. “This abbreviation is used in the labeling of sunscreens and stands for a type B UV protection index.”
How to choose body sunscreen
There are several factors to consider when choosing a tool.
Types of ultraviolet rays
There are three types of ultraviolet rays, but only two reach the Earth’s surface – UVB and UVA. Almost the entire range of UVC rays and about 90% of UVB radiation are absorbed by ozone, water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide as solar radiation passes through the atmosphere.
UVB rays are 5% of the ultraviolet spectrum that reaches the Earth’s surface.
They are not strong enough to penetrate heavy clouds or glass, but on a sunny day, it is UVB rays that hit the surface of the skin and activate the production of melanin, contributing to the manifestation of a tan. They can also cause skin burns of varying severity. The most common is a mild degree of burn in the form of redness.
UVA rays make up 95% of the ultraviolet that reaches the Earth’s surface.
Clouds and window panes are not an obstacle for them. They affect the skin painlessly, do not cause burns. But due to the wavelength of radiation, they are able to reach the cells of the dermis and provoke the synthesis of free radicals. The latter, in turn, actively work on the destruction of elastin and collagen fibers, stimulate the appearance of age spots.
Filter types: physical and chemical protection
Sunscreens are divided into physical and chemical.
Physical: most often it is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
They work on the surface of the skin, creating a protective layer from which the rays are reflected without penetrating into the dermis. As a rule, products with such filters leave whitish stains on the skin.
Chemical filters: octocrylene, Parsol 1789, benzoates
Such filters are also called organic. This is a kind of “traps” of ultraviolet radiation.
“Chemical filters trigger an organic synthesis reaction – they capture photons of sunlight and convert light energy into heat energy,” explains Marina Kamanina. Compared to physical filters, chemical filters are lighter in texture.
On vacation at sea, waterproof protective formulas are especially relevant.
Determine your skin type
To understand what type of photoprotection is right for you – SPF 50+ or SPF 20 is enough – determine your phototype.
“Sunscreens protect against burns, and for representatives of light phototypes, they completely prevent the appearance of a tan,” recalls Marina Kamanina.
There are two types of melanin – “dark” and “red”. The first is produced in dark-skinned people, the second in white-skinned people, who, alas, will never achieve a chocolate tan.
Based on skin tone, people are divided into 6 phototypes, reflecting the degree of skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. The currently accepted phototype classification standards were developed by the American dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick. There are 6 phototypes in total: Celtic, Nordic, dark-skinned European, Mediterranean, Indonesian, African American. For the population of Russia, the first 4 phototypes are most characteristic.
When you return from the street, be sure to wash off the sunscreen with warm water.
Characteristics of the main phototypes
| Phototype | physical signs | Features |
| 1st phototype (Celtic) | light milky skin, blond or red hair, freckles, blue or gray eyes | The pigment is practically not formed; tan red; susceptibility to burns. |
| 2nd phototype (Nordic, light-skinned European) | fair skin, light blond and brown hair, blue, gray or light green eyes | The tan hardly lays down; susceptibility to burns. |
| 3rd phototype (dark-skinned European) | olive skin, brown hair, dark blond hair, green and brown eyes | The pigment is formed within the normal range; tan is even, brown. |
| 4th phototype (Mediterranean or South European) | olive tan skin, dark brown hair, black hair, brown eyes | Even dark brown tan; skin is prone to pigmentation. |
Whatever phototype you are, dermatologists strongly recommend not to neglect sunscreens. Representatives of the 1st and 2nd phototypes are advised by doctors to protect themselves from the sun all year round; people with the 3rd and 4th phototype – use SPF protection in the sun. So you can protect your face and body from photoaging and reduce the risk of melanoma.
When choosing protection products, be guided by the characteristics of your phototype and remember: the lighter the skin, the higher the SPF should be.
SPF 30 and 20
The most common protection indices are suitable for phototypes 3 and 4, that is, people who tan quickly and evenly.
SPF 40
This filter is shown to representatives of the 2nd phototype. Such a remedy saves “snow whites” from burns and that same “red” tan.
Application rules
Dermatologist-developed rules for using UV protection cream include several points. And all are very important.
infliction
Apply body sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outside. Organic filters are activated as soon as the sun’s rays touch the body, so if you do not apply sun protection at home, there is a risk of sunburn on the way to the beach.
In addition to sunscreens, sunscreens contain antioxidants.
Update
It is recommended to renew body sunscreen with physical filters every 2,5-3 hours, as the protective film wears off due to contact with clothing, water, sand. Although the latter reason may be ruled out by sand-resistant formulas usually intended for children.
Sunscreens with chemical filters should be reapplied every 2 hours. This is the period of their effective work, after which the ability to protect is sharply reduced.
Stay in the water
There are body sunscreens labeled “waterproof” that are commonly used by water sports enthusiasts and children. Such products are also not a 100% guarantee against burns and also need to be updated. How much time can be spent in water under the protection of such a product is indicated on the package. The usual indicators for waterproof products are from 40 to 80 minutes, after which it is recommended to renew the protective coating.
The most vulnerable parts of the face and body to ultraviolet radiation are protruding ones: nose, ears, shoulders. Sunscreen them more often than other areas. You can use a special stick or lip balm with SPF 50 for this purpose.
After returning home from the street or the beach, be sure to wash off the SPF body cream with warm water or shower gel.
Funds overview
Sublime Sun Extra Protection Face Sunscreen, SPF 30, L’Oréal Paris
In addition to sunscreens, it contains moisturizing aloe vera juice and antioxidant green tea extract. The sunscreen is resistant to salt and chlorine.
Capital Soleil Moisturizing Veil Body Mist, SPF 50, Vichy
Contains a complex of filters that protect the skin from the entire spectrum of ultraviolet rays. Bonus: Vitamin E and Vichy SPA thermal water fight free radicals.
Dry Sun Spray “Expert Protection”, SPF 50+, Garnier
Mexoryl SX-XL photostable filter system, green tea extract and aloe vera juice not only protect the skin, but moisturize and smooth it.
Sunscreen invisible spray for face and body Anthelios XL, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay
Suitable for any skin type. Provides protection against burns, prevents allergic reactions, photoaging.
Sun milk for face and body Waterlover Sun Milk Lait, SPF 30, Biotherm
The formula based on thermal plankton extract and vitamin E soothes and regenerates, that is, restores the skin, and also counteracts free radicals.