Breakdown: What is SPF and PPD in sunscreens

Do you want to navigate the inscriptions on the packaging of sunscreens? Let’s tell you what the most common abbreviations mean.

Sun: friend or foe

In the last century, sunburn was considered a sign of health, high status and the opportunity to relax carefree. Especially for those who live in northern latitudes. And yet the sun can be considered our friend rather conditionally.

Yes, it promotes synthesis vitamin D, the deficiency of which causes problems with the immune system, the musculoskeletal system, and the psycho-emotional state.

On the other hand, dermatologists are sure that there is no healthy tan, because ultraviolet radiation:

  • increases the risk of developing melanoma;
  • promotes photoaging;
  • provokes hyperpigmentation.

So if you’re serious about your health, take care of UV protection, and not just in summer.

The sun and the tan that comes with it in the last century were considered a sign of health, high status and a carefree holiday.

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UVA and UVB Rays: What’s the Difference?

Ultraviolet rays are of two types − А и В.

There is also a third type – UVC rays, but we will not talk about them, since this is solar radiation, which is filtered by the ozone layer of the atmosphere and does not reach the Earth’s surface.

And here is some information about the first two types of radiation.

UVA rays

Penetrate through clouds and glass, do not cause burns, but are dangerous to the skin because:

  • destroy collagen and damage the DNA of cells;
  • lead to premature aging;
  • cause neoplasms.

UVB rays

They stimulate the formation of melanin in the skin and are responsible for tanning. They also cause sunburn and can cause skin cancer.

“The amount of UV rays in the atmosphere depends on the season, time of day and other factors,” says Ekaterina Turubara, Vichy medical expert. – In summer and closer to the equator there are more of them, in winter and closer to the poles – less. That is why many believe that in winter in central Russia it makes no sense to use photoprotection.

But less does not mean that there is no radiation at all. And in people prone to hyperpigmentation or dermatoses, even winter doses of the sun can cause unpleasant changes in the skin.

In addition, UVA rays are always present in the solar spectrum, and their number is little affected by the season or place of residence.

UVA and UVB rays.

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3 Reasons to Use Sunscreen All Year Round

  • Even in winter, 80% of the rays reflecting off the snow can damage the skin.
  • Harmful UVA rays penetrate car windows, windows in the office and apartment.
  • In an airplane at high altitude, the radiation intensity increases many times over.

When deciding whether to wear SPF cream on a sunny fall or winter day, look at the UV index value in the weather forecast. If it is less than two, protection is not needed.

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What is SPF and PPD in Sunscreens?

It is clear that sunscreen should be at hand all year round, the difference is only in the level of SPF. What does the manufacturer mean by the mysterious abbreviations SPF, PPD or PI (in Asian sun protection products)?

SPF — Sun Protection Factor

Shows how effectively the sunscreen blocks UV-B rays. That is, it displays the degree of protection against sunburn.

For example, an SPF 50+ indicates that the product blocks more than 98% of type B rays. But the skin darkens even with such a high protection factor, especially if it is initially prone to tanning.

PPD — Persistent Pigment Darkening

In Asia it is designated as PI. Indicates the degree of protection against UVA rays, that is, photoaging, the appearance of age spots and other negative changes.

Sunscreen should be in your makeup bag all year round.

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What does SPF mean in creams?

When choosing a sunscreen, consider:

  • your phototype;
  • skin type;
  • degree of protection.

The last point deserves special attention – the degree of protection against UV rays.

  • SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV rays, and 7% still penetrate the skin.
  • SPF 30 – 97% UV rays.
  • SPF 50 and above – 98% UV rays.
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Sunscreen with PPD

As we said above, the PPD index is used to indicate the degree of protection against UVA rays. PPD has a numerical value.

“The maximum PPD that scientists have managed to create is 42. A factor equal to 8 and above is considered safe. But the main thing in the cream is not even this, but the ratio of SPF and PPD levels, explains Ekaterina Trubara. – It should tend to 2,5 or 3, then on the package you can see the marking UVA or broad spectrum – “broad spectrum of radiation”.

Only the presence of one of these designations guarantees full protection of the skin from both sunburn and other negative effects on its health.

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Review of creams with SPF and PPD

Milk for face and body Anthelios XL, SPF 50+/PPD 34, La Roche-Posay

Suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone skin, protects against UVA and UVB rays. The photostable formula is resistant to water for 40 minutes. Protects against photoaging, pigmentation, photodermatosis.

Sunscreen Brightening UV Defense, SPF 30, SkinCeuticals

Protects the skin from rays of type A and B, helps fight hyperpigmentation, moisturizes. Be sure to update protection every two hours.

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sun Fluid with Mineral Filter, SPF 50, Kiehl’s

High broad spectrum protection, water resistance and non-greasy texture make the lotion suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Contains no oils, fragrances, parabens or silicones. Has a toning effect.

Cream Ambre Solaire “Expert Protection”, SPF 50, Garnier

A non-greasy, waterproof face and body cream that protects sensitive skin with a hypoallergenic formula. It is perfectly absorbed and does not leave a greasy film.

Sun spray-mist for face and body Waterlover Sun Mist, SPF 30, Biotherm

Due to the light texture, it is quickly absorbed, has a waterproof composition. The probiotic fraction of pure thermal plankton soothes the skin.

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