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What are the dangers of UVA rays? And what should be considered when choosing products with sunscreens?
Why you need to protect yourself from the sun
The first thing to learn is that there is no tan that is good for the skin. But if you choose the right sunscreen, sun exposure can be made safe.
Ultraviolet rays are of three types. Rays of type C do not reach the ground, so we do not need to defend ourselves against them. What can not be said about beams of types A and B.
UVB rays cause the formation of melanin in the skin (this is, in fact, a tan), and are also the culprits sunburn.
UVA rays cause more significant changes.
What are UVA rays
In the solar spectrum, type A radiation is 95%. These rays are not filtered by clouds, window panes, or the stratum corneum of the epidermis, that is, they penetrate deep into the skin. And here’s what they do:
destroy the cells of the dermis;
provoke changes in the DNA of cells;
start the process of photoaging (wrinkles, age spots);
cause photodermatitis;
can lead to malignant neoplasms.
In this case, impact rays of type A we do not feel. They do not cause burns and any unpleasant sensations, but they cause considerable harm.
We do not feel the harmful effects of UVA rays
Although there is good news: modern sunscreens are able to protect the skin from both the burning rays of type B, and from the insidious ones – type A.
How to protect yourself from UVA rays
When choosing a sunscreen, pay attention to the label. Means on which there are designations are capable of providing full protection:
the letter “A” in a circle;
inscription broad spectrum (broad spectrum of radiation);
abbreviation PPD (Persistent pigment darkening) or PA – in the Asian market.
These marks make it clear that the product will provide protection from type A rays. The ratio of SPF and PPD of the product in the ratio of 2,5 or 3 is considered optimal.
What is SPF
The abbreviation SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor – translated from English as “sun protection factor”. This is an index showing the degree of protection against type B rays, that is, against sunburn. The number next to it tells you how much ultraviolet light will hit the skin when using the product.
SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays.
SPF 30 — 97%.
SPF 50 (+) — 98–99%.
Choosing the right product to get a long-lasting tan without the burns and redness that an overdose of sun provokes is not as easy as it seems. The difficulty lies in our inability to adequately perceive our own skin defense system. Often we overestimate it, because we really want to get a tan in the summer. Therefore, we tend to choose a lower protection factor – and in vain.
The ability to tan depends on the skin phototype
How to choose a product with SPF by phototype
Over 40 years ago, dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick identified six phototypes, based on the ability of human skin to produce a protective pigment, melanin, in the sun.
This system is very convenient, because it allows you to independently determine your phototype, focusing on external signs.
Celtic
Snow Whites with red hair and freckles are practically devoid of their own protection, so they don’t sunbathe at all, but they burn instantly. It is better for them to hide from the sun or appear on the beach in the morning under the protection of a cream with SPF 50 +.
Light-skinned European
In blondes and brown-haired women with light eyes and fair skin, not everything is lost in terms of tanning, but you need to be careful: leave the beach (or into the shade) no later than 11:00 and defend yourself using products with SPF not lower than 30. And for the first three days on the beach, give preference to creams with SPF 50 to make sure.
black european
Brown-haired people with light eyes and ivory skin tan well, but they can burn themselves due to their own frivolity. Sunscreen can help you avoid problems. SPF not less than 20. However, it is always better to start with the “thirty”.
Mediterranean
Dark eyes and hair, olive or creamy skin – these signs indicate that their owner tans perfectly and is not afraid of burns. Oils and products with SPF 15-20 – exactly what is needed.
Asiatic
People with dark hair, eyes and hair are genetically protected from burns, but no one has canceled the negative impact of type A rays. Therefore, they are entitled to a product with SPF 15 and the designation UVA in a circle.
Африканский
Representatives of this phototype – very dark-skinned and black-haired – are completely protected from burns. On the beach, they should take care of moisturizing the skin.
Products with different sun protection factors
To make it easier for you to choose, we have put together a collection of sunscreens. L’Oreal Paris, dividing them into groups, according to the SPF index. All these products protect against a wide spectrum of solar radiation, i.e. from rays of types B and A.
SPF 15
Sublime Sun Milk “Protection and Moisturizing”, SPF 15 оhas a refreshing and moisturizing effect, which is provided by aloe vera juice and green tea extract. Can be applied to damp skin.
SPF 30
Milk Sublime Sun “Extra Protection”, SPF 30 Mexoryl SX signature filter system is infused with antioxidant vitamins to protect skin from free radicals.
SPF 50
Milk Sublime Sun “Extra protection”, SPF 50+ with powerful broad-spectrum filters protects against burns and the influence of rays A (and therefore from wrinkles and pigmentation), makes the skin soft.
Face SPF 50
Cream Sublime Sun “Extra protection”, SPF 50, created specifically for the face, has a special melting texture that does not leave a greasy film. In the composition – filters of a wide profile, antioxidants, vitamin E and jasmine extract.