The sun protection factor (SPF), or the sun protection factor (IP), indicates the additional period of time that a person who has applied sun lotion can withstand the sun before their skin starts to burn. For example, if a person burns after 20 minutes without sunscreen, an index of 15 will provide maximum protection for 15 times 20 minutes.

For the general population, including children, dermatologists recommend an SPF of 15 or 30 (for lighter skin).

Pharmacist Jean-Yves Dionne suggests, for his part, to the general population, an index 15, which blocks 93% of the rays. “Often high indexes give a false sense of security. You only wear it once and you feel protected, but that’s not true ”.

People who are taking photosensitizing drugs or who have a particular sensitivity to the sun because of an illness, such as lupus, should choose an index of 30 and above. The same goes for people who work outside.

In addition, tanned skin does not protect against UV rays (no need to “build up”). Tanning is the skin’s response to injuries caused by the sun. Tanned, the skin provides an SPF that varies from 3 to 5, at most.

SPF indicates protection against UVB rays only.

There is not yet a recognized method for measuring protection against UVA rays. However, the best way to protect yourself from UVA rays is to apply a sunscreen that contains either Mexoryl, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) mixed with octocrylene. These ingredients filter or reflect UVA and UVB rays. Several sun products offer this protection. Look for the words “protects against UVA and UVB” or “broad spectrum shield”.

Although UVA and UVB rays affect the skin differently, both seem to cause skin changes that can lead to cancer.

On the most exposed places, such as the nose and ears, it may be advisable to choose a higher index. However, even with a factor of 45 or 60, we are still talking about a filter and not a total screen. So there are still UV rays passing through.

There is no such thing as a truly “total” screen. The so-called products never turn off all of the light. At best, they protect against all UVB rays and some UVA rays.

It is not recommended to apply sunscreen to a baby under six months, among other things because of the allergic reactions it could cause. It is therefore necessary to look for shady places and to cover it well with hat and long clothes.

After six months, you can apply sunscreen, but avoid sun products that contain the allergenic ingredients oxybenzone (BP-3) or PABA. Another rule of thumb: if possible, do not expose your child to the sun from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m.

If your child is taking medication, their skin may become more sensitive to the sun and certain sun products. Ask the pharmacist for advice.

From 10 a.m. to 16 p.m., when UVB, the shortest and strongest rays, are strongest. However, UVA rays, less powerful rays, but which cause deep damage, are present during all hours of sunlight.

The most popular is cream, but there are other forms: spray, gel, compact stick, etc. They have more or less the same efficiency.

People with oily skin or those prone to acne will prefer the spray, which less clogs the pores of the skin. Conversely, a richer cream will be more suitable for drier skin.

Several studies question the safety of certain substances contained in sun products. It is therefore important to read the list of active ingredients. Here are the ones to look for and avoid.

When you spend the day outdoors, you have to add cream every two hours. We must maintain effective protection. We always put it back on after swimming or after an activity during which we have sweated. Make sure to pat your skin well before applying, otherwise the cream will lose its effectiveness. Sunscreen should always be applied to dry skin.

For a person of average height, to cover the whole body, it takes the equivalent of 2 tbsp. at the table (30 ml), or approximately 2 mg per cm² For the face, we should keep 1 tsp. (5 ml).

Usually, people don’t apply enough cream. It is however the most important factor to respect for a sunscreen product to be effective. If you don’t apply enough sunscreen, an SPF of 15 can equate to a sun protection factor of 7 and an SPF of 30 to an IP of 15.

It should also be spread out, without neglecting any part (ears, lower neck, top of the feet, behind the knees, bald part of the head), as well as the places where skin cancer most often forms. (face, legs and forearms).

A chemical (or organic) filter protects the skin by absorbing UV rays.

A physical (or inorganic) screen contains, for its part, metal oxides (particulate filters) which are insoluble and which reflect UVA and UVB rays. These filters generally have a higher SPF (25) and their texture is thicker. They sometimes leave a white film on the skin.

Sun products that contain a chemical filter should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before the skin is exposed to the sun so that the skin has time to absorb the protective agents. However, physical screens are effective right out of the box.

People who are sensitive to certain ingredients in chemical filters may opt for a purely physical screen.

It is important to consult the UV indices presented, for example, by the weather services. This is the best indication.

Source: Meteomedia

A product is said to be water resistant if it retains its degree of sun protection after spending 40 minutes in water. A water repellent will maintain its effectiveness after 80 minutes in water.

It is important to check the ingredient list and the SPF. Often, companies that make sun products choose more effective protective ingredients than companies that make cosmetics and only add one protective ingredient. The protection index is often very low: 5 or 10.

According to Health Canada, it is generally not recommended to use two-in-one products, that is, products containing both sunscreen and DEET-based insect repellents. But if you need to apply both of these products, the Canadian Dermatology Association recommends putting on the sunscreen first and allowing it to soak into the skin for 20 minutes before applying DEET. DEET should never be applied to babies under six months of age, says Health Canada¹.

The new solar products would not leave as much residue as before. A good cleanser should therefore suffice. Oil-based ones would remove sunscreen from the face better.

After sun lotion can help prevent dryness and irritation of the skin. Irritated skin is a breeding ground for lesions.

We protect a wound or scar to avoid making marks. Dark spots tend to appear on the scarring skin (especially in people who tan easily). The cells that regenerate the scar multiply quickly and produce more melanin. Exposing them to the sun can cause hyperpigmentation. It is not dangerous, but it is possible that these marks will remain permanently. It is better to cover them well.

You can usually trust the expiration dates. However, prolonged exposure to heat may also cause sunscreen products to lose their protective capacities. So if their color or texture changes, don’t hesitate to throw them away.

All specialists agree that clothing, hats and shade provide the best protection against UV rays. However, not all clothing offers the same protection. It depends on the porosity of the fabric, its color and thickness. Thus, cotton and linen offer a lower SPF than wool and some polyesters. Dark colors protect better than lighter ones.

Do you know that your clothes have SPF?

There is no natural product that can protect the skin well against UVA and UVB rays.

However, in the arsenal of products against the sun’s rays, we can add foods that are rich in carotenoids, those pigments that give fruits or vegetables a yellow or red color. Some carotenoids that have been shown to be photoprotective include beta-carotene (carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato, etc.), lycopene (especially tomato), and lutein (dark green leafy vegetables like kale or spinach. , in which the yellow or red pigments are hidden by chlorophyll).