SPF (sun protection factor): what is it in cosmetics

The abbreviation SPF has long moved to tubes and jars of cosmetics that we use every day, and not only in summer. Why SPF for busy city dwellers, locked in an apartment or office and not thinking about carefree roasting in the sun?

What does the abbreviation SPF mean?

Two types of ultraviolet rays reach the Earth’s surface: B (UVB) and A (UVA). The former make up about 5% of insolation – they are responsible for burns and cause a tan. The remaining 95% is accounted for by ultraviolet A rays, which do not burn, but can cause allergies and tend to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, leading to photoaging. To protect our skin, cosmetics have been developed with SPF – a sun protection factor.

Why sun protection is important for skin

Of course, the human body provides protection against radiation: the ability of the skin to self-heal and sunburn. However, two more insidious properties of A-rays should be mentioned here. Firstly, their negative effect on the skin tends to accumulate. Secondly, they penetrate glass and are practically not delayed by clouds. That’s why it’s important to use cosmetics with SPF not only on the beach, but also in the city – even if you hardly get out of the office and stay in the sun does not exceed a few minutes.

Products with SPF protect skin from:

  • loss of elasticity;

  • premature wrinkles;

  • age spots;

  • sunburn;

  • skin cancer.

Everyone needs sun protection.

What are the degrees of protection SPF

Sun protection comes in varying degrees of intensity. What do the numbers on the labels mean?

SPF (10, 15, 20, etc.) is an index that is calculated from the energy required for a minimal erythema reaction on the skin. By minimum erythema dose is meant the lowest dose of ultraviolet radiation that causes redness. And if for the city, as a rule, cosmetics with an SPF of 10-15 units are enough, then for the beach you need to choose creams, sticks and sprays with SPF 15, 20 and more. At the same time, no matter how high the degree of protection is, you need to apply the product 20 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply every 2 hours on average. Bathing, drying, cuddling remove the cream mechanically, so after each of these actions you need to apply it again.

Types of filters

In modern cosmetics, 2 types of solar filters are used:

  • chemical (oxybenzone, camphor derivatives and others);

  • physical (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and others).

Which SPF product to choose

It all depends on the type of skin and on what functions the product has – whether it only protects against unwanted radiation or also nourishes, moisturizes, restores.

According to skin phototype

Cosmetologists highlight 6 main phototypes. And for each remedy with SPF protection must be selected individually. Determine your phototype with our test.

Celtic (like Nicole Kidman): white skin with freckles, light eyes, red or blonde hair. The skin instantly burns, practically does not tan. If this applies to you, in the city at the beginning of the sunny season, use products with SPF 30-50, on vacation – sunscreens with SPF 50. After a week or two, protection in the city can be reduced to SPF 20-30, but on vacation it is better to continue using ” fifty.”

Light-skinned European (like Megan Fox): fair skin, blue, gray or green eyes, light blond or reddish chestnut hair. The skin burns easily, tans slowly and badly. Sunscreens with SPF 20-25 are suitable for your phototype at the beginning of the sunny season in the city, and with SPF 30-50 on vacation. In the future, protection can be reduced to SPF 10 and SPF 30, respectively.

black european (like Cindy Crawford): dark skin, gray or light brown eyes, dark brown or dark blond hair. The skin burns slightly, tans gradually, but noticeably. Beauticians recommend that you use sunscreen with SPF 10-15 for the first time in the city, and with SPF 30-50 on vacation. After a week, you can switch to lighter products: in the city – on SPF 5-10, on vacation – on SPF 30.

Mediterranean (like Penelope Cruz): dark skin with an olive tint, dark brown eyes, dark hair. The skin rarely burns, tans quickly and very beautifully. If this applies to you, at the beginning of the sunny season in the city, use sunscreens with SPF 10, on vacation – with SPF 30. And further reduce protection to SPF 4-6 and SPF 15-20, respectively.

Middle Eastern (like Aishwarya Rai): very dark skin, black eyes and hair. The skin practically does not burn, tans quickly and intensely. In the city, this phototype can not use sunscreens at all, and on vacation, for the first time, protect yourself with SPF 30, and then SPF 10-15.

Африканский (like Rihanna): representatives of this type do not burn. However, it is impossible to argue that these lucky people do not need sunscreen cosmetics at all. Since the impact of UV rays, as we have already found out, is not limited to sunburn and burns.

By composition

Cosmetics with SPF protection may contain the following ingredients.

  • Vitamin E. Ultraviolet rays are one of the reasons for the formation of free radicals, and this vitamin successfully fights them.

  • Hyaluronic acid. Well, if it is included in the product with SPF protection. Hyaluronic acid retains water in the intercellular space. The skin becomes soft and supple, and wrinkles are less noticeable.

  • Thermal water. Rich in various trace elements that care for the skin, refreshes and soothes.

  • Chamomile, green tea, aloe extracts etc. Additional components for quality care.

  • Panthenol. As part of a cream or spray with SPF, it helps to restore the skin.

By additional function

To save space in our cosmetic bag, manufacturers supply sunscreens with additional functions. Sunscreens can “in combination” be tonal or matting agents, and also fight age spots.

In addition, sun protection is sometimes included in our regular skin care and makeup products so that they can not only care for the skin, but also prevent the negative effects of sunlight.

Choose the product that suits you and enjoy the summer!

Review of cosmetics with SPF

Top best sunscreens from the editors of Healthy-Food.

Anthelios Sun Gel Cream, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay

The ideal solution for oily, problematic skin prone to acne. Protects against UV rays, mattifies by controlling sources of sebum and hydrates the skin.

BB cream for combination and oily skin “Secret of Perfection”, SPF 20, Garnier

Mattifies and tightens pores, moisturizes and evens out skin tone, giving it radiance and protecting it from UV rays.

Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, SPF 15, Lancôme

Moisturizes and cares for the skin, hiding its imperfections. Protects from urban smog and UV light. Does not feel on the skin at all.

Care that corrects the signs of aging at different stages of their formation, Slow Âge, SPF 25, Vichy

Fights the signs of skin aging, nourishes and moisturizes it, fills it with energy.

Blue Therapy Multi-Defender Revitalizing Day Cream for Normal Skin, SPF 25, Biotherm

Comprehensively protects the skin from aging thanks to a complex of algae, baicalin, vitamin E and UV filters that protect against rays of types A and B. Due to the light texture, the mousse cream is perfectly absorbed and a real pleasure when applied.

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