Sunscreen: what to choose and how to use it correctly to protect yourself from the sun

Sunscreen Features

Sunscreen differs from a regular moisturizer by the presence of special filters in the composition:

• chemical (oxybenzone, mexoril, etc.) are activated under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and absorb UV rays, while being destroyed.
• Physical (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are not absorbed into the skin and work on the surface, reflecting UV rays like a mirror. Effectively protect, but not very convenient to use, because they leave white marks.

For optimal protection against broad spectrum radiation and to improve the texture of the product, sunscreens combine both types of filters, and a sunscreen may contain only chemical filters.

Which sunscreen to choose

No sunscreen will make your time on the beach safe if it’s not the right one.

Degree of protection

The packaging of a cream with SPF, as a rule, is full of incomprehensible numbers and abbreviations – you will have to look carefully so as not to make a mistake with the choice.

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor, sun protection factor) – blocks UVB rays that partially penetrate clouds and are filtered by windows, help to tan beautifully, but can cause redness and burns. The numerical designation – usually 5-50+ – indicates the degree of protection.
• PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening, persistent darkening of the pigment) is a protection factor against UVA rays that can penetrate deep into the skin, start photoaging processes and cause an allergy to the sun. Clouds and glasses do not interfere with Type A rays, which is why it is so important to use sunscreen all year round, even in winter and on cloudy days.

Phototype

The skin phototype reflects sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and a tendency to sunburn.

There are six main phototypes, and each needs its own SPF. In Russia, the most common phototypes are from the first to the fourth, so protective equipment with an SPF level above 30 is especially relevant for us. Choose sunscreen SPF 50 for fair skin or SPF 30 for darker skin.

Skin type

The main discomfort when using sunscreen occurs when the texture is incorrectly selected according to skin type. It is especially important to consider this factor when choosing a sun protection cream for the face.

• Oily, combination, problematic: light textures of spray, fluid and gel cream with mattifying or cooling effect. Look for products with active ingredients that are known to control sebum and reduce imperfections.
• Dry : milk, cream. The composition of the product will be relevant moisturizing and emollient components.
• Normal: Any format appropriate for the situation, application, and task.

Composition

Modern sunscreens not only block ultraviolet light, but also fight the effects of oxidative stress, moisturize and soothe the skin due to active ingredients in the composition:

• Erlicium (silica gel), perlite – matting;
• Vitamin E — antioxidant action;
• Hyaluronic acid – active moisturizing;
• Vitamin B3 (niacinamide), panthenol – soothing effect;
• Salicylic acid, zinc – reduction of pores and imperfections.

Format

In recent years, new formats of sun creams have appeared on the cosmetic market – no less effective, but much more convenient than standard milk in a tube.

How to choose? Experiment and find your combination of sun protection. Before leaving the house, use a cream, gel-cream or fluid, at the beach renew protection with a veil spray, and for the most sensitive areas, take a stick with you. Please note that even if sunscreen is advertised as waterproof, it must be reapplied after every swim.

Ranking of the best sunscreens among La Roche-Posay products

The top of the most versatile products will help you with your choice, but any ratings are conditional: choose based on the needs of your skin.

ANTHELIOS XL Sun Spray Veil for Face and Body SPF 50+/ 25 PPD Very high UVA and UVB protection, waterproof formula. Perfect for those who do not like to spread sunscreen on the skin. The convenient, non-contact application format is hygienic and makes it easy to renew protection on the go throughout the day.

ANTHELIOS Sun Moisturizing Milk for Face and Body SPF50 Classic milk texture for normal, dry and sensitive skin. The non-sticky formula leaves no white marks and is water and sweat resistant.

Sun protection invisible spray for face and body ANTHELIOS SPF 50+/PPD 37 It differs from a veil spray in that after spraying the product, it may need to be spread over the skin until completely absorbed. Convenient on the beach when you need to renew your protection after every swim as it applies quickly and easily.

Sun stick for sensitive areas ANTHELIOS SPF 50+/PPD 26

The stick is designed for additional protection of areas that burn the fastest – for example, the back of the nose, lips, ears. You should not apply it to the entire face or body, other textures are suitable for this.

ANTHELIOS Sun Tinting Fluid SPF 50+/PPD 46

An ideal tool for a walk around the resort town, when you want to give the skin a more well-groomed look without overloading. Light fluid reliably protects and evens out skin tone, resistant to water and sweat.

How to use sunscreen correctly

• Apply cream before sun exposure so you don’t burn as you walk to the beach.
• Use 1 teaspoon on the face and neck and approximately 1 tablespoon on each exposed part of the body.
• Do not forget about the most sensitive and sun-exposed areas: neckline, ears, hands and even parting on the head, if you do not wear a good, tight hat.
• Renew every 2 hours or after bathing and drying.
• We recommend that you wash off the remains of the product in the shower upon returning home. Do not use a scrub or washcloth, so as not to damage the skin that is sensitive after exposure to the sun.

SPF Sunscreen Mistakes

Why is it possible to get burned, even if the beach bag contains only high-protection products? Even the best sunscreens won’t work if used incorrectly:

1. Too few resources A study by the American Academy of Dermatology found that, on average, people apply only 25-50% of the amount of sunscreen they need. If you are on the beach and you are wearing only a swimsuit, you need to distribute 30 ml of the product at a time over the exposed areas of the body – imagine a small glass! – and update every two hours.
2. Application to wet skin By default, sunscreen is applied to dry skin, unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise on the package. Water on the surface of the skin will interfere with the creation of an even layer of the product and may weaken the protection. If you’re reapplying your sunscreen after swimming, wipe off water droplets with a towel first—don’t wait until it dries to avoid sunburn.
3. In the shadows without protection A cool shade under an umbrella, a canopy or trees creates the illusion of safety on a hot day, but does not protect against ultraviolet radiation – therefore, sunscreen should never be neglected.
4. Sunburn by the water Relaxing by the pool or on the beach creates two dangers at once. The first is that many people are too lazy to renew body sunscreen after each bath. The second is that water has reflective properties, and if you like to sunbathe right in the pond on the mattress, the likelihood of burns is high.
5. Sunburn behind glass A cozy cafe, a bus tour, a hotel lobby – you spend time in a cool, air-conditioned room and do not even suspect how badly you can get sunburned by the window in just a few minutes. UV rays can easily penetrate glass, so even if you don’t plan on going out, SPF is still a must.

Transliteration:

Anthelios – anthelios

Xl – x ale

UVA-, UVB-rays – UV rays of type A and B

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – type B UV protection factor (sun protection factor)

PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) – type A UV protection factor