WHY SKIN NEEDS PROTECTION

Solar radiation, in general, has a negative effect on humans. Thus, modern doctors advise avoiding ultraviolet radiation, limiting contact with the sun only in the morning and for a short period of time.

Ultraviolet radiation has three spectra: A, B and C. A radiation is considered safe. It is this type of radiation that is responsible for a bronze tan. In addition, it destroys connective tissue, thereby starting the aging process of the skin. Radiation B is average in terms of danger level. This type of ultraviolet rays penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates the production of melanin, the very pigment responsible for hair and skin color. It forms these characteristics of a person depending on the place of residence, since its task is to protect the skin from burns. C-radiation is the most dangerous type for humans. However, thanks to the Earth's ozone sphere, it does not penetrate the planet.

SPF - WHAT IS IT?

SPF is the designation for sun protection factor. When on a jar of cream you see the inscription SPF, and then some number (5,15,30,50 and so on), this means that by applying the product to your skin, you can receive a certain amount of ultraviolet radiation without the risk of any negative consequences. For example, if your cream says SPF15, this means that your skin will absorb 15 times more sun rays without harm than without this product.

WHAT DO PRODUCTS WITH SPF PROTECT FROM

Most sunscreen cosmetics protect the skin only from B-radiation, and have no effect on type A radiation. This means that by using sunscreen before going to the beach, you do not risk being left without a tan, but will protect yourself from age spots and the risk of burns.

Interestingly, in the last few years, dermatologists have been strongly recommending the use of creams that provide protection from spectrum A radiation. This is due to the increased incidence of so-called sun allergies. To understand that the cream has type A radiation protection, look for the following abbreviations on the packaging: IPD (Immediate Pigment Darkening) or PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening). You don’t have to worry about tanning: the ratio of A-radiation to B-radiation protection in creams with SPF is 1:3. That is, the presence of additional protection will not affect the skin's dark complexion.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PRODUCT WITH SPF

1. Determine the required protection factor

The answer to the question: “What protection factor do I need?” depends on your skin phototype and the latitude where you are going to sunbathe. As practice shows, the most optimal factor is 30. It protects the skin well from the harmful effects of the sun, and at the same time allows you to get a tan. Factor 50 and 50+ are necessary only after acid peels, sun allergies or burns, and also if you are predisposed to the appearance of age spots. Creams with a protective factor above 50 absorb up to 99% of type B radiation.

2. Make sure your sunscreen contains caring ingredients

Staying in the sun is stressful for the skin. Therefore, try to choose products that not only protect, but also care. The composition of such creams may contain vitamin E, panthenol, oils, green tea extract and various soothing components.

3. Choose cosmetics from trusted companies

Manufacturers often overstate the SPF level on the label. So, studies were carried out on sunscreens, and it turned out that often, indicating SPF 30 on the packaging, in fact the factor was around 18. Therefore, buy creams only from well-known and trusted manufacturers. Of course, it is best if the funds are made in the European Union, Australia or the USA. In these countries, there is strict control over the level of SPF in cosmetics.

4. Check creams for allergens

If you look at the composition of sunscreens, you can often see titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in them. These are organic components that perfectly reflect ultraviolet radiation. However, these two ingredients are often allergens. Be sure to make sure before purchasing this or that product that you are not allergic to these components.

5. Select the type of protection

Sunscreens are divided into screen and blocking ones. The former reflect solar radiation, creating a mirror-like coating on the skin. The latter absorb ultraviolet radiation. Screen creams do not affect tanning and only protect the skin from exposure to B-radiation. Blockers, as a rule, protect against both types of radiation. Reflective creams are suitable for use in the city, but at sea it is better to take a cream with a blocking effect.

Don't neglect sun protection. A simple rule - applying sunscreen in the warm season will protect your skin from a number of dermatological problems, and also preserve its youth for a long time.

We hope you are well aware that you need to constantly apply sunscreen to your skin - whether you are sunbathing on the beach, drinking cocktails on a sun lounger under an umbrella, or going to work on a cloudy day. The fact is that ultraviolet rays easily pass through the haze of clouds, and it is important to remember this (especially with the onset of the spring-summer season).

Why are SPF products so important? Exposure to the sun without proper protection can seriously affect your health, greatly increasing the risk of premature wrinkles and skin cancer. However, skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer with more than 4,000,000 cases diagnosed every year.

As a reminder, there are two types of ultraviolet rays: UVB, which causes sunburn, and UVA, which penetrates deeper into the skin. Today in cosmetic stores you can find a lot of products with SPF and impressive numbers nearby, but few know how to choose the ideal option and, importantly, how to use it correctly. In this article, we have collected seven myths about sunscreen products that we advise you to stop believing right now.

1. All sunscreens are the same

No, this is not true - sunscreens may differ in the way they protect the skin. Some manufacturers use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to filter UVA and UVB rays, while others accomplish the same task using chemicals (such as avobenzone). Among the new sunscreen ingredients that are not yet widely used are helioplex and meroxyl, which are highly photostabilized.

Which one provides better protection is a matter of scientific debate. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it's important to make sure your sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or higher, covering both UVA and UVB rays.

2. Moisturizer should have SPF

"Only one of the products you use every morning should have an SPF of 30 or higher," Mona Gohara, a professor of dermatology at Yale University, tells Allure. In other words, SPF is SPF, whether it's in your foundation, daily serum, or moisturizer.

3. SPF 15 protection is enough

Experts note that the minimum SPF that should be used on your face, even if you sit in the office from morning to evening, is SPF 30. At the same time, in order for the sun protection factor to work at full strength, you need to apply about half a teaspoon to your skin product.

4. Lotions, sprays and creams work differently

“In fact, there are no significant differences here. They're just sunscreens, so the choice depends on what format the consumer likes, James Spencer, a Florida dermatologist, tells WebMD. The expert notes that men, according to statistics, more often use alcohol-containing sprays, since they do not like fatty foods. While women are more suitable for lotions and cream products that provide nutrition and hydration. But whatever form you choose, try to apply the product according to all the rules: on dry skin and 15-30 minutes before you go outside.

5. Several products with SPF offer better protection.

“SPF is not an equation. That is, you cannot use SPF 15 foundation and SPF 20 powder to get SPF 35 protection, says Mona Gohara. - Ultimately, your defense will be as strong as the highest factor. That is, SPF 20.” However, if you're only applying tint to small areas of your face, it's wise to double your SPF products to increase overall coverage.

6. Foundation with SPF lasts up to 8 hours

Despite the fact that this is an obvious lie (to put it more beautifully - a marketing ploy), it is difficult to find a girl who will remove the foundation and reapply it every two hours. Unfortunately, any product with SPF works at full strength for only 2 hours, after which the activity of the product decreases, and within an hour it completely disappears. There is a simple and logical way out of this situation - use weightless powder with SPF 30 or higher, and correct your makeup every two hours with its help.

7. Last year's bottle will still work

Is the SPF you used last summer still expired? “Great, that means you won’t have to buy a new one,” you think, and you turn out to be wrong. "If you have sunscreen left over, it means you didn't use it often enough or didn't apply as much as you should," explains Jennifer Stein, MD, New York University. “If you do everything right, then you will definitely have to buy a new bottle.”

How to choose a cream with SPF and what protection factor is needed?

What is the difference between physical and chemical SPF-filters and which ones are more harmful?

The whole truth about SPF

So, let's look at the most common questions about SPF protection.

1. Should you use SPF face cream all year round? Perhaps people with a certain skin type?

Comments from a cosmetologist at a natural cosmetics brand mi& ko, Nelly Papikyan:

If the ultraviolet index below 4, You don’t have to protect your skin or use sunscreen if you plan to be outside in the sun for no longer than 20-30 minutes.

If index below 2, You may not need to wear sunscreen even if you are outside longer.

If the index is from 4 to 6, then you need to use a product with a protection index of about 20-25 if you plan to spend more than 10-15 minutes outside. But if you just ran out of the office to the store on the other side of the street, you don’t have to cover yourself with sun protection and climb into a spacesuit.

If the ultraviolet index above 6, be sure to use sunscreen when you leave the house or sit near an open window.

2. In which months is sunscreen definitely necessary and what level of protection should I choose?

from the editor

This should be done approximately from May to September, and in the southern regions of Russia - from April to October or even from March to November.

The average level of radiation in summer in central Russia is 3-4 UV, and in the south - 5-6 UV. At the same time, residents of Russia have mainly skin types 2 and 3, so it is necessary to use a cream of 20-25 SPF, and in the south 30-50 SPF.

If during the day you are mostly indoors and the sun is not very strong, you can do without protection, because... exposure to the sun for 10-15 minutes is safe, while a small dose of sunlight is even beneficial, and the skin does not receive unnecessary sun exposure

Comments Levrana technologist Teymur Belyaev:

For people who want to protect their skin from excessive ultraviolet radiation in the cities of central Russia, we can recommend using light protective creams, in which SPF is often used as an additional effect along with moisturizing, softening, toning, etc. In such creams, the degree of protection does not exceed SPF20, and this is more than enough.

In southern cities the sun can be scorching; on rare days the temperature reaches +40C, but on average it stays at +30C. This is a reason to strive to protect their skin even for those who do not have problems with skin sensitivity, because often we ourselves do not notice how the skin gets burned, and meanwhile there is an active process of absorbing ultraviolet radiation. For residents of such cities, specialized sunscreens with an SPF level of at least 30, or even 50, are recommended.

Nelly Papikyan, brand comments mi& ko

The choice of sunscreen also depends on your skin phototype.

1 phototype (Celtic)– very fair skin and hair, often with a red tint. Freckles on the skin. Eyes blue or green.
We recommend products with an SPF factor of at least 30 at the end of the summer season and from 40 to 50 at the beginning. The safe time spent in the sun for representatives of this phototype is no more than 5 minutes. That is, theoretically, a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 50, if applied correctly, protects the skin for 250 minutes (5 x 50), and with an SPF factor of 8 – 40 minutes. But do not forget that any, even the most effective sunscreen does not protect 100 percent.

2 phototype (Nordic and Scandinavian ) – fair skin, light brown hair, brown or blue eyes.
At the beginning of summer, you should use products with an SPF factor of 30 - 35; by the end of summer, they can be replaced with products with an SPF factor of 15. The safe maximum time in the sun is 15 minutes.

3 phototype (European) - the most common in the middle zone. Light skin, light brown or brown hair, dark eyes.
Representatives of this phototype can use protective products with an SPF factor of 8 to 15 from the beginning to the end of the summer season. The safe maximum time in the sun is 20 minutes.

4 phototype (Mediterranean)– dark skin, dark hair and dark eyes.
Representatives of this phototype do not have to worry about the condition of their skin on the beach, even with cream with SPF factor 8. The safe time spent in the sun is 30 minutes.
All creams with SPF above 50 are a marketing ploy. Creams marked SPF 100, 70, 80, as a rule, contain more thickeners and zinc, due to which they form a denser layer on the skin, while the degree of protection increases by a maximum of 2 percent.

3. How and what cream to use on the beach?

from the editor

On the beach you need much stronger protection - from 30 to 50 SPF, and the cream must be updated regularly.

You need to know that most creams - creams with chemical filters - begin to work only 20 minutes after exposure to the sun! At the same time, bathing and drying with a towel violates the protective layer, so the cream must be applied again.

It is also interesting that, according to technologists, an SPF level above 50 is rather a marketing ploy and unattainable.

4. Tell us about physical and chemical filters. What are physical ones and how do you get them? What are the disadvantages of using them? What chemical filters are the safest?

from the editor

There are 2 types of filters - physical and chemical. Physical ones are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, used mainly in natural cosmetics. Their peculiarity is that when applied they whiten the skin. Let's talk briefly about each type:

Physical filters reflect the sun's rays. They are metal salts crushed into dust. The disadvantage is that they can penetrate the pores, clog them, and cause allergies. Due to the content of nanoparticles, they are prohibited for use by the Soil Association and are actively discussed by European eco-certificates!

Chemical filters come into contact with the sun's rays, forming new compounds and turning solar radiation into infrared and safe. Less predictable in their degree of danger than physical filters, because some chemical filters can even be toxic and accumulate in the body.

Comments Director of Innovation, developer of cosmetics under the Kleona brand, Ph.D. Igor Ivanov:

Physical filters are mineral substances that protect our skin from solar radiation according to the principle of a regular umbrella, i.e. absorb, reflect, scatter UV rays, but do not transmit them to the skin. The most famous of them are zinc and titanium oxides. To make the reflectivity of these substances

maximum, they are ground to very fine particles. For what? Imagine there is a block of wood the size of a matchbox. By placing it on a standard sheet of paper, you can create a shadow the size of this box. If you cut the block into two layers, they can shade twice the area. If the block is cut into many layers, they can shade the entire sheet of paper. The same principle is used in the manufacture of mineral filters. Maximum coverage is achieved with a minimum particle size, ideally nano-sized.

But today it is believed that mineral nanoparticles are unsafe for humans. Therefore, the same British non-governmental organization Soil Association (SA), specializing in the certification of organic products, announced that products with nanoparticles will no longer be able to obtain an SA certificate. And first of all, this applies to sunscreens.

Comments from the training manager of the brand Weleda Maria Kondratieva:

At Weleda we only use physical filters in our products for a number of reasons. The first is that physical filters behave more stably in the sun and in cosmetics. Second, products with chemical filters require discipline from the consumer and

special care. So, it is recommended to apply such products half an hour before going to the beach or in active sun. Physical filters begin to protect immediately after application and are convenient to renew during use.

Nelly Papikyan, mi& ko:

Not all chemical filters are harmful to the body. To date the safest and most effective among chemical filters are considered:

1) Tinosorb S (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine) is the best chemical filter to date. Photostable; protects against UVB, UVA1, UVA2; waterproof

2) Tinosorb M (Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol) - protects against UVB, UVA1, UVA2; less photostable; poorly soluble in water and fats

3) Mexoryl XL (Drometrizole trisiloxane) - Protects against UVA2; photostable; fat soluble; Contained only in L'Oreal products

4) Mexoryl SX (Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid) - Protects against UVA1, UVA2; photostable; water soluble; Contained only in L'Oreal products.

5. And what SPF ingredients, on the contrary, are the most harmful? What components in SPF products should you definitely avoid and why?

from the editor

Most large European manufacturers, as a rule, do not use the most harmful filters.

Try not to buy the cheapest sunscreens, because... they contain the cheapest cosmetic ingredients, which are, at a minimum, useless for the skin, and at maximum, harmful.

Teymur Belyaev, Levrana:

If the particle size of the physical filter is too small (nanoparticles), then they are even capable of penetrating from the surface into the body, slagging it. This is why it is so important to know and trust the manufacturer of your sunscreen. (By the way, the COSMOS-Ecocert standard prohibits the use of nanoparticles, so we use micronized zinc oxide, but not nano).

Among the variety of chemical filters, there are a considerable number of truly harmful ones, since in addition to their beneficial properties

photoprotection, they adversely affect the skin itself, poisoning the body, or being an allergen, not to mention the carcinogenicity of some of them. Here are some of these substances: escalol, octinoxate, oxybenzone, enzacamine, cinoxate.

Igor Ivanov, “Kleona”:

Nowadays the dominant mass trend is that physical filters are ABOUT rovo, but chemical ones are bad. It's a delusion. And that's why.

Did you know that there are self-cleaning glasses that literally burn off dirt when exposed to sunlight? All this is achieved due to the thinnest layer of titanium oxide applied to the glass. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, inert and safe titanium oxide becomes photoactive and, together with atmospheric oxygen, begins to destroy any organic substances that come into contact with it. The efficiency of these processes is so great that photocatalytic technologies for cleaning surfaces and air based on titanium oxide will soon become a new industry.

Now imagine what happens on the skin, richly lubricated with titanium oxide nanoparticles, thickly mixed with vegetable oils and/or other easily oxidized substances, when this whole mixture is irradiated with ultraviolet light for hours and blown with a fresh warm breeze.

With chemical filters things are more complicated. She uses dozens of them in cosmetics. And it is true that some of them are dangerous to humans. But this applies to first generation sun filters. Current chemical filters are much safer. But there is a fairly large category of people who still avoid them, indiscriminately.

If we talk about what is most harmful in sunscreen cosmetics, I would say: human behavior. When he chooses cheap sunscreens that contain dangerous filters. When she applies creams with a clearly higher SPF than necessary. When he shifts all responsibility to the cream and lies in the sun for hours at a time when all doctors recommend being in the shade.

It is impossible for a modern woman to do without foundation, and there is no reason to. Today's foundations and powders have textures that are lightweight for summer, allowing the skin to breathe and protecting it from the damaging effects of UV rays. Therefore, using tone in the summer is not just a whim, but a necessity to preserve the beauty and youth of the skin. When buying a foundation with a UV protective factor, it is important to choose wisely: the product must be suitable for your skin type. For example, for an oily type, choose a composition without oil, but for a dry type you cannot do without this “oily” component, otherwise you can show off small peelings and further dry out the surface.

What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)- This is a factor that absorbs ultraviolet rays before contact with the skin. There are several degrees of protection from the weakest (5-15) to the highest (90-100). The lighter the skin, the higher the degree of protection. This “golden” rule will keep the epidermis young for a long time and prevent its redness. When choosing a sunscreen foundation, stop at at least SPF 30, since the skin of the face is so thin and delicate that a lower degree of protection will not cope with the aggressive summer sun. And for winter, you can choose something less “heavy” - SPF 15-20 will be just right. Note that the higher the UV protection, the higher the density of the foundation and the more likely it is that it will lie in an uneven layer or interfere throughout the day, causing a feeling of clogged pores and even heaviness on the face. But there is a solution for this problem, replace the word “cream” with “fluid”, and choose a tinted product with sun protection with a light texture. It may not fully tint the skin, but it will not create a mask effect and will not cause irritation to the epidermis.

Protection level

The number on the packaging of the protective cream means how long you can enjoy sunlight without getting sunburned. First, notice how long it takes before you blush. Let’s say 5 minutes and choosing a foundation with SPF 10: 5 x 10 = 50 minutes of quiet exposure to the sun. But we choose a cream for toning the face and additional protection from harmful UV rays, which means this arithmetic is not entirely appropriate when choosing a foundation, and yet, Let's talk about the SPF value in numbers:

• 2-4 – the lowest defense, which prevents about 50-75% of solar radiation from entering;
• 5-10 – average, protects up to 85% UV;
• 10-20 – high degree with protection up to 90%;
• 20-30 – intense, absorbing up to 97% of sunlight;
• 50 – highest degree(exactly the same as SPF 90-100, but such numbers cannot be found on the packaging of foundation), guaranteeing protection of up to 99.9% of sunlight.

The optimal SPF value for foundation remains 5-30, depending on age, condition, skin type, vulnerability to sunlight and individual characteristics. For example, for young skin, foundation SPF 15 for winter and SPF 20-25 for summer will be enough; for mature epidermis or after a chemical peeling procedure, you cannot do without a product with a high SPF 30.

Does it protect against sunburn?

The initial purpose of foundation is to create uniform coverage and perfect tone. When SPF is included in its composition, the product instantly acquires an additional benefit - it protects the skin from premature aging, the formation of wrinkles and even melanoma - skin cancer. To the question whether the face tans under the influence of foundation, there are two answers. After applying the foundation to the skin, it stays on more or less evenly for two hours; after three hours, the skin almost completely “eats” it from the surface. Therefore, whether the skin tans or not depends on the renewal of the foundation. If you apply it in the morning and go to work within the first two hours, the epidermis will not tan; if you forget about renewing the cream and go to the beach, then a light tan cannot be avoided.

Kinds

Classic tonal

The texture of a product with a tonal effect can be different: dense, medium, liquid and light (fluid). Its main advantage is the creation of tone and additional protection from UV radiation. The shades of the foundation also differ, which you need to select in the store and test on your own skin.

• For fair skin, choose a cream with a protection factor of at least SPF 20 if you plan to use it in the summer and spend most of your time indoors;
• For tanned skin, choose the appropriate shade directly from a cosmetic store, because the current color is different from the natural one and requires an updated product. This does not mean that the SPF factor will have to be chosen less;
• Giving shine. This foundation contains reflective particles that will highlight the surface of the skin and eliminate minor imperfections. It looks equally good on light or dark skin, especially since “no makeup makeup” is popular today, and natural shine will only suit your face.

Post-peeling protective

This type of foundation with sun protection factor is indicated for girls and women after a chemical peeling procedure. It is used regardless of the time of year and contains a mechanical protection factor, usually iron oxide. The chemical peeling procedure is carried out in the autumn-winter season and requires high-quality protection of the epidermis even from winter UV rays that are not so aggressive at first glance. Post-peeling foundation cannot be found in all brands, more often in professional ones, like the Israeli brand Christina. This product is created for better mandatory protection after peeling. In addition, it perfectly cares for the skin, retains moisture, normalizes lipid balance and prevents premature aging.

Review of companies

"Teint Haute Tenue" by Clarins

The cream is available in 8 shades and has a protection factor of SPF 15. Composition " Teint Haute Tenue"enriched with natural ingredients such as quinoa extract and a unique Anti-Pollution complex to preserve the youth and beauty of the skin. It is highly durable and creates an excellent complexion with a matte finish, while the texture of foundation Clarins unusually light.

BioDerma

Foundation cream " Photoderm Max"has a high protection factor of SPF 50 and is presented in one natural shade (it adapts to individual skin tone). The high degree of protection of the product allows it to be used by women with increased sensitivity of the dermis to UV radiation and skin diseases, for mature and vulnerable to the formation of age spots skin. Its texture is moderately dense, spreads evenly and easily over the surface of the skin and does not leave a white residue. It is well absorbed into the skin and requires renewal every 2 hours for reliable protection.

"Rose de Mer" by Christina

Protective post-peeling foundation is presented in a single natural shade that adapts to the natural skin tone and is suitable for any type and age. The main protective factor in this product is iron oxide or red clay, which blocks 99.9% of ultraviolet radiation from reaching the epidermis.

"Glow" by Lumene

The foundation with a radiant effect is available in 6 shades and has a light texture with an additional moisturizing effect. The weightless creamy coating instantly transforms and refreshes the epidermis, giving it natural radiance and long-lasting pigment. Its protection level is SPF 15.

"Ever Matte" by Clarins

Mattifying foundation " Ever Matte"with SPF 15 is ideal for summer and skin prone to increased sebum production.

• What is SPF factor
• Cream with SPF for every day
• Tools Overview

What is SPF factor

Face cream with SPF protection is a cosmetic product that we must use daily, so choose it seriously. Today, the range of Sanskrins is quite wide and meets a variety of requirements.

SPF (English Sun Protection Factor, translated as “sun protection factor”) is an index that determines the level of protection from the sun, namely ultraviolet rays type B (UVB). And the number next to the abbreviation tells how much ultraviolet radiation will reach the skin when using the product:

with SPF 10, the skin will receive 1/10 of the total radiation, that is, the filter will block about 90% of UVB rays;

SPF 15 will cut off 93% of the rays;

the highest possible protection level of 50+ neutralizes 98-99% of UVB radiation.

Choose a face cream with SPF according to your phototype.

The sun protection factor SPF applies only to UVB rays, which cause burns, but not to UVA rays, which are the culprits of early aging and pathological changes in skin cells.

Recently, separate labeling has appeared to inform consumers about the level of protection against UVA radiation: in accordance with the recommendation of the European Commission, a UVA symbol in a circle is placed on the packaging of sunscreens. This means that the formula provides at least a minimum level of UVA protection (at least 1/3 of UVB protection), which increases with the SPF value.

How to choose a really good cream

A sunscreen will keep your skin safe if you choose it based on several criteria, including the type of filter and your own phototype.

Filter types

There are two types of filters that differ from each other in their operating principles.

1. 1

   Physical or mineral (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) reflect the sun's rays like a mirror.

   They are included in creams from sunscreen lines and fluid screens with high SPF, which are applied over moisturizer and create a protective film on the skin. They are rarely used in everyday SPF creams: the mineral particles are too large, overload the formula, make the texture heavier and give the face a characteristic whitish tint.

2. 2

   Chemicals (there are more than 20 compounds, including parsol 1789, avobenzone, oxybenzone) do not repel, but absorb and neutralize UV ​​rays.

   Unlike physical ones, they are destroyed within two hours of continuous insolation. Therefore, re-application every two hours in direct sunlight is strictly necessary.

Face cream with SPF will come in handy both on vacation and on weekdays.

Determining your phototype

This criterion shows the degree of skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Sensitivity is determined by the amount of protective pigment - melanin, which is produced in the lower layers of the epidermis in the sun. The classification was compiled by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, dividing humanity into 6 groups based on a combination of external characteristics.

1. 1

   I Celtic type. Signs: milky white or pink skin, which is called porcelain for its even tone. Red hair, light eyes, a scattering of freckles on the face and body. They burn instantly, they don’t tan at all.

2. 2

   II European (Scandinavian, Nordic). Representatives of this phototype resemble the previous one in appearance: fair skin and eyes, blonde hair. They burn quickly and tan poorly, but when tanned, the skin acquires a golden, rather than red, hue.

3. 3

   III Central European (mixed). Ivory leather. Hair – dark brown, brown. Eyes – brown or light. There are no freckles or they become visible only during the active sun season. They tan well, although they can get burned.

4. 4

   IV Mediterranean type, or South European. Typical residents of Spain, Italy, Greece. They are easily recognized by their dark olive skin. Eyes and hair are dark. Tan quickly, without burns.

5. 5

   V Asian (Eastern). These people are distinguished by dark skin, dark hair and eyes. They tan well; getting sunburned is almost impossible for them.

6. 6

   VI African type. Very dark skin, hair and eyes. They don't get burned.

The most vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation are phototypes I-III. Dermatologists advise such people to take a responsible approach to choosing Sanskrin.

What SPF do you need?

The choice of sunscreen depends on the circumstances of your life: location, time of year and day.

The lighter the skin, the lower its own protective mechanism, which means the higher the likelihood of a burn. The first three phototypes - white-skinned, and therefore practically defenseless - require the highest possible SPF of 50+. Representatives of phototypes four to six have SFP 20 and 30.

Regardless of your skin type, it is recommended to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. In the summer in southern countries the sun is merciless, and people are characterized by imprudence, forgetfulness and simply laziness: they gape a little, carelessly put on their face - and do not notice how they got burned. In addition, no cream can provide 100% safety, so it is important to remember the rules of sun exposure.

In places with increased UV activity (sea, mountains, hot countries), choose a cream with SPF 30-50. Below are more specific recommendations.

In addition to sunscreen filters, the cream contains antioxidants.

Cream with SPF for every day

If everything is more or less clear with the sun and the beach, then the need for ultraviolet protection in urban environments is questionable. Is it necessary at all, especially in winter? The answer to this question depends on the UV index at a particular time. Look at the weather app on your smartphone and act according to the circumstances.

UV index below 2 – you can do without SPF.

The UV index is below 4 and you don’t plan to stay outside for more than 30 minutes - you don’t have to protect yourself.

UV index 4-6 – use cream with SPF 20.

UV index above 6 – solar protection with a factor of 25-30 is required.

Developers and manufacturers of cosmetics do not always include SPF in day cream for the face, preferring not to overload the formula aimed at solving specific cosmetic problems: moisturizing, nourishing, fighting wrinkles. But every year, various products with innovative textures and additional effects, addressed to different skin types, appear in the solar lines.

The higher the UV index, the stronger the photoprotection should be.

Tools Overview

Once you are ready to buy a suitable Sanskrit, think about where you are going to use it most often. If you decided that you only need to buy protective cream for vacation, you were mistaken. For daily use in the city, this product is no less important.

Protection in the city

There will be at least three fundamental differences between sunscreens for the city.

Toning care 3 in 1 against age spots Ideal Soleil SPF 50+, Vichy

Evens out complexion, reduces the size of age spots, and adds radiance. Low-fat.

Refreshing milk “Protection and moisturizing” SPF 15, LOréal Paris

Contains moisturizing aloe vera juice and natural green tea extract, rich in antioxidants and tannins.

Mattifying cream against imperfections Ideal Soleil SPF 30, Vichy

Prevents acne and corrects imperfections in oily, problem skin. Contains acids.

Ultra-light facial fluid Anthelios XL SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay

Universal, weightless protection with natural antioxidants for hypersensitive skin.

Beach protection

With beach formulas, everything is strict: water resistance (an indispensable condition) plus a filter of at least thirty.

Sunscreens for the face suitable for going to the beach.

1. Sunscreen with a high degree of protection and moisturizing effect Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50, SkinCeuticals

Provides not only powerful protection, but also maintains moisture levels in the skin. Contains shea butter.

2. 2

   Face cream “Extra Protection” SPF 50+, L"Oréal Paris

   Provides multi-cell protection, effective for the prevention of wrinkles and pigmentation.

Face and body cream “Expert protection” SPF 50, Garnier

Waterproof, hypoallergenic, quickly absorbed, protects against UVB and UVA rays.

3. 4

   Multi-corrective anti-aging cream SPF 30, Kiehl's

   Improves the appearance of the skin and corrects signs of aging: increases elasticity, adds radiance

4. 5

   Mattifying gel-cream Anthelios XL SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay

   Addressed to oily and problem skin. Contains airy microparticles that absorb sebum.