Sunscreen: 50, bio, face or spray ... everything you need to know!
Are you looking for the best sunscreen for your skin? Not sure whether to prefer a 50 sunscreen or with a lower protection? Whether to choose a spray sunscreen or not, a specific one for the face or whether to throw yourself on an organic sunscreen? Before you start your search for the perfect sunscreen, here are a few things you should know.
First of all, sunscreen is essential to prevent the harmful effects of the sun's rays and you must never forget to apply it, especially in the summer. Prolonged exposure to heat, in fact, can cause burns, permanent damage to the skin and make it age prematurely. Ultraviolet rays can lead to melanomas and even forms of cancer: they penetrate deep into the skin and their damage can emerge even after a long time from the exhibition.
A sunscreen that works has the ability to act as a screen for ultraviolet rays: its filters of chemical derivation are able to absorb them, whether it is UVA or UVB rays. The so-called "physical screens", on the other hand, have a mineral derivation (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) and, instead of absorbing the rays, they reflect them. In addition to filters and screens, certain excipients are also present in the sun creams to allow resistance to water or sweat, absorption and permanence of the product.
Sunscreen 50, 50+ or with lower SPF?
Each sunscreen has a certain SPF, that is: sun protection factor. The SPF can range from 6 to 50+, depending on its power in blocking ultraviolet rays and is calculated based on the ratio between the time it takes for the skin protected by sunscreen to burn and the time it takes for the sun to burn. produce on the same skin, but without cream.
Sunscreen 30 is generally recommended for prolonged exposure to the sun. In any case, it is better to avoid creams with an SPF lower than 15. A 50 or 50+ sunscreen, with a very high protection factor, is instead necessary for those with a fair complexion or for those who are exposed to the sun at high altitudes.
Generally, a low protection sunscreen is considered to be a cream with an SPF between 6 and 10, a medium protection cream with an SPF between 15 and 25, a high protection cream between 30 and 50 and a very high 50+.
How to choose the best sunscreen for you?
The best sunscreen for each of us varies based on a variety of criteria. The first concern the phototype to which you belong: if you have fair skin (and even more so with freckles) you will have to pay particular attention to the use of a 50 or 50+ sunscreen. Darker complexions, on the other hand, can choose a cream sun 30: better not to opt for a lower SPF, at least until you have acquired a tan.
A sunscreen with high or very high protection is to be chosen at high altitudes or if you are closer to the equator. It will therefore be possible to decrease in gradation as you leave the high altitude or move away from the equator. Attention however in the presence of reflective surfaces: if we are on sand, snow, ice or water, the sun's rays can be reflected up to 80% and the danger of exposure increases considerably due to the phenomenon of "reflected radiation". You will therefore need a higher SPF sunscreen.
More delicate skins, such as those of children and the elderly, also require a higher SPF. It is also necessary to be careful, if you take drugs or suffer from certain pathologies: it is better to ask for the help of a specialist.
Why choose a face sunscreen or an anti-spot sunscreen?
The face sunscreen should not be forgotten: the face is one of the most delicate points of our body and should be protected with a special cream, preferably an anti-stain sunscreen. Exposure to the sun, in fact, can lead - among the various side effects - to the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots. This is why it is important to use a face sunscreen capable of protecting us from UVA and UVB rays.
Face sun creams should be applied before exposure and reapplied every 2-3 hours, avoiding contact with the eyes. Their formulas are generally moisturizing and help combat dehydration and free radicals in addition to skin aging.
A product that perfectly combines these two needs is L "Oréal's Revitalift face cream with a broad spectrum SPF 30, that is, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays, both harmful to the skin. In addition, its formula enriched with pro -retinol and fibrelastyl, a firming complex that helps strengthen skin tone, counteracts the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots.Buy it on Amazon on offer for € 8.90.
Is a spray, stick or cream sunscreen better?
Spray sunscreens have been criticized for causing collateral damage from inhalation, but there does not seem to be any scientific evidence for this claim, even due to the short exposure time.
Having made this necessary premise, it must be said that spray, cream or stick sunscreens are basically the same and no difference was found in the results of either formula. Everyone may prefer the sunscreen that best suits their skin type: in cream if you have dry skin and for face sunscreen; in spray for all other cases, taking care to avoid the face and reduce the possibility of inhalation by spraying it when you are already outdoors.
The best sun creams
Garnier, Avène, Bionike, Lancaster, Bilboa, Hawaiian, Vichy ... Browse our gallery to find out which are the best sun creams on the market:
See also: Top sunscreens: top brands to choose from
- Check out Hawaiian Tropic's line of sunscreen and after-sun products on Amazon promotion
- Discover the Lancaster solar products on offer on Amazon
Organic sun creams:
Organic sun creams are increasingly in demand. Unlike traditional sunscreens, they have no chemical filters, only physical sunscreens, and mainly titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Furthermore, an organic sunscreen has little or no number of dyes, preservatives and fragrances. They are therefore definitely more suitable for sensitive skin.
Organic sunscreens are free of silicones and parabens. They all use natural products: among the most used we find coconut oil, linseed oil, argan oil and jojoba oil, hemp oil, aloe vera juice, helichrysum extract or of green tea, algae and shea butter, which moisturizes and softens the skin. Try using a shea butter-based after-sun naturally paraben-free, such as Biotherm's, with pure extract of Thermal Plankton + trace minerals + vitamins B5 and E + SOD.You can find it on offer at € 27.50 on Sephora.
Sun cream: some advice
Do not forget to also consider the exposure time and always take a sunscreen with you: every 2 hours it is better to go over it and - if you stay outdoors for more than 4 hours - always better choose a high protection.
Sprinkle yourself with plenty of sunscreen, in order to create a real filter on the whole body, paying particular attention to the face.
Even if the sky is overcast, it is better to use your sunscreen anyway: UVA rays calmly penetrate through the clouds.
Using a sunscreen, and especially a face sunscreen, should become part of your daily routine: it can help prevent skin aging even in the city.
If even in the summer you can't give up the make-up base, you could try using a BB cream with SPF, like that of Hawaiian Tropic, with a protection factor of 30, its formula enriched with caramel adapts to every skin tone, as well as to give an incredible scent to the face. Buy it on offer on Amazon at € 13.90
After sun exposure and a nice shower, don't forget to use a good after-sun cream, which rehydrates you and also helps you maintain a tan.
