OIL, GEL, STICK OR SPRAY MILK: CHOOSE YOUR SUNSCREEN AND TAN SAFELY

It has now been said and repeated: the skin must be protected in the sun. Because? Because the rays that hit it are not all beneficial and an "unregulated exposure to them can cause not only a premature aging of epidermal cells, but also skin diseases, such as melanoma.

This does not mean that you will have to spend the summer covered and under an umbrella! Just use the right protection, calibrated according to your phototype, to get an even, lasting and safe tan.

You still don't know what products to pack?
Here are the best news for summer 2015. Choose the most suitable solar products for you and ... enjoy your holidays!

Fair skin and first exposures - High protection (SPF 30, SPF 50 and SPF 50+)

The sun protection factor (SPF) is a numerical value that represents the ratio between the minimum erythematous dose of solar radiation, on a subject, measured in the presence and absence of sun protection. The larger the number, the higher the protection offered. In the COLIPA (European) measurement scale, SPF values range from 6 (low) to 50+ (maximum).

Let's start with the highest protection - SPF 50+, SPF 50 and SPF 30 - indicated for sensitive skin, the lighter ones (phototype I and II), those more prone to erythema and sunburn and, in any case, always recommended during the first days of exposure to the sun.

It is wrong to think that the higher the protection, the less you tan; the new formulas guarantee a safe tan, but, at the same time, they let the non-harmful sun rays pass, which favor a more gradual, but also more lasting and uniform tan.

Golden and protected tan - Medium protection (SPF 10, SPF 15, SPF 20 and SPF 25)

Do you have skin that is not particularly sensitive and not too light (phototype III)? You can be daring by using a medium protection - SPF 10, SPF 15 and SPF 20 - which will allow you to quickly achieve a beautiful golden complexion, while keeping you protected and sheltered from sun damage.

You can choose between different types of formulations, in particular we recommend gel or milk spray if you do not like too heavy textures and have a "mixed or oily epidermis, oil or cream if your skin tends to dry out easily and you want a product that can also moisturize.

Intense and lasting tan - Low protection (SPF 2, SPF 6 and SPF 8)

After the first week spent in the sun with high and medium protection sunscreens, if you have olive or dark skin (phototype IV and V) you can switch to products with a low protection factor - SPF 2, SPF 6 and SPF 8 - always staying however be careful to avoid sunbathing during the hottest hours, from 12 to 16, and not to overdo the exposure times.

It is true that you do not risk rashes and that you are lucky enough not to get burned, but remember that sun damage also occurs - and above all - with an acceleration of the skin aging process and with the appearance of unsightly hyper pigmentation spots.

For dark and already tanned skin (SPF 0)

You are at the end of the holiday and your skin is now chocolate brown. For the last exposures you can use a sunscreen without protection (SPF 0) to fix and maximize the last hours in the sun, which may not be the scorching one of mid-August anymore!

However, we suggest you pay particular attention before choosing a product without sun filters because - we never tire of repeating it - even if your skin is now dark and accustomed to the sun, the risks do not cease and even if you have decided to spend time under the umbrella, the rays penetrate anyway.

Maximum protection for the little ones

The sun is a friend of children as, by activating vitamin D, it promotes the calcification of their bones; but exposure to sunlight during the summer holidays can be harmful and must therefore follow some rules, especially in the first year of life, when the baby's skin is very delicate and particularly sensitive to dehydration.

As for sun protection, it goes without saying that the protection factor must be maximum (SPF 50 and SPF 50+) to avoid the risk of sunburn and erythema. And since the little ones love to run and play on the beach, as well as get wet frequently, it is better to choose a water resistant sunscreen - waterproof - and repeat the application often.

After sun to prolong the tan and rehydrate the skin

After a day spent in the sun, the first rule is: moisturize the skin. This goal is achieved mainly from "inside", that is by drinking a lot, but also from "outside", that is, with a good after-sun product that is restorative, emollient, calming and refreshing.

Also in this case we find different formulations and fragrances to choose from according to the needs of the skin. Is it particularly dry? Opt for a cream rich in nutrients. Is it very red and itchy? Green light for fresh aloe-based gel formulations. Are you over 40? Choose an after sun that contains a good amount of antioxidants and vitamin E, excellent for blocking free radicals responsible for skin aging.

See also:
It's time to think about holidays and tanning. Discover the most sublime way to protect your skin in the sun!
How to protect the skin and eyes from the sun?
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