The most important summer accessory is definitely sunscreen. Although the sun has many benefits for our health, at the same time, the sun can seriously damage our health if we don’t take safety measures before exposure.
The sunscreen cream acts like a protective film for the skin against the sun’s rays.
How many types of sun protection factors are there?
The SPF value indicates the degree of sun protection provided. In general, products with SPF 15 offer 93% protection against UVB radiation. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB radiation and SPF 50 protects up to 99% of skin.
Therefore, the levels of protection factors are:
Mild – SPF 6-10;
Medium – SPF 10-25;
High – 30-50;
Very high 50+;
The sun protection factor should be chosen according to your skin type. Lighter skin needs more protection than darker skin.
People with fair skin have low melanin levels and are more exposed to the harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation, it is advisable to use a protection factor between 30 and 50+ SPF.
For those with normal skin, the sun protection factor can be medium: 15-30 SPF. Even if tolerance to UV rays is higher for those with dark skin, this should not exclude the use of a protective factor. In this case, using an SPF 15 is sufficient.
What about kids? It is essential to use creams with a very high protection factor for children, where the skin is extremely sensitive. Children up to 6 months old should not be exposed to UV radiation.
Why sunscreen cream should not be missing from our daily ritual
1. Prevents sunburn
Sunburn is the result of excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation or sun allergies. Sunburn can be grade 1, 2 or 3.
Grade 1 is the most common type of sunburn. This type of sunburn is manifested by erythema, swelling, burning and pain on sudden movements of the affected skin.
In the case of second-degree burns, in addition to the affected layer of epidermis, the dermis (the second layer of the skin) is also affected. Along with the peeling of the skin due to first-degree burns, the second layer of the skin (dermis) is also affected, leading to the appearance of blisters.
Grade 3 burns are very rare, and in this case they require specialist intervention because the skin is damaged to its depth.
2. Prevents hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, affects especially the cheeks, forehead and beard area.
3. Prevents skin cancer
According to one study, the risk of skin cancer decreases if you use sunscreen daily.
4. Prevents ageing
Ultraviolet rays damage the elasticity of the skin and thus accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and premature ageing.
5. Prevents rosacea
Rosacea occurs due to thinning of the skin and vasodilation of the capillaries following sun exposure.