The whole truth about sunscreen

Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to update your knowledge about sun protection products and the rules for applying them. During periods of intense sunlight, it's important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Whether you're at the beach or in the city, in a hot country or a location with a moderate climate, to keep your skin looking beautiful and healthy, you need to protect it from the sun's rays. You don't have to completely avoid the sun, you can follow simple rules and then the effects of ultraviolet radiation will be beneficial.

What are UV rays?

There are several types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and lead to premature aging and oncological diseases. UVB rays penetrate the top layers of the skin and often cause burns and damage, while UVC rays are the main culprits of photoaging.

How do sunscreens work?

Sunscreens are essential products in a cosmetic bag. Such beauty products contain ingredients that reflect or absorb UV rays and prevent them from penetrating the skin. Protective products often contain ingredients that moisturize the skin and prevent dehydration.

How to choose a sunscreen

If you plan to be in the sun for more than a couple of hours, or if your skin is very fair, use a spray or cream with a high level of protection. The general recommendation for most people is SPF 30 or higher. Your beauty specialist can most accurately determine your skin's needs.

• If your skin is oily or a combination of skin types, you need a product with a light texture. If your skin tends to be dry, look for moisturizing ingredients in the composition.
• Try to choose a product that protects against all three types of UV rays (UVA, UVB, and UVC).
• Choose a sunscreen with no allergens or other harmful components that may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, check for fragrances, alcohol, or parabens in the ingredients. Carefully review the ingredients in sunscreen products and try to buy from reputable manufacturers.
• For the face, it is important to choose a separate product specifically designed for this area. It is recommended to always use a product with SPF 50. For the lips, you can use special lip balms with SPF 30/50.
• In some cases, for the city and for not very hot weather, if you are not at the beach and not exposed to direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes, you can use a 15 SPF sunscreen. Products with a lower level of protection may prevent sunburn (not always), but they cannot protect against skin diseases.
• Check the expiration date. If it is not indicated, count 3 years from the date of production. If the cosmetic product was exposed to heat - for example, if it was on the windowsill when sunlight hit it - it should be used as soon as possible, as its effectiveness decreases.
• Follow the rule - the higher the level of protection, the better.

How to use sunscreen correctly:

1. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more often if you swim or sweat heavily.
2. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, hands, and legs. Use enough sunscreen - about 30 ml to cover the entire body.
3. Do not apply sunscreen with different levels of protection on top of each other - this does not make sense. The SPF level will not increase, its value will be equal to the value of the product that you applied last. SPF is not cumulative.
4. Use SPF 50 on moles and birthmarks. You can apply it over the main sunscreen spray or cream if their value is lower.
5. Use UV protection every day, especially in summer. Ultraviolet light can penetrate through clouds and glass, causing damage to the skin.