What Is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen protectors contain filters that block UVA and UVB rays and take care of the skin from irritation, redness, and allergies. … Unprotected sun, the UVB rays could penetrate deeper into the skin and cause burns solar.
Sunscreens are products that prevent or reduce the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) rays through the skin.
Contrary to popular belief, sunscreens should be used all year round, especially when it comes to sensitive skin or those with dermatological conditions.
These products are preceded by an acronym SPF (Sun Protection Factor), followed by numbers indicating the level of protection and the ability to block radiation. The higher the SPF, the greater the blocking capacity.
Filters can be physical, chemical, or biological, or combinations of them in a product.
Why Do You Have To Use Sunscreen?
When the sun comes up, everyone wants to go out and have fun. Using sunscreen means you can do it knowing that your skin is in good hands.
Why? Because using sunscreen is taking care of yourself and protecting yourself. The protectors contain filters that block UVA and UVB rays and protect the skin from irritation, redness, and allergies. You can choose between the different varieties.
Without sun protection, UVB rays could penetrate deeper into the skin and cause sunburn. When there is no protective barrier like sunscreen against them, UVA rays can be responsible for the visible signs of skin aging.
What Are The Benefits Of Sunscreen?
In summer, we all want to show off an even and natural tan. However, exposing yourself to the sun without sun protection to achieve this is very dangerous; that is why you always have to use Sunscreen, Sunscreen, or Sunscreen when you expose yourself to the sun, thus taking advantage of its benefits.
1. Delays Skin Aging
The sun is responsible for several of the signs of premature skin aging. These signs are most visible on the face. That is why we always recommend using facial and body sunscreen, since facial skin is more pleasing and more delicate than body skin, and because of this, it is ideal to use a sunscreen specially designed for it.
2. Prevents the Appearance of Spots
Introduction to the sun without the proper protection can cause spots on your skin. Sunscreens protect skin proteins such as keratin, elastin, and collagen, necessary to keep skin healthy and smooth. While sunscreen repels the action of the sun on all skin types.
3. Prolong the Tan
Using sunscreen makes your tan last longer since the sun does not burn your skin but tans it progressively. To maintain your tan, you can use sunscreens that contain natural extracts in their formulas that help the skin’s melanin production and thus stimulate the natural tanning process without other products. Learn more about products that promote natural tanning with the Bronze line: https://www.nivea.com.ar/productos/solar.
4. They Hydrate the Skin
Sun creams can protect the skin and hydrate it and make it look more beautiful and luminous. When exposed to the sun, the skin tends to dry out and dehydrate; that is why we recommend sunscreens that generate a layer that protects the skin from the sun’s rays while keeping it hydrated for longer.
5. Protects from Harmful UVA / UVB Rays
UVA rays enter the deepest layers of the skin. These stimulate the production of free radicals that cause oxidative stress and can lead to cell damage. UVA rays are generally associated with photoaging (premature aging of the skin caused by the sun). UVB rays can also cause allergies but to a lesser degree.
UVB rays deliver energy to our cells to produce Vitamin D and stimulate melanin production, responsible for tanning. They do not travel as fast as UVA rays, penetrating only the most superficial layers of the skin, but they generate immediate damage like skin burns caused by the sun. UVB rays are absorbed directly into DNA, which can lead to skin damage such as skin cancer.
Using sunscreen helps protect your skin and your family, so do not forget to use the one indicated according to your skin type to enjoy every moment.
Sunscreen, What Types are there?
Classification of Sunscreens
Solar Filter
According to their mode of action, solar filters are classified into: physical, chemical, and biological.
Physical
They reflect solar radiation. And also, they are broad-spectrum; they retain solar radiation in the ultraviolet area and visible and infrared. Sometimes called “Emran” (screen), they use to prevent both erythema and tanning.
It is especially suggested for: very young children, allergic to chemical protectants, dermatitis, skin with scars, and erythema.
Chemicals
They act by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation (they capture the incident energy emitted again as thermal radiation, harmless to the skin). Depending on the absorb wavelength, a distinction is made between UVB, UVA, and broad-spectrum filters. Its application is more pleasant since they have a more fluid texture. And you have to apply them 30 minutes before sun exposure for proper absorption.
Biological
They are not solar filters like the previous two, but they act together with them. They are antioxidant agents that slow down or repair the oxidative processes produced by UVA radiation and boost the skin’s immune system. The most collective are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
SPF
The sun protection factor (SPF), compare to the amount of time it takes for the skin to redden when sunscreen is not used, represents an index that indicates how long it takes for UVB rays to penetrate and flush the skin the sunscreen is applied solar. When using a product with SPF 30, the skin takes 30 times longer to redden than without sunscreen.
SPF 50+: It is apposite for children from six months. While if you are very silver, it is also suggested.
SPF 50: This is the influence you should use if you have very silver and delicate skin, which tends to turn red and find it difficult to get dark.
SPF 20-30: As your skin tries to brown, you can decrease the SPF. Medium protection might be enough.
SPF 15: If you are previously brown or very bronze, you can use sunscreens with a lower SPF.
SPF is one of the factors most taken into account when choosing one type of sunscreen or another.
Textures and Formats
Along with SPF, this is the most popular classification of sunscreens.
Cream: Its texture is suitable for dry skin, as it has a more enriched composition. You can find them with or without color.
Emulsion: It has a lighter and less creamy texture. It adjusts very well to the needs of combination and oily skin, and you can also find it with color.
Gel: It is very light and provides a delightful sensation of freshness. Also, it spreads very well. It absorb quickly and does not add oil to the skin. They are suitable for combination, oily or acne-prone skin.
Oil: This format is very suitable for body use, not for the face. It leaves a subtle satin shine on the skin, beautifying and protecting it. They exist even for very high protection.
Protective Milk: This type of protector also has a soft texture, although its use is only recommended for the body.
Sunscreen Spray and Protective Mist: They apply with special devices that gently disperse the content, like a mist, which is appreciated on the beach. Due to its speed in the application, it is the most advisable type of sunscreen to use with children.
How to Apply a Sunscreen
Just as important as choosing the right sunscreen is applying it correctly. Do you know how dermatologists recommend doing it?
Please put it on before Leaving Home: You must apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure, as this is the time it takes for chemical filters to act (between 20 and 30 minutes). So it is best to put it at home before heading out to the pool or the beach.
In Quantity: To be fully protected, generously cover the entire body surface with the cream.
Spread it Evenly: Applying the protector generously means that you also have to spread it evenly throughout your body. You were paying particular attention to the “forgotten areas,” such as the ears, the neck, the back of the hand, groin, hamstrings, and especially the feet.
Protect Yourself Frequently: Don’t forget to renew the application every two hours or so, or even less if you have bathed and have sweated a lot.
And now that you know the types of sunscreens that exist and the importance of using them, it is time for you to choose the one that best suits your needs. And especially to that of your children. Take note of these tips to choose the best sunscreen for your baby.
Also Read: Oil or Cream – What’s the Difference? Face Oil Vs. Cream