Sunscreen: a review of products and tips for choosing

Probably everyone knows about the harmful long-term exposure to sunlight and its consequences today. But some people still do not bother to purchase special cosmetics for tanning, which will protect not only the skin, but the body as a whole from the harmful effects of the sun. The article will discuss sunscreen cosmetics, a variety of such products and the nuances of choice.

Absolutely all cosmetics to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun should contain special substances that neutralize the effects of the rays of spectrum A and B on the skin. These substances are called UV filters. They save the skin (and the human body as a whole) from, indeed, dangerous rays. It is the rays of spectrum A and B that provoke photoaging and can stimulate the division of cancer cells.

Filters can be of two types.

• Physical - act like a screen, blocking the penetration of rays into the deep dermal layers. These are micronized chemical compounds - titanium dioxide, as well as derivatives of silicones, zinc oxide.
• Chemical - suppress the rays themselves, transforming their energy into heat. Salicylic acid esters are considered the most popular chemical filters.

Products of this spectrum, that is, creams, lotions, as well as oils, imply various degrees of protective effect. AND it is called the SPF factor (decoding - Sun Protective Factor), which is expressed in numerical values ​​- from 4 to 50. It is worth telling what these meanings are talking about.There is a scientific term: the lowest erythema dose is the time period after which, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, redness forms on the skin, that is, erythema. On average, it is 15 minutes. SPF values ​​show how many times a person using sunscreen can increase this time.

If you use a cream whose SPF is 8, you can stay in the sun 8 times longer than the average 15 minutes. But, of course, these figures are conditional, because the skin of each person individually reacts to a tan.

Experts assure: the best cosmetics are not the ones that have the highest index, but the ones that are most suitable for you personally and are used reasonably.

The main mistake is the neglect of protective cosmetics as such. On cloudy days, in the shade, most people do not use it. But about 80% of ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin through the clouds. The shadow also does not provide complete protection from the sun, even being under an umbrella, you get about 30% of the rays. Therefore, it is almost always necessary to use funds for safe tanning in the summer.

Consider the most common questions about sunscreen cosmetics, which are answered by professional cosmetologists.

1. Why is it important to look not only at the expiration date of funds? Manufacturers usually indicate a period of 2-3 years, but it is valid if you store cosmetics correctly. It should be kept in a dry and cool place. But many take the cream to the beach, throw it right under the sun, and do not even suspect that in this way the end of its shelf life is rapidly approaching.
2. But does not ordinary cosmetics become a barrier to sunlight? There are, of course, tonal products with a small protective level. But they must have special markings. But with regard to powder, this does not work. Even if SPF values ​​are indicated on it, protection is literally impossible: powder does not form a dense film on the skin.
3. When do I need to smear cream - on the beach or at home? Apply cream should be at home, before a walk or departure to the beach. This also applies to professional cosmetics for face and body from the sun, and budget formulations.
4. Why apply cream to the whole body? Indeed, even if certain areas of the body are covered with a swimsuit or clothes, the product must be applied to the body completely.
5. After bathing, use the cream again? Yes, even waterproof products are imperfect. Therefore, after bathing, after 1.5 hours after the first application, the cream must be used again.
6. Why doesn't face lotion work? For some people, sunscreen lotion will work, but not for most. The skin on the face is thinner and more vulnerable, because alcohol funds will only be harmful - they dry the skin, lead to irritation. Use softer tanning products.
7. What is a mineral screen? This is what cosmetics with physical filters offer. Such formulations contain active mineral substances that repel and scatter UV rays. They are more suitable for sensitive skin, it is recommended to use them for people with pigmentation. The shelf life of such funds is longer.

Fashion for organics is only gaining momentum, people are increasingly paying attention to organic cosmetics, including sunscreen.

We list the best environmental remedies for tanning.

• Sunscreen Badger Company. It is based on zinc oxide, as well as beeswax, sunflower oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil. The natural composition is confirmed by a special certificate.

• All-Natural Sunscreen. The cream is based on zinc oxide, without “chemistry” in the composition, with natural plant extracts and essential oils that care for the skin.

• COOLA Organic Suncare Collection. This product is for baby skin, but people of different ages use it.Based on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Includes many organic oils in the composition, bisabolol, beeswax.

• California Baby. Experts consider it to be one of the safest formulations in their segment, they get it even for babies. But adults with sensitive skin can appreciate the quality of the product.

From budget products should be highlighted cream "Clean line" for tanning. It costs about 300 p., Is sold everywhere. SPF-30, the application is light and pleasant, suitable for different skin types.

The list of well-proven funds will include:

• Garnier ambre solaire - A whole line of products that prove that French cosmetics guarantee quality, comfort, modernity;
• Floresan - a whitening sunscreen that brightens and smoothes the skin, making freckles less noticeable, suitable for both the body and face;
• Nivea sun kids - the cream, although for children, but is often used by the whole family, is non-allergic, contains panthenol and tocopherol;
• Bioderma "Aquafluid" - a pharmaceutical product against tanning, made in France, protects delicate and thin skin.

It is very important not only to choose a good tool, but also to use it correctly. It is believed that applying the cream is 20 minutes before going outside. The face and body should be clean and dry. Distribute the cream evenly over the skin, not forgetting about the neck, décolleté, ears.

The most convenient to use are creams, emulsions and gels. Oils are less effective since they can form only a thin layer on the skin. The sticks are water-based, but they are more suitable for spot applications. (for example, to protect moles from the effects of ultraviolet rays).

Makeup powders with a protective filter can and should be used, but only as an additional tool. Sprays and aerosols are often used for the head and hair, which also need protection.

See the following video for an overview of sunscreens.