To shield yourself from the sun, it is important to choose the proper sunscreen. This should be adjusted according to their age, skin type, and exposure to the sun (frequency of exposure and intensity of solar radiation).
In addition, it should consist of non-allergenic substances and should ideally be environmentally friendly.
The various skin sorts
Fragile or atopic-prone skin should not be exposed to the sun. Ditto for skin with scars, acne, rosacea, etc.
Likewise, skin with many moles should be exposed with caution as they represent a significant risk factor for the development of skin cancer.
There are extra skin tones classified by phototype, ranging from the lowest (light skin tone) to the highest (dark skin tone). Dark skin tones will suffer less from the sun than lighter skin tones.
Phototype 0 corresponds to very light complexions (albinos for example) with skin that burns efficiently. Exposure is totally discouraged.
Phototype 1 corresponds to very fair, white skin, with blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes. These skins burn smoothly in the sun. Exposure should be controlled with high sun protection.
Phototype 2 compares very fair skin that can evolve into tanned, blond, or light brown hair, the skin glows efficiently and tans slightly. The sun protection index must be heightened.
Phototype 3 corresponds to tanned skin, and light hair, the skin is sensitive to sunburn but still tans with appropriate protection (high protection).
Phototype 4 corresponds to dark skin, chestnut or brown hair, and skin tans easily. Sun protection should be average.
Phototype 5 corresponds to dark skin, with dark hair and eyes. The skin tans easily. Sun protection may be weak.
Phototype 6 corresponds to black skin, black hair, and eyes. Sun protection may be weak.
Also Read: 6 Tips to Prepare Your Skin for the Sun
The sun protection factor
The sun’s rays can be dangerous for the skin, they are ultraviolet rays called UVB. They are the ones that cause sunburn and are the cause of skin cancer.
UVA rays also cause damage to the skin, they are notably responsible for the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers which ensure the tone of the skin.
Following European regulations, sunscreens must ensure UVA protection at least equivalent to one-third of UVB protection. For instance, for a safety factor of 30 for UVB rays, protection against UVA rays will be at slightly 10.
Sunscreens, hence, mention the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on their packaging, in English, against these UVB rays. The UV index goes between 1 and 11.
Regarding the Sun Protection Factors, there are 4 categories and 8 indices. The index corresponds to the amount of UVB received by the skin.
The index is to be chosen according to the solar radiation and your skin type; for low protection, choose an SPF from 6 to 10; for medium protection, an SPF of 15 to 25; for high protection, an SPF of 30 to 50.
Finally, for very high protection, the SPF must be more than 50 Sun filters should be chosen with care. Mineral screens present little risk of allergy. They are recommended for children and sensitive skin.
Chemical or artificial filters are very practical but not necessarily exemplary for the environment.
Do you like to tan actually without harming your skin? Do you dream of golden skin but don’t know which cream to use? Here are our tips for choosing the right cream for the summer.
Selecting the right sunscreen?
When summer comes, the temptation is strong to coat yourself with Tahitian oil or Monoi to tan quickly. That’s a very bad idea.
If you want to tan effectively without hurting your skin, the following guidelines should help you.
1. Minimum sunblock for children and sensitive skin
Juniors and the elderly have sensitive and fragile skin. It is imperative to apply a total protection screen (Sun Protection Factor 50) to them two to three times a day when they are exposed to the sun.
Also, remember to make them wear headgear or even a special swimming pool T-shirt for the little ones. A sunburn on delicate skin can be very hurting. This is why this recommendation is also valid for adults with mixed or red skin.
These people have particularly fragile skins that react easily to the sun. It is essential to protect them. More typically, it is extremely advised to favor the highest sun safety aspect.
It will not prevent you from tanning, and on the contrary, will allow you to perfect a healthy and lasting tan. However, if you are in a hurry, there are other tips for getting a tan quickly while protecting yourself effectively from the sun.
2. Sun oil with a sun protection factor to tan faster
Until a few years ago, tanning oils did not protect against the sun’s rays. They, therefore, amplified its effects and allowed you to tan very quickly at the risk of causing skin cancer. Now the situation has changed.
There are sun oils, sold in pharmacies, which protect your skin from the sun like a sunscreen cream. You will then be able to benefit from the benefits of tanning oil without excessively damaging your skin.
Provided that the protection index (SPF 30 to 50) is clearly specified on the bottle.
3. Sunscreen sprays
If you want to tan quickly without damaging your skin, it is essential that you apply sunscreen. However, you shouldn’t put too much on either.
In this respect, sunscreen sprays are particularly practical. They will allow you to protect yourself with the right dose of product. They are also easier to use for children.
4. Use an SPF of at least 30
On days when the weather is a little less hot or if you really need to tan quickly to be golden on the wedding day of one of your loved ones, you can use an index 30 sunscreen.
However, this total screen is not to be used only on condition that the temperatures are not too high and that you have already tanned. Above all, do not expose your winter whiteness near a swimming pool with such poor sun protection.
In addition, avoid staying in the sun for more than two hours with a sun protection cream or oil with an index of 30. It is not powerful enough to protect your skin over the long term.
Photo: Pexels/ Mikhail Nilov
