Sun to the max! How to choose a sunscreen with a high level of protection. SPF factor - what is it

The sun's rays have a very negative effect on human skin. Many may not agree with this. Indeed, thanks to the sun, our body gets a bronze tan and essential vitamin D.

But the sun's rays are not always useful. Scientists have proven that our body benefits during the first 15 minutes of exposure to the sun (sometimes this figure can reach up to 5 minutes). Further stay threatens at least burns. This is especially true for people with fair skin.

But this does not mean that you need to constantly hide from the sun. It is enough just to use cosmetics and creams that contain the SPF factor.

SPF factor(Sun Protection factor ) is a sunscreen found in cosmetics. It minimizes negative impact sun rays on human skin.

Duration of SPF protection

Not all SPFs work in the same way. Some have more powerful protection, others are less effective. Distinguishing one factor from another is quite simple. You need to look at the numbers next to the letters SPF.

They can range from 2 to 50. The lower the number, the lower the level of protection.

SPFfactor Skin protection, % Protection level
8 83,3 basic
10 90 basic
15 93,3 average
20 95 average
25 96 average
30 96,7 high
45 97 high
50 98 high
50+ 98 high

When buying a product with a UV filter, you should know the duration of its action. To do this, you need to determine how long your skin turns red. This can be done empirically by observing your skin.

On average it is 15 minutes. Now the resulting value must be multiplied by the degree of the SPF factor.

For example: 15 minutes*SPF25=375 minutes=6 hours relative to safe sun exposure

All about the sun's UVA and UVB rays

In order to understand which remedy is right for you, you need to understand a little about the nature of sunlight.

The radiation that comes from the sun comes in 3 spectra. These are A (UVA), B (UVB) and C (UVC) rays. Each of them is dangerous in its own way. Only A and B rays affect our body. UVC radiation does not pass through the ozone layer.

Now let's look at what Negative consequences carries every radiation.

  • A- These are the safest rays. Thanks to them, we get such a desired bronze tan. However, when UVA rays affect the skin, they greatly dry it out, as a result of which wrinkles, freckles appear, and the aging process of the skin starts. Sometimes this radiation causes solar allergies.
  • IN- carries an average level of threat to the human body. These rays trigger the production of melanin, which protects skin from burns. Excessive sun exposure to UVB radiation can cause burns, itchy skin, blistering, and cancerous cells.
  • WITH- the most dangerous radiation. It causes cancer.

Before buying cosmetics, pay attention to the labeling. Give preference to products with a designationUVA / UVB . This means that the selected cream, lotion, spray, etc. will protect your skin from A and B radiation.

Types of UV protection

Different sunscreens have different properties. It is thanks to these qualities that they are divided into the following types.

SPF factors with physical impact

The composition of cosmetics includes titanium oxide and zinc dioxide, which reflect the particles of the sun. They act as a kind of screen that prevents the rays from penetrating the skin.

Cosmetics with this factor have a low level of protection, almost never cause allergic reactions, but are not waterproof.

SPF factors with a chemical effect

These are products containing components that block rays by reacting with them.

Creams and other products with a factor of this action differ high efficiency, since they contain a high degree SPF. But they have a significant drawback - frequent allergic reactions to components.

Natural Exposure SPFs

These are components of plant origin that are used for the manufacture of children's cosmetics.

This factor acts only as an addition to factors with physical or chemical exposure. They are able to improve the performance of other components.

SPF factor and cosmetics

Before taking sunbathing you get some sun protective agent. To do this, go to the store and stand in front of the windows for a long time, not daring to make the final choice.

Now we will tell you how one tool differs from another. Thanks to this, you can quickly and easily make a purchase.

  • Suntan lotion- has a liquid consistency, after application there is a feeling of stickiness. It is not waterproof and has a low level of protection.
  • Suntan cream- has a thick pleasant texture, is well absorbed. Depending on the variety cosmetic product can be waterproof or unstable in water.
  • Spray tan- easy to apply, has a liquid consistency. But choosing this product, you will never be sure of the amount of product applied to the skin.
  • - recommended for use on the beach, but not in the solarium.
  • After sun oil- used after acceptance sunbathing. Helps to give a tan an even, uniform tone.
  • - have a cooling effect, fix the resulting tan.

Many women believe that the SPF factor is only part of sunscreens. And you need to protect your skin from UV rays only on the beach or in the solarium. But this is an erroneous opinion.

Throughout the year, our face and hands are exposed to powerful effects. If you do not protect the skin in these areas, then signs of aging will appear very soon.

Providing for this factor, cosmetics manufacturers produce decorative cosmetics and day creams with SPF factor.

Take a look at your makeup bag. Surely your powder, tonal, daily cream and even lipstick has a sun protection factor. They make your skin look younger.

When buying sunscreen, pay attention to the typeSPF-filter. If you go to the sea or to the solarium, then choose a blocking factor (with a chemical effect). It will block and neutralize the radiation.

When choosing everyday cosmetics, opt for on-screen factors (with a physical impact). They will reflect the rays and protect your skin.

How to apply a product containing an SPF factor?

Many people know that sunscreen is essential for their skin. But not everyone knows how to use them correctly.

And the rules for using such cosmetics are quite simple.

  1. Apply the cream with massage movements in a thick even layer.
  2. Apply cream 20-30 minutes before sun exposure.
  3. In the solarium, you need to apply the cream immediately before the procedure.
  4. On the beach, reapply every 2 hours.
  5. Sunscreens must be washed off (after they have served their purpose).
  6. If you apply 2 layers of cream, then the SPF filters do not add up.

How to choose the tool that is right for you?

The ideal sunscreen should:

  1. Suitable for your age.
  2. Correspond .
  3. Suit .
  4. Correspond to the place of residence:,.

And now we will analyze each point in more detail.

  1. Sunscreen cosmetics are divided into products separately for children and separately for adults. Baby creams will have a higher degree of protection. If you smear your child with your product (in order to save money), then there is a high probability that he will get a burn.
  2. Many manufacturers produce creams for different types skin. But there are universal remedies that will suit everyone. But if you are the owner oily skin, and you are going to apply a face protection designed for dry, as a result you will get a number of aggravated skin problems.
  3. Everyone is different and their skin reacts to the sun's rays in different ways. Given this factor, people were divided into 6 phototypes. In our latitudes, the first 4 types are most common.
  • First or Kehl type - people with fair skin, red hair and freckles. Their skin turns red very quickly. Therefore, the factor with degree of protection 30-50.
  • Second, Nordic or Scandinavian type - people with fair skin Brown eyes, light brown hair. For them, a remedy with SPF 15-35 .
  • Third or European type - people with fair skin, brown eyes and blond hair. This is the most common phototype in our region. A person who falls under this characteristic must choose a means with protection 8-15.
  • Fourth or mediterranean type - people who have dark skin, brown eyes and dark skin. They rarely burn, so their products should have SPF-factor with an indicator of 8.

Throughout the summer you need to use products with different factor. At the beginning of the season, give preference to cosmetics with more powerful protection. When the skin gets a stable tan, you can use a weaker factor.

  1. You need to choose a sunscreen depending on the place where you will sunbathe. If you go to the coast of the sea, ocean or other body of water, then the protective agent must be selected with high rate SPF filter.

Being in the city, a powerful UV filter is unnecessary, so cosmetics can be chosen with an indicator of up to 15-20.

Conclusion

No product with a filter can give a 100% guarantee that you will not get burned or new wrinkles will not appear on your face. However, the risk can be reduced by using the following tips.

  • Before buying a sunscreen, determine the protection factor that is right for you (in most cases, the optimal SPF is 30). People with a large number of moles on the body are recommended to use a cream with SPF 50+;
  • Choose cosmetics that contain caring ingredients (for example, panthenol, various oils, vitamin E);
  • Give preference to trusted brands;
  • For sunbathing on different areas body, use a cosmetic product of the same brand, otherwise, there is a high probability of getting an uneven tan;
  • Check products for allergic reactions before use.

More answers and tips from professional beautician you will find in the next video.

Text: Olga Kim

There is hardly a person among us who does not know that you need to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation, otherwise your skin health is threatened serious problems. What does the inscription SPF and numbers mean on cosmetics, and in particular, on creams?

Types of ultraviolet

What are sun protection factors And why, in fact, is it so necessary to defend against it? Ultraviolet rays are divided into three main subspecies: A, B and C. If ultraviolet C is absorbed by the ozone layer, then the other two can significantly harm our skin, destroy cell membranes, cause the formation of free radicals, and damage DNA molecules. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the skin quickly becomes dry, rough, which causes premature aging.

Ultraviolet B to small doses gives us a pleasant tan, in unlimited - burns. Ultraviolet A also acts very insidiously, without leaving visible traces immediately, but provoking the appearance of age spots, freckles and moles.

Cream, protect me from the sun!

So, we study the labels of creams. You have often noticed the mysterious inscription SPF with numbers on them. So, the Sun Protection Factor is the same sun protection factor that will put the necessary barrier on your skin so that, as they say, “the wolves are fed and the sheep are safe”, the skin is protected and you can get a long-term and beautiful tan.

The numbers after the SPF indicate the amount of time you can safely stay in the sun. The more this protection, the better, even if the tan comes on more slowly. Our skin usually starts reddening after 7-10 minutes of sun exposure. If, before going to the beach, apply a cream with SPF 15 protection, then your skin will remain protected for about 1.5 hours.

Sunscreens are divided into low grade SPF protection 2-5, most often it is a tanning oil or light cream and is suitable for skin already accustomed to the sun. Products with SPF from 6 to 11 are called creams with medium protection and are suitable for low-intensity tanning, which can be obtained on the beaches in Russia. For the beaches of the Mediterranean, it is better to choose a sun protection factor SPF 12-20, since the sun in these resorts is already much stronger there, but they are clearly different from the frankly hot Asian and African countries, you need a sun protection factor SPF of 20, and the higher it is, the better.

Remember that sunburn most often appears much later. And if you apply a small sun protection factor with active sun, then you will not get anything but redness, subsequent very short-term sunburn and flaky skin. Therefore, all cosmetologists advise buying the sun protection factor, the more, the better.

The sun protection factor also depends on additional conditions: skin phototype (fair skin is more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation, so she burns faster and she needs the greatest protection factor), solar activity (depending on the time of year and geographic band), time of day (beauticians recommend sunbathing from morning to noon and after 4-5 hours, avoiding the phase of the most active sun), as well as cloudiness (on a cloudy day, it is easiest to get burned, since it seems that there is no sun, but we must remember that clouds are not a hindrance to ultraviolet radiation).

How to apply cream? It should not be completely rubbed into the skin, the protective agent should remain on the skin in order to reflect the sun's rays. Apply sun protection factor cream in a thick layer and evenly. At the same time, renew it every 1.5 - 2 hours, especially after swimming.

When choosing a cream or lotion with a sun protection factor, don't go for quick tan. The skin is sensitive to this kind of injury (and after all, a tan is really a trauma to the skin). Tanning must be applied in layers, so experienced vacationers use the most serious sun protection factor at the beginning of the holiday and gradually move on to the less serious one, since during this time the skin has already become accustomed to the sun's rays. Take care of your skin, and then it will thank you with an even and long-term tan, without peeling and subsequent age spots.

Marina Ignatieva is an editor of the Beauty section of COLADY magazine, a hair and make-up artist.

A A

With the onset of the summer season, which promises us a lot positive emotions from the sun and fresh air we all think about reliable protection from UV rays. How to choose the right sun protection cream, and what you need to know about those harmful factors that accompany sunburn?

Choosing sunscreen. Instruction

SPF protection level - which one is right?

The parameters indicated by sun protection are indicated in the compositions of creams by numbers. There are usually two such indexes - SPF (protection against ultraviolet B-rays) And UVA (from A-rays) . If there is an SPF index on the package, there is no doubt about the effectiveness of the cream. The SPF number (value) is the amount of time you can spend under the sun. For example, when using a cream with an SPF of ten, you can stay in the sun for about ten hours without significant damage to the skin. True, it is worth remembering that experts are categorically against such a long stay in the sun.

  • SPF 2 is the weakest protection. Protects only from half of the harmful ultraviolet b.
  • SPF 10-15 - medium protection. Suitable for normal skin.
  • SPF 50 is the highest level of protection. Such a cream filters up to ninety-eight percent of harmful radiation.

Skin phototype and choice of sunscreen

For determining skin phototype, which, in turn, depends on the level of melanocyte activity, cosmetologists use the Fitzpatrick table. This scale has six types. The last two are characteristic of Africans, so let's focus on the four European phototypes.

  • 1st phototype. White skin slightly pinkish tint. Usually freckles. This phototype is usually found in red-haired people with fair skin and blue-eyed blondes. Such light skin burns very quickly under the sun. Sometimes ten minutes is all it takes. Sun cream for such skin should be chosen exclusively with SPF, at least thirty units.
  • 2nd phototype. Blonde hair and skin. The eyes are gray, green and brown. Freckles are a very rare occurrence. Such people can be in the sun continuously for no more than fifteen minutes, after which the risk of getting sunburn is growing rapidly. The SPF value is twenty or thirty on the hottest days, after which you can choose a lower setting.
  • 3rd phototype. Dark hair (chestnut, dark blond), swarthy skin. SPF - from six to fifteen.
  • 4th phototype. Dark skin, brown eyes, brunettes. SPF - from six to ten.

An equally important parameter when choosing a cream is the choice of a place where it is supposed to be under the sun's rays. For a holiday in the mountains or when doing water sports, it is preferable to choose a cream with SPF from thirty .

The appearance of the sun after a gloomy winter is always a joy. But do not forget that ultraviolet is very insidious. In large quantities, it can not only warm, cheer up and give a beautiful bronze tan, but also provoke serious skin problems. In this case, a huge amount of funds is released annually, much needed in the beach season. Among them, sunscreen is in particular demand. SPF cream 50. Which is the best one on offer today and what should be considered when choosing?

What is it needed for?

Experts distinguish two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVB and UVA. The first contributes to the manifestation of sunburn. The second is able to penetrate deep into the skin, cause early wrinkles(photoaging) and serious cellular changes. It is especially dangerous when this exposure contributes to the development of cancers. More often, the female half of humanity is subject to this.

Sunscreen cosmetics have special property- reflect being a kind of shield for human skin. It protects her not only from burns, but also from negative processes that can make themselves felt after a while. However, when choosing such a tool, you need to pay attention to the level of protection.

What do the numbers mean?

As a rule, on a tube of sunscreen there are numbers: 5, 15, 25, 30 or 50. These are indicators of the degree of protection from the sun. SPF 50 sunscreen has the highest level. Which is better to choose? Anyone with a similar marking. It protects the skin from harmful sun exposure. According to the percentage table, it corresponds to 98%. However, not all people need such an indicator. It all depends on individual skin pigmentation.

skin type

dark and swarthy color The skin is the least exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Nature has given people with such pigmentation a special resistance, so they do not need special cosmetics. How lighter skin, the more her need for quality increases, which guarantees SPF 50 sunscreen. Which one is best for blondes with bright eyes and white skin (Europeans)? Only with maximum protection! Alas, this type is at risk. Therefore, he simply needs a powerful block filter of ultraviolet radiation.

Which to choose?

Range sunscreen cosmetics today incredibly wide. Understanding the levels of protection is not a problem. But each brand has certain chips in the composition or rules of use. That is what you should pay attention to. So, the consistency of the cream is an important selection criterion. It should not be very dense, but not liquid either. When buying, you can take a small fence and evaluate the absorption properties without leaving the counter. For many buyers, the cost of the cream is also important. Ideally, when the price matches the quality of the product.

Compound

Sunscreen cosmetics can have a different set of components. In addition to basic substances or filters that protect against solar radiation, some creams, for example, add oily substances, wax, silicone. And it is contraindicated for problematic skin. Allergy sufferers also need to be careful: natural ingredients like honey, citrus and herbal extracts can cause irritation. Today one of the leading places is occupied by cosmetic brand"Aven". Sunscreen SPF 50 from this manufacturer contains mineral components that allow the skin to breathe. The natural screen also has excellent moisturizing properties. It lays down evenly and perfectly protects the skin from the sun.

Sun Energy is a sunscreen designed specifically for problematic and sensitive skin. The series includes not only products that reflect ultraviolet, with different levels protection, but also a soothing after-sun milk. Another brand that is in demand is Bark. Despite natural composition, sunscreens from this brand are considered hypoallergenic. They are great for sensitive skin types.

For face

It is necessary to distinguish between such cosmetics and their purpose. So, there is a sunscreen for the face SPF 50, which has not only protective, but also moisturizing and matting properties. It was created specifically in order not to overload the dermis and give it the opportunity to breathe. To such universal means includes products from Faberlik. Cream block masks dark spots, freckles, redness, wrinkles. But most importantly, it perfectly performs its main function - it protects against ultraviolet radiation.

The Babor company, in turn, offers a unique sunscreen SPF 50 for the face with a micro-peeling effect. It contains mineral particles that prevent premature aging of the skin, giving it a natural, radiant appearance. And the products from the company "Mathis" are aimed at protecting, whitening and moisturizing the skin of the face. It has a light texture and is suitable for all skin types.

For body

SPF 50 from the cosmetic company Avon has good protective properties. However, allergy sufferers should carefully study its composition. Since customer reviews indicate that this product may cause irritation. A series of funds from the promoted professional brand"Garnier" also boasts a high level of UV protection. Moreover, the products are designed for the body and face of people of all ages.

L'Oreal branded SPF 50 products are no less in demand. Line includes various means: milk, oil, cream, spray. They can be used on the body and face with any skin type. Sunscreen with protection level 50 has a light texture, is quickly absorbed and spreads over the skin. It prevents burns by helping the body get an easy and safe tan.

For children

Cosmetics for children have long been a rarity in the Russian beauty market. Its range is also wide in terms of price and quality. Children's sunscreen SPF 50 is used for babies with delicate white skin. It is also necessary for small allergies with sensitive dermis.

One of the most popular today is the cream "My sun" ( sunscreen SPF 50). It blocks the sun as much as possible, retaining moisture and preventing burns. It contains safe filters, vitamin E and calendula extract. Sunscreen SPF 50 is also suitable for children's and young skin. popular brand"Nivea". It has a light texture and moisturizing properties. Contains natural ingredients.

Price

An important role in the choice is played by the cost of the product. There is an inveterate stereotype: bad products are cheap, and vice versa. However, today there are funds with ideal ratio prices and quality. These include the brands Clean line". Their average price is 200 rubles. They contain herbal extracts and other natural ingredients that do not cause allergies.

Vichy products are considered inexpensive and of high quality, in particular SPF 50 sunscreen. Its price, as a professional cosmetic product, is quite affordable - about 400 rubles. In return, the buyer receives maximum UV protection and skin hydration. The cheapest and not inferior in terms of protection is products from the Chudo-Lukoshko company. domestic brand produces SPF 50 with other levels of blocking filters. It has a pleasant smell, a standard recipe and has high hypoallergenic properties. Its cost does not exceed 250 rubles.

As a comparison, here are a couple expensive brands engaged in the production of block creams. Biotherm is one of them. Signature body sunscreen SPF 50 reliably protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation and has a convenient package. However, its cost is several times higher than the average price indicators - 1000 rubles. Another luxury product is the cream block with filter 50 from L'ERBOLARIO. Despite oil base It has a fairly light texture and is quickly absorbed by the skin. However, prices for it exceed 900 rubles, depending on the region. Among children's cosmetics on the price scale, the most affordable is the cream "My Sunshine" (sun protection SPF 50) - only 130 rubles.

Rules

UV blocking cosmetics have special rules Uses to be followed for maximum benefit:

  • Sunscreen SPF 50 should be applied approximately 20 minutes before sun exposure. During this time, he manages to absorb and begin to act favorably on the skin.
  • Any product of this type has a water-repellent property. In practice, it looks a little different. Upper layer cream is washed off, and the lower one protects the skin from sun exposure. However, if a person is at the beach, in an outdoor pool and spends a lot of time in the water, then the product (especially children's sunscreen SPF 50) should be applied every two hours.
  • Tube protective cream it is better to take and spend in one season. Even if there is enough product left in the package, it should be discarded. In a few months, the cream may deteriorate and lose its blocking properties. And this is fraught with burns and other unpleasant consequences.

Attention!

Many buyers ask when choosing an SPF 50 sunscreen: "Which is better to take?" The seller, of course, will be based on the price or popularity of the product. However, UV cosmetics are a matter of health. Therefore, it is better to consult a dermatologist for advice. It is he who will give the correct guide to the choice, taking into account individual characteristics skin.

Every woman dreams of having a beautiful even tan. Finally, summer has come, and we have the opportunity to tan without the help of a tanning bed and artificial auto bronzers. But how do you choose the right sunscreen?

Is it possible to imagine a summer without a tan? Of course not. But in order to get a beautiful, bronze skin tone and at the same time not harm your body, you must definitely use sunscreen.

These cosmetic preparations designed to protect our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays: skin cancer and premature aging.

Modern manufacturers offer us a very wide selection of sunscreens, but how to choose the right one for you among such a variety?

SPF and skin color

First of all, you need to pay attention to the individual protection factor (SPF) of the drug indicated on the package. This indicator can range from 2 to 50, sometimes even higher. The higher SPF level the more effective the protection. For example, SPF 2 blocks 50% of radiation, SPF 10 blocks 90%, SPF 25 blocks 96%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%.

Choose a sun protection factor based on the color of your skin. The darker the skin, the lower the SPF should be.

First time concept sun protection factor suggested dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick from Harvard Medical School. He made a classification of skin types depending on how it reacts to the sun's rays.

In total, there are 6 skin phototypes, but it is advisable to consider only the first 4, suitable for white people. The last 2 types apply only to residents of hot countries - for example, Africa.

Type 1 - very fair skin

The skin is very light, thin, pale, sensitive, there are freckles. Eyes - blue or green, hair - blond or red.

It is very difficult for people with such skin to tan - the bronze color of the skin is almost imperceptible. After 15-20 minutes of exposure to direct sunlight, the skin begins to burn.

To protect such skin, it is necessary to use the most powerful sunscreens. In the first 2-3 days of sun exposure, you need to apply a cream with SPF 40, then you can switch to SPF 30-20.

It is best to choose creams for sensitive skin, but oils for intense tanning are strictly contraindicated.

Type 2 - fair skin

The skin is light with rare freckles, the eyes are blue, gray, may be brown, the hair is red or blond (light blond).

Burns in the second skin phototype occur after 20-40 minutes of exposure to sunlight. This skin tans more easily than the first type, but to achieve a beautiful golden hue, you need to gradually accustom the skin to the sun.

In the first days of sunbathing, you need to use creams with SPF 30, and in the future - with SPF 15. On the beach, it is best to use waterproof sunscreen.

Skin is dull olive color, eyes - brown, hair - dark brown, black. This phototype does not have freckles.

People with such skin always tan easily and quickly, almost never burn in the sun. The tan color is very intense. Such skin requires initial protection - SPF 10, and in the future can be reduced to SPF 4.

Choose creams that provide maximum protection against harmful effects sunlight - UV A and UV B (two types of ultraviolet rays). These products are labeled UVA-UVB.

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