What are spf creams? Determine your phototype. What is SPF

04 May 2017

Every lover of sunbathing knows that without a special sunscreen on a fine summer day, it can be extremely dangerous to be outside. Scorching ultraviolet rays, which give the body a pleasant golden hue, can be detrimental to delicate skin if not protected by professional cosmetics.

Therefore, today in the beauty industry there is a huge range of protective products with an SPF factor: creams, lotions, sprays, and even. Such a variety allows you to choose the best option for each skin type, but first you need to figure out what is hidden behind the magic letters - SPF.

What does SPF mean?

The abbreviation, mysterious at first glance, is deciphered quite expectedly - Sun Protection Factor(translated from English. " sun protection factor"). The SPF value is calculated for each cosmetic product based on the amount of substances it contains that can absorb UV rays. Depending on the mechanism that provides the skin with maximum protection, SPF filters are:

Physical filters are effective against . They create a kind of reflective screen and thereby protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Chemical components, on the contrary, adsorb.

Since each of these spectra is harmful to the skin in its own way, professional sunscreens harmoniously combine both of these filters for maximum skin care on a hot day. Depending on the SPF, they are able to filter a certain amount of ultraviolet radiation:

  • from 2 to 4 - the base level of SPF from 50-60% of the rays;
  • from 4 to 10 - the average filter level is from 75-85% UV;
  • 10 to 30 - high SPF from 90-95% UV;
  • from 30 to 50+ - ultra-intense level of protection from 95-99% of rays.

If you choose the right degree of protection, you can not be afraid of sunburn, overdrying of the skin and signs of photoaging: flabbiness, peeling and many small wrinkles.

French premium cosmetics Soleil Noir

How to choose the best sunscreen?

When choosing a tanning cream or lotion with an SPF factor, you must first take into account the natural skin phototype:

The skin of the face and décolleté is more sensitive, therefore, when choosing a cream for such a delicate area, you should add another 3-5 units to the recommended SPF. In addition, you should not expect that one remedy is suitable for all areas: firstly, the face is more exposed to radiation, and secondly, the delicate and sensitive skin in this area dries up much faster. Therefore, professional sunscreens for the face are essential in a beach makeup bag - the SPF factor in them is complemented by a rich cocktail of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, natural extracts and vitamin-mineral complexes.

The leading position among the cosmetics of this line is occupied by French brand Soleil Noir. The creams released under this label contain a unique amount of vitamins and aloe vera gel that no other cosmetic company has been able to recreate.

How long can you stay under the sun?

Even the best sunscreen can't protect you 100% from UV burns. Therefore, cosmetologists have developed a special technique that allows you to calculate the optimal tanning time for each skin phototype. To do this, you need to conduct a small experiment:

  1. Strip your skin of make-up and skin care products and head out into the sun.
  2. Carefully monitor the behavior of the epidermis: as soon as reddish hues begin to appear, immediately go into the shade.
  3. Multiply the number of minutes spent in direct sunlight by the SPF of your sunscreen. This is how much time it takes to sunbathe to get attractive bronze shades and at the same time avoid redness and overdrying.

TOP 3 Common Misconceptions About Sunscreens

Despite the obvious benefits of sunscreen cosmetics, many ignorant women prefer to use it to a minimum or not at all. This behavior is explained very simply - they believe in common myths that it is time to debunk a long time ago:

1. The stereotype that cosmetics with a high content of SPF filters leads to a deficiency of vitamin D, which is produced in the body only in the sun, has no scientific justification. No cream can reflect 100% of ultraviolet rays, so the remaining spectrum is quite enough for the harmonious synthesis of calciferol.

2. The misconception that SPF funds are needed only on a sunny day is not only unfounded, but also extremely dangerous. Even in cloudy weather, about 40% of UV radiation reaches the ground, so getting a sunburn "without the sun" is very real.

3. The myth that any cream clogs pores and leads to acne in hot weather could be considered real 50 years ago. Today's professional sunscreens have a light texture and soft composition, so not only do not provoke inflammation, but also prevent it thanks to cleansing and moisturizing ingredients.

You should not rely "on chance" and expect that the skin will endure neglect and insufficient protection from the sun. Choosing professional sunscreen cosmetics with the right SPF level, you can not only avoid painful burns and photoaging, but also give your skin a pleasant bronze tint, and it is absolutely safe.

Which number next to SPF do you see the most? Most likely, this is SPF 15 or SPF 20 - this is the indicator that most everyday skin products have. But we are surrounded by other things that have SPF. Do you want to know the full scale of solar filters from 1 to 50?

Here is an almost complete list of all degrees of protection from the sun, from one to fifty.

SPF 1
Technically, SPF measures how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned. And if the SPF is 15, and you “burn” in 20 minutes, then this means that SPF 15 gives you protection from burns for 5 hours (20 minutes x 15 \u003d 300 minutes, or 5 hours). And if the SPF is equal to one, then this means that there is no protection. Therefore, SPF 1 is the open sun.

SPF 2
If cloudy weather protects from the sun, then it is completely insignificant. Everyone knows that you can “burn” on a cloudy day. And the SPF level for partly cloudy can be defined as "1" or "2", that is, you need to protect yourself for such weather almost as much as for sunny weather.

SPF 3
A white, heavy-weight T-shirt has very little protection, no more than SPF 3. This fact should convince you to apply sunscreen even under light-colored clothing. Hats and baseball caps have the same level of protection, and it turns out that they should not be relied upon as a full-fledged sunscreen.

SPF 4
This level of SPF gives knitted fishnet clothing. It turns out that this is not only feminine and cute, but also safer than a regular T-shirt. Your skin can also get an SPF of "4" if it already has some kind of tan. Not much, to be honest. It will only help in the conditions of a non-aggressive northern sun.

SPF 5
Almond oil gives the skin one of the smallest levels of sun protection of any oil. True, such a modest SPF is compensated by a rich nutritional composition: vitamin E gives the skin softness and elasticity.

SPF 6
Almost any shade, whether it's an umbrella, an awning or the shade of trees, has a degree of protection equal to a maximum of SPF 6. It doesn't matter if it's a lacy shade, shade from fabrics or dense shading from buildings and opaque structures. That is, the shadow saves, but not as good as you think.

SPF 7
Take a light denim shirt to the beach to protect your back and shoulders. After all, such a simple attribute gives, albeit small, but protection. The SPF of a denim shirt is seven. Wearing it over a bathing suit on the beach is quite appropriate.

SPF 8
Coconut and olive oils have their own level of protection, their SPF is 8. Coconut can protect not only the body, but also hair from the sun, and olive provides an additional anti-age effect.

SPF 10
Tight clothing made of cotton or linen is SPF 10. The same indicator for most persistent foundations, as well as soybean oil. Soybean oil is used in Chinese cooking and works as a moisturizer with a natural sunscreen on the skin.

SPF 12
Clothes in bright colors protect from the sun more than white or light-colored clothes. We are talking about dense cotton fabrics or knitwear, but not about openwork, in it, as mentioned above, protection is equivalent to SPF 4.

SPF 15
Most popular daytime moisturizers, lotions, and emulsions come with SPF 15, which is the bare minimum that any skincare product needs these days. Powder, lipstick and gloss also have SPF 15. Today, makeup is not only beauty, but also protection!

SPF 20
Such an indicator should be in sunscreen if you are going to rest in the south. Residents of these areas are aware of the insidiousness of their sun, so they always buy products with SPF 20 or SPF 30. Trendy tinted lip balms today also boast excellent sun protection, choose products from well-known manufacturers, they have an SPF 20 filter.

SPF 30
SPF 30 protection can be found in popular sunscreens, baby creams, and items with UPF. UPF is the same SPF, only for clothing, and if you find a collection made using this technology, then the average level of protection that it gives is SPF 30. Such things are created mainly for surfing and active summer tourism. The most famous sports brands such as Nike and Adidas have already mastered the innovative know-how.

SPF 40
Carrot seed oil has the highest sun protection factor of any natural vegetable oil. It has an SPF of 40. This oil is also rich in antioxidants and shows very good antiseptic properties. True, its bright yellow-orange color can be embarrassing if used as a sunscreen.

SPF 50
High protection creams have an SPF 50 filter. These are expensive products, often with anti-aging properties - tonal, moisturizing or sunscreen.

In the end, it is worth saying an important detail about these SPFs: their performance DO NOT SUMMATE. Unfortunately it is so. That is, you can not wear a denim shirt, sit under an umbrella, anoint yourself with olive oil and think that you received sun protection equal to SPF 20. Only the highest of all the above components is taken into account in such calculations. So take your favorite oils, colored shirts and umbrellas to the beach, but do not forget about effective sunscreen.

Finally, hot days have come, which means it's time to switch to summer time. Now you definitely cannot do without a collection of your favorite sundresses, wide-brimmed hats and, of course, creams with SPF protection.

Moreover, the new generation of san-protectors promises to rid us of wrinkles, cellulite, make hair smooth, silky and give eternal youth. Fresh facts about SPF-means the site was told by experts - Ekaterina Medvedeva, dermatocosmetologist at the Otari Gogiberidze clinic "Beauty Time", Christina M. Zehavi, founder of the cosmetic brand Christina, and Ekaterina Muratova, stylist Schwarzkopf.

1. SPF products must contain chemical and physical protection factors

Our body is affected by two spectra of UVB rays - they activate the production of melanin in cells, form Tan and cause sunburn, and UVA - the most dangerous, breed harmful activities under cover, without having a visible effect on the dermis.

The nuclei of our skin cells, which contain all the genetic information about it, are bright red in color and, as the most colored areas, they easily and quickly absorb the harmful spectra of UVA rays. This process causes genetic mutations in the cells of the dermis, the damaged structure cannot produce healthy offspring, resulting in premature aging and even skin cancer – melanoma.

That is why SPF products must contain chemical and physical protection factors (the packaging of such creams must indicate protection against UVA and UVB rays).

Chemical factors include cinnamates, salicylates, silicones, they prevent burns, physical factors - small particles of titanium oxide or zinc oxide, they form a layer on the skin surface that scatters and reflects the entire spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, protecting against photoaging.

2. SPF does not guarantee protection against freckles and age spots

Recent studies by experts have shown that the appearance of freckles and age spots not always influenced by solar radiation. Stress, excitement, fear, and even diseases of internal organs can provoke “spotting”. First of all, the owners of 3-4 phototypes fall under the blow - those who quickly acquire a tan.

As for freckles, cosmetologists distinguish the so-called freckled skin phototype. In its owners, under the influence of sunlight of any intensity, melanin is scattered pointwise over the surface of the skin. And with such internal vicissitudes in the body, not even the most powerful cream with SPF protection .

3. SPF creams do not cause cancer

In recent years, the fashion for all natural has captured the minds of consumers. They began to consider many chemical components as harmful to health and were puzzled by the question whether SPF products with physical protection factors (containing titanium dioxide and iron) could cause cancer. Forums are full of warnings and messages from compassionate citizens that such cosmetics are harmful to health, because iron (and even more so titanium) poisons the body.

Developers and most cosmetologists are ready to stand up for SPF products with such a composition and defend their honor. Indeed, large molecules of titanium dioxide and iron are added to creams, which means that they form a protective screen only on the surface of the skin, but cannot penetrate into the deeper layers and cause any changes in the structure of cells and tissues.

4. Modern SPFs do more than protect against the sun

SPF filters have been added to most modern face and body skin care products, and this has affected not only the famous BB creams . In this line you can record primers, bronzers, self-tanners, powders, shadows, moisturizers for the face, eyes and body, anti-cellulite products , lipsticks, the SPF number in which varies from 8 to 30.

The lines between beauty products for the beach and skincare have blurred. A new generation of creams, foundations, lipsticks protects from the sun due to the content of chemical and physical protective factors and copes with other problems of the dermis. Amino acids, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid , vitamins, oils in most products and special patented complexes (each brand has its own) moisturize, smooth the skin, help fight free radicals, even out the relief, get rid of wrinkles and prevent premature aging. With such an arsenal, it is not scary to go to the beach.

Your beauty assistants:

New facts about products with SPF protection

  1. Cream Anti-Aging Sun Cream SPF 30 Babor,
  2. bronzer Anti-Wrinkle Face Tanning Treatment SPF 15 Collistar,
  3. BB Cream SPF 50 Garnier,
  4. A compact foundation that evens out skin tone Even Better Compact Makeup SPF 15 Clinique,
  5. BB Cream Hydra Sparkling Nude Look Givenchy,
  6. Spray-aerosol for body sun protection Lancaster Sun Sport,
  7. CC cream Superdefense CC Cream SPF 30 Color Correction Clinique,
  8. Comfortable texture sunscreen SPF 50 Vichy,
  9. Anti-aging protective lotion SPF 50 Vitalprotection Darphin,
  10. Lip balm SPF 20 Neutrogena,

New facts about products with SPF protection

  1. Face cream Perfect Skin Solutions SPF 15 Avon,
  2. Milk for face and body Anthelios SPF 50 La Roche Posay,
  3. Milk Maxi-Spray for tanning with a high level of protection SPF Yves Rocher,
  4. Natural day protective cream Priori CoffeeBerry Natural Daily Protection SPF 25,
  5. face primer SPF 30 from the new pharmacy range Lumene LAB,
  6. Sun Balm SPF 30 Stenders,
  7. Sunscreen Extreme Protect SPF 30 Innovative Skincare,
  8. sunscreen lotion Sun Zone SPF 30 Oriflame,
  9. Sunscreen super stick Sisley,
  10. Stick for eyes, lips, nose SPF 40 La Prairie

3 other important facts about SPF protection

5. The maximum SPF figure is 30

The SPF figure in products with UV protection can reach a maximum of 30, and this is quite enough even for owners of the first phototype. Anything above is a marketing ploy. In creams marked SPF 100, 70, 80, as a rule, they put more thickeners, zinc, due to which they lie on the skin in a denser layer, while the degree of protection increases by a maximum of 2 percent. In hot weather, it is enough to use SPF 8-10 for the city, from 15 to 30 for the beach (depending on the phototype).

6. You must use products with SPF for hair

New facts about products with SPF protection

The active sun (and if you are on the beach, then sea water) dries out the hair, makes it porous, weak, and destroys the pigment. As a result, during the holidays you get thinned strands that remain on the comb in large quantities.

protect hair from aggressive factors, in addition to wide-brimmed hats, indelible conditioners, spray protectors will help. They contain silicones, petroleum jelly, hygroscopic, moisture-retaining and softening substances - oils . These components maintain the balance of moisture in the structure of the strands, improve the penetrating ability of each other into the deeper layers of the hair, smooth out the scales, preventing the loss of pigment and water.

In addition to protective agents, it is recommended to use the entire line for hair under the general name after sun. Shampoos, masks, serums, oils and conditioners from this line have a rich composition of regenerating and regenerating components (as a rule, these are ceramides and a complex of oils). They strengthen the hair structure , protect the color from washing out, moisturize the scalp, preventing dryness, nourish the strands, making them soft, shiny and smooth.

Your beauty assistants:

New facts about products with SPF protection

  1. UV protection spray Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Sun,
  2. Spray Serum Extreme Oil Elixir Gliss Kur,
  3. Sun protection milk K-Pak Protective Sun Milk Joico,
  4. Conditioner Spray Aloe Vera Moisturizing Natur Vital Sensitive,
  5. Oil care Schauma,
  6. Balm Oleo Intense Syoss,
  7. A revitalizing hair shampoo Color Extend Sun Redken,

If someone else is not in the know, the sun is not only heat and vitamin D, but also a powerful source of ultraviolet radiation, which causes at least skin aging, at most cancer.

Sunburn is a very dangerous pleasure. But what is summer without sunbathing? In order to minimize the risks, there are various sunscreens, lotions, sprays. The main indicator of their effectiveness is SPF.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a sun protection factor, a substance that absorbs ultraviolet rays to prevent sunburn. The degree of protection is always indicated on the packages of cosmetic products for sunburn, that is, a person can choose the product that suits him according to his skin type and tendency to burn, - explained Olga Mashkova, dermatologist-oncologist at the Medicina clinic.

Products with SPF provide different degrees of protection - for sure everyone has seen the numbers 10, 20, 30, 50 on the packaging of sunscreen. They show, firstly, the approximate time of action of the remedy. For example, a cream with SPF 10 should protect the skin for about two hours. And with SPF 50, ideally, up to five hours.

The second indicator that these numbers demonstrate is the approximate amount of ultraviolet rays that will be neutralized by this agent.

Basic protection - products with SPF from 2 to 4, which neutralize from 50% to 75% of ultraviolet rays entering the skin. Medium protection - SPF 4-10. Usually SPF with such low values ​​is included in the composition of simple moisturizers, powders or foundations.

For a safe beach holiday, a product with a high SPF is more suitable. Protection 10-20 neutralizes 95% of UV rays. There are more serious sun shields: with SPF from 20 to 50 - they protect almost 100% from the negative effects of the sun.

For those whose skin is prone to burning, it is better to use products with an SPF above 20. For dark-skinned tanners, you can choose a product with SPF-10. For every day (and at any time of the year, if you are often in the sun), creams with basic protection against solar radiation are suitable.

An important point - do not think that if you applied a sunscreen in the morning (even with SPF 50), then you will be out of the risk zone all day. If you plan to spend several hours relaxing on the beach, then the sunblock should be "renewed" every two hours (if you swim a lot, even more often).

As you can see, a sunscreen with any level of SPF will protect against UV rays. Moral of the story - a little SPF is better than no SPF at all.

It is better for small children not to sunbathe at all. Expectant mothers should be especially careful, - Olga Mashkova noted. - Avoid sunburn. Dark tan is just a tribute to fashion, it is not a sign of health. It is very important to protect various skin formations and age spots from sunlight, which, as a result of intense sunburn, can degenerate into malignant tumors.

According to the expert, light-skinned and fair-haired, red-haired people with blue and gray eyes should dose out exposure to the sun. The risk group also includes those who have a lot of freckles, age spots and moles.

You can read more about why the sun causes cancer and what beach fans should not forget.

How to choose a cream SPF and what protection factor is needed?

What is the difference between physical and chemical SPF-filters and which are more harmful?

The Truth About SPF

So, let's take a look at the most common SPF protection questions.

1. Should you use SPF face cream all year round? Maybe people with a certain skin type?

Cosmetologist commenting on a brand of natural cosmetics mi& ko, Nelly Papikyan:

If the UV index below 4, You may choose not to protect your skin or use sunscreen if you plan to be outside during the sunny part of the day for no longer than 20-30 minutes.

If index below 2, you may not use sunscreen even if you are outside longer.

If the index is from 4 to 6, then you need to use a product with a protection index somewhere around 20-25 if you plan to spend more than 10-15 minutes outside. But if you just ran out of the office to the store across the street, it is not necessary to cover yourself with sun protection and climb into a spacesuit.

If the UV index above 6, be sure to use sunscreen when you leave the house or sit by an open window.

2. In what months is sunscreen exactly necessary and what level of protection should I choose?

from the editors

This should be done from about May to September, and in the southern regions of Russia - from April to October or even from March to November.

The average level of radiation in summer in central Russia is 3-4 UV, and in the south - 5-6 UV. At the same time, the inhabitants of Russia mainly have skin types 2 and 3, so it is necessary to use a cream of 20-25 SPF, and in the south 30-50 SPF.

If during the daytime you are mostly indoors, and the sun is not very strong, you can do without protection, because. exposure to the sun for 10-15 minutes is safe, while a small dose of sun rays is even beneficial, and the skin does not receive excessive sun exposure

comments Teymur Belyaev, Levrana technologist:

For people who want to protect their skin from excessive ultraviolet radiation, in the cities of central Russia, it can be recommended to use light protective creams, in which SPF is often used as an additional effect along with moisturizing, softening, toning, etc. In such creams, the degree of protection does not exceed SPF20, and this is more than enough.

In southern cities, the sun is scorching, on rare days the temperature reaches +40C, and on average it stays at +30C. This is a reason to strive to protect their skin even for those who do not have problems with skin sensitivity, because often we ourselves do not notice how the skin is burned, and meanwhile there is an active process of absorbing ultraviolet radiation. For residents of such cities, already specialized sunscreens with an SPF level of at least 30 or even 50 are recommended.

Commented by Nelly Papikyan, brand mi& ko

The choice of sunscreen also depends on the skin phototype.

1 phototype (Celtic)- very light skin and hair, often with a red tint. Freckles on the skin. The eyes are blue or green.
Recommended funds with an SPF factor of at least 30 at the end of the summer season and from 40 to 50 at the beginning. Safe time in the sun for representatives of this phototype is no more than 5 minutes. That is, theoretically, a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 50, if properly applied, protects the skin for 250 minutes (5 x 50), and with an SPF factor of 8 - 40 minutes. But do not forget that any, even the most effective sunscreen protects not 100 percent.

2 phototype (Nordic and Scandinavian ) - fair skin, light brown hair, brown or blue eyes.
At the beginning of summer, you should use products with an SPF factor of 30-35, by the end of summer they can be replaced with products with an SPF factor of 15. The safe maximum time in the sun is 15 minutes.

3 phototype (European) - the most common in the middle lane. Fair skin, blond or brown hair, dark eyes.
Representatives of this phototype can use protective equipment with an SPF factor of 8 to 15 from the beginning to the end of the summer season. The safe maximum time in the sun is 20 minutes.

4 phototype (Mediterranean)- dark skin, dark hair and dark eyes.
Representatives of this phototype may not be afraid for the condition of their skin on the beach, even with a cream with an SPF factor of 8. Safe time in the sun is 30 minutes.
All creams with SPF above 50 are a marketing ploy. In creams marked SPF 100, 70, 80, as a rule, they put more thickeners, zinc, due to which they lie on the skin in a denser layer, while the degree of protection increases by a maximum of 2 percent.

3. How and what kind of cream to use on the beach?

from the editors

On the beach, you need much stronger protection - from 30 to 50 SPF, while the cream must be regularly updated.

You need to know that most creams - creams with chemical filters - begin to work only 20 minutes after exposure to the sun! At the same time, bathing and wiping with a towel breaks the protective layer, so the cream must be applied again.

It is also interesting that, according to technologists, SPF levels above 50 are more likely a marketing ploy and unattainable.

4. Tell us about physical and chemical filters. What are physical and how are they obtained? What are the disadvantages of funds with them? Which chemical filters are the safest?

from the editors

There are 2 types of filters - physical and chemical. Physical ones are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, they are used mainly in natural cosmetics. Their peculiarity is that when applied, they whiten the skin. Let's talk briefly about each type:

Physical filters reflect the sun's rays. They are metal salts crushed into dust. The disadvantage is that they can penetrate into the pores, clog them, cause allergies. Due to the content of nanoparticles, they are prohibited for use by the Soil Association and are actively discussed by European eco-certificates!

Chemical filters come into contact with the sun's rays, forming new compounds and turning the sun's radiation into infrared and safe. Less predictable in their degree of danger than physical filters, because some chemical filters can even be toxic and accumulate in the body.

comments Innovation Director, developer of cosmetics of the Cleon brand, Ph.D. Igor Ivanov:

Physical filters are mineral substances that protect our skin from solar radiation in the same way as an ordinary umbrella, i.e. absorb, reflect, scatter UV rays, but do not let them through to the skin. The most famous of them are zinc and titanium oxides. To make the reflectivity of these substances


maximum, they are ground to very small particles. For what? Imagine that there is a wooden block the size of a matchbox. Putting it on a standard sheet of paper, you can create a shadow the size of this box. If you cut the bar into two layers, they can shade twice the area. If the bar is cut into many layers, they can shade the entire sheet of paper. The same principle is used in the manufacture of mineral filters. Maximum coverage is achieved with a minimum particle size, ideally nano-sized.

But today it is believed that mineral nanoparticles are not safe for humans. Therefore, the same British non-governmental organization Soil Association (SA), specializing in the certification of organic products, announced that products with nanoparticles will no longer be able to receive the SA certificate. First of all, this applies to sunscreens.

Brand training manager comments Weleda Maria Kondratieva:

At Weleda, we only use physical filters in our products for a number of reasons. The first is that physical filters behave more stable in the sun and in cosmetics. The second is that products with chemical filters require discipline from the consumer and


special care. So such funds are recommended to be applied half an hour before going to the beach or in the active sun. Physical filters begin to protect immediately after application, it is convenient to renew them during use.

Nelly Papikyan, mi& ko:

Not all chemical filters are harmful to the body. To date the safest and most effective among chemical filters are considered:

1) Tinosorb S (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine) is the best chemical filter available today. photostable; protects against UVB, UVA1, UVA2; waterproof

2) Tinosorb M (Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol) - protects against UVB, UVA1, UVA2; less photostable; poorly soluble in water and fats

3) Mexoryl XL (Drometrizole trisiloxane) - Protects against UVA2; photostable; fat soluble; contained only in the funds of the L "Oreal concern

4) Mexoryl SX (Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid) - Protects against UVA1, UVA2; photostable; water soluble; contained only in the funds of the L "Oreal concern.

5. And what are the most harmful SPF ingredients? What ingredients in SPF products should definitely be avoided and why?

from the editors

Most of the major European manufacturers, as a rule, do not use the most harmful filters.

Try not to buy the cheapest sunscreens. they use the cheapest cosmetic ingredients, which, at a minimum, are useless for the skin, and at the most, harmful.

Teymur Belyaev, Levrana:

If the particle size of the physical filter is too small (nanoparticles), then they are completely capable of penetrating from the surface into the body, slagging it. That's why it's so important to know and trust the manufacturer of your sunscreen. (By the way, the COSMOS-Ecocert standard prohibits the use of nanoparticles, so we use micronized zinc oxide, but not nano).

Among the variety of chemical filters, there are a considerable number of truly harmful ones, since in addition to the useful properties


photoprotection, they adversely affect the skin itself, poisoning the body, or being an allergen, not to mention the carcinogenicity of some of them. Some of these substances are: escalol, octinoxate, oxybenzone, enzacamine, cinoxate.

Igor Ivanov, "Cleon":

Now the mass trend dominates that physical filters are healthy. ABOUT rovo, and chemical - bad. It's a delusion. And that's why.

Did you know that there are self-cleaning glasses, the dirt on which is literally burned out by sunlight? All this is achieved due to the thinnest layer of titanium oxide deposited on the glass. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the inert and safe titanium oxide becomes photoactive and, together with atmospheric oxygen, begins to destroy any organic substances that come into contact with it. The efficiency of these processes is so great that photocatalytic technologies for cleaning surfaces and air based on titanium oxide will soon become a new industry.

Now imagine what happens on the skin, richly lubricated with titanium oxide nanoparticles, thickly mixed with vegetable oils and / or other easily oxidized substances, when this whole mixture is irradiated with ultraviolet light for hours and blown by a fresh warm breeze.

With chemical filters, things are more complicated. Dozens of them are used in cosmetics. And it is true that some of them are dangerous to humans. But this applies to first-generation sunscreens. Current chemical filters are much safer. But there is a fairly large category of people who still avoid them, indiscriminately.

If we talk about what is the most harmful thing in sunscreen cosmetics, I would say: human behavior. When he chooses cheap sunscreens containing dangerous filters. When she puts on creams with a clearly higher SPF than she needs. When he shifts all responsibility to the cream and lies in the sun for hours at a time when all doctors recommend being in the shade.