How to choose a sunscreen. Rays of health: what the use of sunscreen can lead to Can regular cream protect from the sun

1
UVB stimulate the production of melanin, that is, they are responsible for Tan. They also cause sunshine. burns.
2
UVA penetrate deeper into tissues, destroy cell DNA, provoke photoaging(wrinkles, age spots), photodermatitis, can lead to malignant neoplasms.

When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to know what it protects against © Getty Images

The numbers next to the abbreviation SPF(Sun Protection Factor) inform about the degree of protection only against UVB rays i.e. burns. The level of protection against A-rays has a different indication. This protection is provided by means with the following marking:

the letter "A" in a circle;

inscription broad spectrum (broad spectrum of radiation);

abbreviation PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) or PA - in the Asian market.

What are creams with SPF

Sunscreens are divided into several groups depending on the SPF value.

1
Low degree of protection - these include all means with SPF below 15. Such products are suitable only for people with very dark skin of phototypes V and VI.
2
Medium degree of protection - SPF 15-20. It is addressed to naturally swarthy people who do not burn in the sun. However, much depends on the level of solar activity. With the scorching summer sun in the mountains, the tropics or on the coast, such protection will be insufficient.
3
High degree of protection - SPF 30 and 50.
4
Very high degree of protection SPF 50+- this category includes sunscreen products with a factor of 70, 80, 100.

Sunscreen with SPF 70, 80, 100

The higher the SPF value of a sunscreen, the better it protects from the sun. Does this mean that choosing a cream with a three-digit protective factor, you can feel safe? The answer is no, you can't, and here's why.

1
None of the existing cosmetics provides complete protection from the sun.
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The consumer, following the simplest logic, thinks that SPF 30 protects the skin twice as much as SPF 15, and SPF 100 is twice as high as SPF 50. In fact, the logic is different.

SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays.

SPF 50 (+) - 98%.

As you can see, the difference between fifty and one hundred is very small, only one percent. Therefore, European recommendations require that the maximum SPF 50 be indicated on the packaging, and everything above should be marked with a “+” sign.

Dermatologists believe that "weaving" purely psychologically gives the consumer a false sense of complete security and he begins to neglect the rules of "safe tanning", without which creams with SPF simply cannot provide the claimed protection, ”garnier expert Marina Kamanina believes.

So if you get burned even under the cover of SPF 50+ cream, then you did something wrong. Check yourself again by reading.

Recall the two basic rules for using SPF cosmetics.

1
Apply generously and evenly.
2
Renew every 2 hours and after swimming.

Rating of the best creams with an SPF 50 factor

In this review, we have collected the best, according to the site team, products with a maximum protection factor of 50 and 50+.

Mattifying Gel Cream Anthelios XL, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay

A godsend for those who struggle with oily sheen on their face every summer. The tool not only protects the skin from the sun, but also mattifies due to the Airlicium component.

Face and eye cream Anthelios Ultra Cream, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay

Moisturizing non-greasy cream that can be applied to the skin of the face, including the eyelid area.

Ambre Solaire Expert Protection Moisturizing Dry Face Spray SPF 50, Garnier, 75 ml

Indisputable advantages: lightness, compactness and the ability to apply even over makeup.

Sun stick for sensitive areas and lips Capital Idéal Soleil, SPF 50+, Vichy

Protects sensitive areas sunburn and prevents photoaging. The stick can be used instead of hygienic lipstick, treated with moles, applied to the delicate skin around the eyes. The list of ingredients has a lot of useful things: cocoa and shea butter, castor oil, vitamin E.

Body spray Sublime Sun "Extra Protection", SPF 50+, L "Oréal Paris

Enhanced protection against UVB and UVA rays combined with an airy texture that is imperceptible on the skin. And no white marks.

Gel "Vetskin" Anthelios 50+, La Roche-Posay

The water-repellent sunscreen is created using a special technology that allows it to be applied directly to wet skin. At the same time, the sun protection properties remain at their best.

Toning treatment against age spots, SPF 50+, Vichy

3-in-1 product: tints, protects against UV and therefore prevents unwanted hyperpigmentation. Plus, it fights already existing age spots.

Summer is coming soon! Regardless of whether you get to a seaside resort or not, you will sunbathe. So, you need to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. The choice of protective equipment is great. How to recognize the one that will benefit? Doctor talks about it Natalia Zubareva. The specialist called the requirements for sunscreens:

Completely prevent exposure to ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn, suppress the immune system and cause free radicals.

It should stay on the skin for several hours without losing its UV blocking properties.

Should not form harmful chemicals.

Have a pleasant smell and are easy to apply.

The doctor emphasized that there are no ideal creams with these requirements, and shared a prepared review about sunscreens:

In 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that there was no evidence that sunscreen was effective in preventing skin cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer does not recommend the use of sunscreen as a primary sun protection and as a preventive measure against skin cancer.

It is preferable to use closed clothing, hats and shade for protection from the sun.

Danger of use:

Absence pain from sunburn is misleading that the cream completely protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV-B rays (the main cause of sunburn and precancerous DNA mutations), and this is just the action of the chemicals in the composition;

There is evidence that the interaction of chemicals in the cream under the influence of sunlight releases free radicals;

Free radicals actively interact with proteins, lipids and gene material of cells, which can damage DNA and skin cells, contribute to skin aging and cause skin cancer.

The percentage of protection of such creams from UV-A rays is very low;

The intensity of these rays varies slightly during the day and little depends on the time of year.

Provoke the development of more subtle lesions.

They have the property of deeper penetration into skin tissues and also lead to the appearance of free radicals.

The doctor noted the protection factors of creams:

minerals;
chemical.

They have different mechanisms to protect the skin and maintain stability in sunlight, - tells specialist. “But both species can pose a danger to human health.

Creams with protection over SPF 50 can be neglected.

Products with a high SPF tend to contain higher concentrations of chemical protection factors than creams with a low level of protection.

When testing products with SPF 100, it turned out that in five different laboratories, the results varied between SPF 37 and SPF 75.

Creams with protection 50, as a rule, have oxybenzene and retinol palminate in their composition.

oxybenzene when released into the bloodstream, it can cause allergic reactions, is toxic to the reproductive system, being an analogue of estrogen.

All chemical protective factors are dangerous for the hormonal system. When combined with water, they transform into more dangerous products (phenols, acetophenols).

Retinol Palminate. There are many studies that retinol palminate (a form of vitamin A) applied to the skin, when exposed to sunlight, can have photocarcinogenic properties, that is, accelerate the development of skin cancer. The scientific evidence is not 100% conclusive, but this conclusion is troubling.

Vitamin A found in 20% of sunscreens and 12% of annual facials.

Retinol palminate decomposes under the action of UV rays to phototoxic products, damaged DNA cells. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and is believed to slow down the aging process of the skin. But a cream containing vitamin A is best used indoors and at night.

Mineral factors: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide.

Important! To reduce photoactivity, it is necessary to use forms of minerals coated with inert chemicals(silica, hydrated silica, alumina, aluminum hydroxide, stearate, etc.) impart stability in the final formulation. Otherwise, when applied to the skin and when interacting with other chemicals in the cream, free radicals may be released.

Cream with mineral factors has an SPF in the region of 30. 30 is enough for protection. No cream can guarantee complete protection against the damaging effects of UV rays, which can cause damage to epidermal cells, aging and skin cancer!

Nanoparticles of zinc and titanium oxides penetrate deep into the skin and lead to photocatalytic processes; free radicals are released (remember, they lead to inflammation, damage and cell mutation).

Nanoparticles are particles smaller than 100 nm in diameter.

In sunscreen cosmetics, the most common nanoparticle size is about 25 nm.

Zinc oxide is safer than titanium dioxide, non-toxic, absorbs UV rays better.

The sizes of nanoparticles are commensurate with the sizes of a cell. According to the results of recent studies, nanoparticles are able to pass through the protective filters of cells, getting inside.

The most dangerous are sunscreen powders with nanoparticles and sprays that can enter the body through the respiratory system.

The smaller the particle size, the better it transmits visible light. This is one of the reasons why cosmetics manufacturers use titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

If your cream or powder leaves opaque ashy streaks, then you do not have dangerous titanium dioxide.

Summing up the topic of the use of sunscreens, Dr. Natalia Zubareva addresses the Internet users:

If you all use sunscreen, try:

make sure that they do not use nanoparticles;

limit the time spent in the sun, especially from 10 am to 2 pm:

wear clothes with long arms, trousers;

wear hats and sunglasses;

use sun umbrellas;

be in the shade.

What sunscreen do you use?

Greetings. You will learn how to choose a sunscreen for your face.

We need the sun for the production of vitamin D, for the production of collagen, which protects the skin of the face and sagging.

Harmful not solar radiation, but its excess. During the hot summer months, our face is at risk of receiving excessive doses of ultraviolet radiation every day.

How to protect your skin from the sun

Save from the danger of the rays of special sunscreens. And today we will talk about how to choose a sunscreen for the face.

And make sure your cream does not contain the following ingredients:

Phototype

With different phototypes, the skin has different sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Light-skinned people are less protected than dark-skinned people.

Fair skin requires SPF 15 in temperate climates and SPF 25-30 in hot climates.
At normal skin: respectively SPF 4 and SPF 15.
For dark skin: SPF 4 in the first week of sun exposure in temperate climates, then you can not use it; SPF 15 the first week in hot climates and SPF 4 the rest of the days; in very hot climates apply at SPF 15 all the time.

Making a choice

Which sunscreen to choose for fair skin, the most sensitive to UV rays?

Sunscreens with SPF 30 and PA+++ are the best option.

When choosing, it is necessary to take into account age (up to 40 years old, the skin itself is better protected than after 40), and the condition in which your skin is located, and its phototype, and lifestyle (how much time do you spend outside during the hot months) , and the UV index of where you live.

To determine the solar radiation index (and, accordingly, select the level of protection), you can use the nesgori.ru service. And usually smartphones have information about the current UV index.

Sunscreen must be water resistant.
Avoid products containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and retinyl palmitate. These are dangerous components (for various reasons).
For Russians who are not on the beach or on a picnic in the summer, SPF is from 4 to 15, in general, best option. For walking, the beach, etc. you should choose SPF 25-30.
If ultraviolet is completely contraindicated (for certain cosmetic procedures, hyperpigmentation, as well as for the use of drugs that increase sensitivity to UV rays), in summer it is necessary to protect the skin constantly, using sunscreen with an SPF of 25-30 every day.

Many experts advise using creams rather than sunscreen sprays. Now you know how to choose a sunscreen.

Rules for applying sunscreen

If there is a chemical filter in the cream, you need to apply it twenty to thirty minutes before leaving the house.
It is better to use sunscreen with an additional moisturizing effect or apply it after applying a moisturizing toner.
Makeup is applied after sunscreen is applied.
The cream is applied at the dose indicated on the package (the standard is about a third of a teaspoon for the face).
Renewing the cream should be done every two hours when in the sun (this is also the rule for waterproof sunscreens). If you are not on vacation, where updating the cream is no problem, but at work, you can remove makeup and apply sun protection again, and you can renew after two hours of total sun exposure (the time you got to work, lunch break, time , which takes you to get home: if the total is less than two hours, no update is required).
It is best to wash off sunscreen with fat-containing washing compositions.

Have a nice and healthy summer!

Sunscreens are considered reliable protection against ultraviolet radiation, but scientists have a different opinion on this. The fact is that every year the number of people with skin cancer who use sun protection is growing. The explanation for this is the dangerous ingredients of creams, as well as the habit of people to stay in the sun longer than expected. Moreover, there is no confirmed evidence that sunscreens prevent the formation of melanomas and carcinomas.

protect skin from the influence of ultraviolet is still necessary, the main thing is choose the right tool and follow the guidelines for its use. In this article, we will try to analyze beneficial features sunscreens, the rules for their use, and also consider the possible harm of creams for the skin.

Benefit

Sunscreen is a cosmetic chemical composition which protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Types of ultraviolet rays:

A) UVA - the sun's rays with a barely noticeable effect on the epidermis, do not cause burns and redness. Can provoke the appearance of pigmentation, freckles and signs of skin aging.
B) UVB - the sun's rays, dangerous for the skin, because. cause burns and increase the risk of cancer.

The purpose of sunscreen is to prevent the development of all of the above skin problems. Any special cream, spray or oil has a certain level of protection (SPF) against dangerous ultraviolet radiation.

What is the difference between creams with different levels of SPF?

Creams with an SPF level of 15 or higher are effective - they contain components that can protect the skin from UVB rays. The SPF index indicates the amount of time after which the epidermis begins to turn red in the sun. Usually, unprotected skin can suffer after 20 minutes of being in the sun, and the SPF index shows how long the cream can protect from radiation. For example, a cream marked "15" extends the time for safe exposure to the sun by 15 times, that is, up to 5 hours.

SPF Index determines not only the time spent in the sun, but degree of UV blocking . A product marked "30" does not let in 97% of the sun's rays, a cream with an index of "50" already blocks almost 99% of the rays. Note that not a single product protects the epidermis from ultraviolet radiation by 100%.

Natural oils with sun protection function

Some oils also have sunscreen properties, not just cosmetic creams. Natural UV protection oils include:
1) hemp - this oil can be used both externally and for oral administration, it increases the amount of omega-3 in the body;
2) sesame This oil has an SPF of 4.
3) macadamia - has a fairly high protective factor, approximately - 6.
4) coconut - the oil does not protect the skin from the sun so well (only 2 degrees), but it has a significant cosmetic effect.
5) Shea Butter - has the 4th degree of protection against radiation.
6) jojoba - this oil effectively protects both skin and hair (grade 4).

Harm

We must not forget that even using sunscreen or being in the shade, on a sunny day, the body still succumbs to radiation . And the use of sunscreens, as a rule, leads to the fact that a person is in the sun for a long time, which exceeds the allowable limit.

An additional danger from some creams lies in their composition . The active ingredients in sunscreens are petrochemical in nature, so they are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Over time, accumulating in the body, these substances can mimic the action of the hormone estrogen . And scientists from Sweden back in 2000 came to the conclusion that the use of sunscreen stimulates a high rate of development melanoma .

Regular use of tanning products often causes allergic reactions . And for people prone to allergies, or with too sensitive skin, it is better to abandon sunscreen altogether. Natural oils will help protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation more effectively.

Risk development of skin cancer from the use of creams with a protective factor - a scientifically proven fact. Scientists have found that the products contain derivatives of vitamin A - retinol palmitate and retinol. These substances, under the influence of the sun, release free radicals that damage the upper layer of the epidermis, which leads to the rapid growth of cancer cells.

Particularly harmful to the skin sunscreen spray if you spray it after applying the cream. The effect on the body of sprays with a sun protection factor is currently being studied, but one moment already proves their undoubted harm. When spraying a spray, a person runs the risk of inhaling a large amount of dangerous chemical components and being seriously poisoned.

Should I use sunscreen or not?

Considering all the risks of using sunscreen, it is best to protect your skin with an umbrella and a hat. Thus, it is realistic to avoid allergies caused by the cream, and not to think that chemical components can cause hormonal imbalance in the body. In addition, you will receive the necessary dose of vitamin D.

For those who use protective equipment, it is important to carefully read instruction their applications. It is recommended to apply the cream at least half an hour before going out into the sun, and after each swim in the pond, renew the protective layer of the product.

It is important to competently approach the choice of creams and oils: purchase them in pharmacies, monitor expiration date , do not use several different means at the same time. Consider your tendency to allergies to some components of creams.

Most importantly, remember a safe amount of time , which can be spent in the sun - in the first days for 15-20 minutes, and after getting a tan - no more than 2 hours a day with interruptions.

Sunscreen - what is it? Is it a really necessary item in everyday life or is it just a marketing ploy? If you believe the statements of doctors, sun protection is really important, and its presence in summer period and cannot be overestimated at all, because prolonged exposure to the sun eventually results in burns, redness and even more serious diseases.

At the beginning of the summer season, it's time to get ready and get sunscreen. It will be useful to you regardless of whether you spend your vacation on the beach or stay in the city. And we will tell you which sunscreen to choose and how not to make a mistake with the purchase.

Why you need sunscreen

It would seem that being in the sun is healthy, pleasant, and also necessary to show off a golden tan. However, everything should be in moderation, and you need to approach sunbathing with care. There are several reasons that make the sun's rays dangerous:

Prolonged exposure to the sun leads to burns. Of course, this is the least of the problems, but also very unpleasant. Burned skin is sore, red, and blistering. In addition, the appearance of a person burned in the sun also leaves much to be desired;
Premature aging. Ultraviolet accelerates the aging of the skin, reduces its elasticity, promotes the development of age spots. If you abuse beach procedures, but forget about sun protection, wrinkles will not take long;
Skin cancer. Perhaps the most serious consequence that can be obtained by regularly tanning without SPF. This item does not apply to everyone, because, in addition to exposure to sunlight, one must also take into account heredity, skin type and conditions. environment. Nevertheless, the connection of ultraviolet radiation with this disease has long been proven.

How to choose sunscreen

The task of buying sunscreen can be quite daunting. Grabbing the first tube of product from the shelf in the store, you can get acne, clogged pores, and even allergies. So, first you should figure out how to choose the perfect sunscreen for your needs.

Explore the packaging

Carefully read the text on the purchased product - you will find a lot of useful information. In the case of sunscreens, you will come across several acronyms:

SPF- Sun Protection Factor. This is the degree of protection you get when you apply the cream to your skin. Next to these letters, you will see a number in the range from 2 to 50. Products with SPF 2-10 block up to 90% of ultraviolet radiation, those that received the SPF 10 mark and above provide the highest degree of protection. The maximum possible concentration of protective substances is SPF 50. It prevents penetration of up to 99.5% of ultraviolet into the skin. If you see signs above 50 on the package, do not buy such products - sun protection above SPF 50 is simply impossible;
UVA- long ultraviolet waves. For the most part, it is they who reach the surface of the Earth and pose the greatest danger. It is they who threaten the skin with the most unpleasant consequences, from premature aging to all kinds of diseases;
UVB- medium ultraviolet waves. Of those that reach the Earth, there are very few UVB waves - no more than 5%. They cause much less harm, but can still lead to minor burns and reddening of the skin.

Reading the ingredients doesn't hurt either. Parabens, mineral oils and petroleum jelly are actually synthetic ingredients. They actively dry the skin and often cause allergies, as well as clog pores. Vitamin A in sunscreens is also best not to trust. Unlike moisturizers that are not meant to be worn under the sun, using SPF in products can only exacerbate sunburn.

The filters themselves fall into two categories:

mechanical (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide);
chemical (benzophenone, diphenylketone, oxybenzone).

Mechanical filters remain on the surface of the skin, literally reflecting the sun's rays. Chemical filters easily penetrate cells. Some of them cause individual intolerance. However, mechanical filters also have disadvantages: they are credited with more frequent development of acne.

Cream, spray or lotion

There are several types of sunscreen:

cream;
lotion;
oil;
spray;
stick.

There is no fundamental difference between these forms, the only noticeable difference is the degree of density. The cream will be thicker and thicker in texture, while the lotion and oil will be more fluid and easier to spread over the skin. The stick is suitable for those who want to protect specific areas or pay attention to moles and age spots.

Of all the above forms, only the spray has obvious drawbacks. Despite the simple application and distribution over hard-to-reach areas, spraying the product leads to the risk of inhaling the liquid. This will not bring serious harm, but, in the presence of intolerance to the components, a chance to earn allergic reaction becomes many times higher.

Sunscreen by skin type

Skin type greatly influences which sunscreen to choose:

Dry skin. The ideal form of sunscreen for those with dry skin is cream or oil. Be sure to study the composition and make sure that there are no synthetic components in it or are present in a minimal amount. But natural vegetable oils will come in handy (shea butter - as a natural UV filter, chamomile - to soothe heated skin), as well as panthenol to prevent burns as much as possible;
Oily skin. As opposed to dry skin, sunscreen for oily skin should have a light texture. Gentle lotions and vibes are best. In the composition, avoid mineral oils, petroleum jelly and paraffin. It is also better to give preference to products with chemical filters;
Sensitive skin. The formula of the product can be any convenient for you - from cream to spray. But it is better to choose the SPF value as high as possible - up to 50. Try to choose a hypoallergenic product or test the skin reaction in advance before applying the cream to your face or body. Physical filters for sensitive skin are safer.

How to choose and use sunscreen at sea

During a trip to the sea, sunscreen is indispensable. In this case, you will also have to take into account several factors in order to choose the perfect tool:

Remember about age. The younger you are, the more protection your skin will need under the scorching sun. Sunscreen for children is better to choose with the maximum protection factor;
Take into account your phototype. In temperate latitudes, 4 of them are found: Celtic (light skin, blond hair, freckles), Scandinavian (light skin, light blond hair), European (light skin, blond or light chestnut hair) and Mediterranean (skin is darker, olive , brown hair). The lighter your skin and the closer your phototype is to Celtic, the more protection you will need. However, even representatives of the Mediterranean phototype do not recommend lowering the SPF below 15 at sea in the summer.

While relaxing at sea, it is also worth stocking up on sun protection products with varying degrees of protection. Especially if you come to the sea from a cloudy region, you should start with a sunscreen with a factor of 40-50. But after a few days, when the skin gets used to a lot of sun, you can switch to a less strong product to achieve a tan without harming yourself.

How to use sunscreen correctly

To be sure of the safety of your own skin, when using sunscreen, you also need to remember certain rules:

Start early. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15-20 minutes before going outside. This time is enough for the cream to be absorbed and the filters to activate. If you find yourself in the sun earlier, you will have time to absorb a dose of ultraviolet radiation;
Update protection. A common misconception is that it is enough to apply a product with SPF once a day. In fact, over time, the filters stop working, being destroyed by exposure to sunlight. And if you swim in the sea, then this is completely tantamount to taking a shower - after swimming, the cream will not remain on the skin. Therefore, it is better to repeat the procedure with applying the cream every 1.5-2 hours, and also after each bath;
Protect your whole body. Clothing is not the same as sunscreen. Moreover, summer clothes are light and often translucent. Therefore, before going outside, smear yourself with sunscreen completely;
Don't skimp on the cream. No matter how much you want to save money, it is better to use a moderate amount of cream than to rub in a thin layer. If you spare the means, the barrier will not last even the promised two hours;
Do not attempt to apply over make-up. Even if this isn't the first time you've covered yourself in sun protection, take the time and effort to remove your old makeup and re-apply your SPF cream. Most likely, in two hours under the sun, it will already lose its freshness, and if you are a lover of tight makeup at any time of the year, then acne and irritation will not take long.