How to choose the best sunscreen lotion?

Long sunny days ahead. Each of us wants to have skin that is beautifully bathed in sunlight. A golden brown tan is so desirable, especially during the holiday season. How to tan wisely? What products to choose so that the skin is protected from the negative effects of tanning.

Solar radiation – the factor responsible for the tan

Solar radiation can be divided into 3 types: UVC( does not reach the Earth), UVB (responsible for sunburn) and UVA (the most dangerous to the skin). UVA penetrates into the structures of the epidermis and can damage collagen fibers and elastin, causing premature aging of the skin. It can also contribute to serious skin diseases including melanoma.

What is the best sunscreen to choose?

There are 2 types of sunscreens on the cosmetic market:

– Mineral (physical) – their effect is to reflect and scatter the sun’s rays from the skin’s surface. Most often they contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide.
– Chemical – have properties that absorb the sun’s rays.

It is also very important to include in the composition of the sunscreen ingredients with antioxidant properties, ie. Vitamin E, plant extracts. Antioxidants are essential in neutralizing the action of free radicals on the skin and to prevent the formation of oxidative stress on the skin.

SPF – Sun Protection Factor

SPF determines the UVB sun protection factor. It shows how long you can stay in the sun after applying the cream. The higher the SPF, the greater the sun protection.

We divide the SPF factor on a scale of protection levels:

– Low – SPF 6-10
– Medium – SPF 15, 20, 25
– High – SPF 30, 50
– Very high – SPF 50+

What does this mean in practice?

The minimum erythema dose (MED.) should be investigated. If erythema occurs on the skin without the application of a sunscreen after about 30 minutes, it means that after the application of a sunscreen with SPF20, this time will increase to 30*20- that is, to about 600 minutes. This means that after applying SPF30 sunscreen, erythema will appear after approx. 6 hours.

The most important thing, however, is to remember to use it regularly. It is worth remembering that it should be applied every approx. 2-3 hours, so that protection is constant throughout sun exposure.

Which tanning product should I choose?

There are many types of tanning products available in stores. These may include:

– tanning lotions – have the lightest consistency, quickly absorbed into the skin;
– tanning lotion – they have a heavier formula, due to the presence of lipids;
– tanning creams – products dedicated mostly to the face;
– tanning spray – convenient to use, usually leaves a film on the skin.

It is worth finding your favorite product.

No tanning product gives 100% protection from the sun’s rays!