How do I choose the right sunscreen for me and my family?

What is the protection factor in sunscreens? How to choose the right sunscreen for me and my child?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is derived from the initials of the English words Sun Protection Factor. It is a measure of the degree of protection that each product offers against UVB rays. The degree, however, represents the duration of protection and not the "quality" of protection. A high index does not offer more protection than a lower index. The protection they offer is the same, only the protection offered by a larger index lasts longer.

For example, if it takes about 20 minutes on unprotected skin to cause some redness or damage, then a Spf15 sunscreen could offer 15 times more protection, or about 5 hours. This time is of course theoretical and dermatologists recommend renewing the sunscreen about every 2 hours.

All people, regardless of skin color, should wear sunscreen, as the sun can cause skin cancer in all without exception.

The choice of sunscreen depends on many factors, including the season, the time of sun exposure, the workplace, the phototype of each, etc.

Of course, the more and more intense the sunshine, the higher the protection index we must choose. So, in the summer months we should choose a sunscreen with SPF50, while the rest of the seasons when the sunshine is shorter and less intense, we can choose a lower protection index.

Also, if our work is outdoors, when our exposure to the sun is higher, then we should choose a high protection index, while if our work is done indoors, then we have the option to use a sunscreen with a lower index.

Finally, the skin type (phototype) of everyone plays a very important role in choosing the sunscreen. Thus, phototypes I, II & III, ie people with very light to moderately dark skin, more or less freckles and red, blonde or brown hair color should use sunscreen with SPF50 + index, because they are very sensitive to sunburn, skin lesions and have a very high risk of developing melanoma.

Phototypes IV, V & VI, ie people with dark skin and dark hair, tan easily and do not face the risk of sunburn, however they also face the risk of skin cancer, known as acral lentiginous melanoma. These melanomas are usually not detected until the cancer has spread, and often occur in parts of the body that have reduced sun exposure. For this reason, experts advise these people to use sunscreens with SPF30 protection index.

Infants and young children should use sunscreen with a high protection index of SPF50 +, because their skin is very sensitive to sunlight, while they have not yet fully developed those defense mechanisms that allow the skin to repair the damage caused by intense sunlight. Remember that children under 1 year old should avoid sun exposure, even if they use sunscreen with a high protection index.

Tips:

• Apply sunscreen to face and body at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and renew at least every 2 hours, regardless of sunshine or cloudy skies.
• Use a waterproof sunscreen and renew it after each swim.
• Use products that offer multiple action: Hydration, anti-aging, coverage. There are many products on the market with multiple action (makeup, powders, blush, cc cream, bb cream, etc.).
• Do not use the sunscreen you used last year, even if it has not expired, because the protection filters lose their effectiveness and no longer protect you.

Choose the sunscreen that suits your needs HERE