The sun and the protection of our skin They form an inseparable pair during the summer months. Days on the beach, walks in the open air or mountain getaways require having an indispensable ally: sunscreen. However, protecting the skin is not exclusive to summer; it is a habit that we must maintain throughout the year if we want to avoid damage in both the short and long term. This article delves into the Importance of sun protection, the components of sunscreens and how to choose the most suitable one for each skin type.
The importance of protecting your skin under the sun
Sun rays, although beneficial in many cases, are also responsible for many skin problems. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation It can cause anything from burns to more serious problems such as premature aging or skin cancer. These radiations are divided into UVA, UVB and UVC, although the latter does not reach the Earth thanks to the ozone layer.
UVA rays: They penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. They are responsible for premature aging, the appearance of spots and are directly related to skin cancer.
UVB rays: They are the main cause of sunburn and direct damage to the DNA of skin cells. They also influence the development of melanomas.
IR rays: Infrared rays provide a sensation of heat but, together with UV rays, can further sensitize the skin to sun damage.
Therefore, the Solar protection It is essential to reduce the impact of these radiations. In addition, it is crucial to understand that not only visible burns are harmful. Cumulative damage to the skin can manifest itself years later in the form of spots, wrinkles or serious diseases.
Essential components of sunscreens
A sunscreen must combine different types of filters to ensure a effective protection against radiation. These are divided into:
- Physical or inorganic filters: They work by reflecting UV rays like a mirror. They are ideal for sensitive skin as they are less irritating. However, they can leave a whitish film on the skin, although current formulas try to minimize this effect.
- Chemical or organic filters: They absorb radiation and convert it into harmless heat. They are lighter and are easily integrated into cosmetic formulations, but they can cause irritation in reactive skin.
- Biological filters: They incorporate antioxidants that act as a barrier against oxidative stress generated by UV rays.
In addition to the filters, other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, The glycerin and vitamins C and E They are often included to provide hydration and combat aging.
Understanding SPF and Broad Spectrum
One of the most notable features of sunscreens is the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)This number indicates how long it can protect your skin from sunburn under ideal conditions. For example, if it takes 10 minutes for a person to turn red in the sun without protection, an SPF 30 will prolong that time by 30 times, or 300 minutes.
However, it is important to remember that no product blocks 100% of UV rays. An SPF 50 blocks approximately XNUMX% of UV rays. 98% from UVB rays, while an SPF 30 blocks the 96%Higher numbers offer a minimal increase in protection, but are a good choice for very sensitive skin.
Broad spectrum protectors: They not only protect against UVB rays (sunburn), but also against UVA rays, responsible for aging and risk of skin cancer. Prioritizing products labeled as "broad spectrum" ensures more comprehensive protection.
Check out this guide for Choosing the right sun protection factor.
Special care according to skin type
Each skin type has specific needs and not all sunscreens are suitable for everyone. Here are some recommendations based on your skin type:
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreens. Light formulas, gel or mattifying, are your best allies.
- Dry Skin: Look for products that combine sun protection with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
- Sensitive skin: Use products with mineral filters and no fragrances to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Mature skin: Sunscreens with anti-aging ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol or peptides, can be an excellent option.
If you don't know which one to choose, check out what the Best sunscreens according to dermatologists.
Tips for applying sunscreen correctly
For sunscreen to do its job, it is essential to know how to apply it correctly. Here we explain it to you step by step:
- Apply sufficient amount: An insufficient amount significantly reduces the effectiveness of the protector. It is recommended to apply 2 milligrams per square centimeter of skin (approximately one teaspoon for each limb and two for the torso).
- Do it 30 minutes before exposure: This ensures that the product sits properly on the skin.
- Reapply every 2 hours: Especially after sweating, swimming, or toweling off.
- Don't forget the critical areas: Be sure to protect your scalp, ears, feet and behind your knees.
For more detailed information on how to apply it, check out this article from How to apply sunscreen correctly.
Proper skin care in the sun not only protects us from aging and sunburn, but can also mean the difference between healthy skin and developing serious problems in the future. Keeping our skin protected is a gesture of love towards ourselves and our health, and every application of sunscreen is a step in that direction.