How to choose the right sunscreen

Cream with built-in special filters protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. The need to use such a tool arises before going on vacation and other situations that a person needs to be in the open sun for a long time. To protect the skin, not get burns and age spots, you need to choose the right sunscreen. To do this, pay attention to the important aspects below.

Composition, features, types of sunscreen

Modern manufacturing companies have already flooded the market with newfangled cosmetics for body care. There are several types of sun protection creams. The first includes physical (that is, natural) filters, the second includes chemical ones. Which one is better is hard to say.

The main difference between the varieties lies in the very interaction with ultraviolet radiation. A natural filter reflects rays, a chemical one absorbs them. The product of physical origin is called "Sunscreen", chemical - "Sunblock".

Chemicals absorb the most dangerous class A and B ultraviolet rays, but not every manufacturer can provide a guarantee. Therefore, you need to buy funds from leading manufacturers.

Cream with physical filter

The physical filter is also called mineral, natural, natural. The cream protects the skin thanks to the inclusion of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide. The listed mineral compounds do not penetrate deep into the dermis, they act directly on the surface of the skin after application. Minerals act as reflective particles, glaring in the sun.

Zinc oxide is an inorganic type compound that is beneficial to the skin and prevents the effects of free radicals. Titanium dioxide has the ability to reflect UV rays.

The difference between a physical and a chemical filter lies in the absolute safety of the former. Creams with natural ingredients do not cause allergies, do not color the skin, do not contribute to the development of dermatitis. The particle size of a natural filter is measured in nano units.

The main negative characteristic of natural filters is the appearance of a whitish coating after using such cosmetics.

Cream with chemical filter

The chemicals that make up the basis of cosmetics protect the human body from ultraviolet radiation by creating a thin film on the skin. The cream penetrates into the subcutaneous layer, after which it is transformed into a photoisomer. As a result, a reaction occurs that releases imperceptible long waves that protect the epidermis.

A tool based on a chemical filter does not act immediately, you need to wait about 30-40 minutes. That is why such cosmetics are applied in advance before going out into the scorching sun.

The filter owes its properties to the composition. It includes mexoryl, cinnamate, oxybenzone, benzophenone, parsol, octoprilene, avobenzone, camphor and others. Research by scientists on this list of substances is ambiguous. Some prove the harmful transformation of these compounds into free radicals, while others assure absolute safety. You decide.

There is reliable evidence that benzophenone, which is part of the composition, leads to a deterioration in reproductive performance in men and women. The product is absorbed into the skin and carried by the bloodstream throughout the body, negatively affecting the human reproductive system. Avobenzone has also been shown to be dangerous.

Important!
Regardless of which cream you prefer, you should know that the composition of the product includes elements that are extremely valuable for the skin. Among them are zinc, calcium, olive oil, almond oil, pomace from wheat germ, coke extract. Sometimes vitamin complexes are included, for example, retinol (vitamin A) and tocopherol (vitamin E). All these components lead to an even tan without spots and burns. The secret of a quality cream lies in its gentle treatment of the skin.

Selection of cream taking into account the phototype

Type #1. This category includes fair-haired people with light skin and eyes (preferably blue). A person with such a phototype is a clear blond, red-haired or fair-haired. The skin in this case tans extremely quickly, so it is necessary to choose products with maximum UV protection - a factor of 50 or more.

Type #2. The eyes are gray or brown, the hairline is light (light brown, blond). There is a risk of getting burned under the scorching sun, but it is reduced by 30% than type No. 1. In the heat of the day, you need to buy a cream with a factor of 30-45; on ordinary summer days, SPF-20 is suitable.

Type #3. In the vastness of our homeland and nearby regions, there are more people of this type than anyone else. The Caucasoid race is a medium or light-skinned people with medium and dark blond, chestnut strands. Eyes brown, green, grey. If you are this type, buy a cream with an SPF of 15-20 units.

Type number 4. This category includes categories of citizens with dark hair and moderately dark skin. The risk of burning is minimal, so you need to buy a cream with a low index. The main thing is that it does not miss ultraviolet light. A tool with an indicator of 10 units is suitable.

Type number 5. This segment includes citizens living in the expanses of North Africa. People with very dark skin can spend hours under the scorching sun without risking sunburn. But for protection purposes, it is still worth using a tool with a minimum protection factor.

Suitable SPF

Choosing the right sunscreen with a filter should be based on your skin type and how long you've been exposed to UV rays. For normal skin type and tone (European), it is customary to use a composition with an index of 20-30 units.
The product with a protective filter protects the skin from the aggressive effects of the sun and allows you to get a uniform tan. If you have recently had peeling or you have minor burns, allergies, it is better to choose a cream with an index of 50 or more. The product is great for pigmented skin.

Care products

Direct sunlight adversely affects the condition of the skin. Therefore, such a phenomenon can be considered a full-fledged test without protective equipment.
Experts recommend purchasing creams not only with the function of protecting against ultraviolet rays, but also with the ability to nourish skin cells with the necessary enzymes.
A suitable remedy in this case is the presence of panthenol, vegetable oils and soothing extracts in the composition.

Product quality

Most little-known companies produce sun protection products with an overestimated filter rating.
Therefore, try to purchase sunscreens from famous manufacturers. These products are subject to strict controls. The packaging indicates the declared level of SPF.

Allergy cream test

If you suffer from any allergic reaction, the remedy must be selected especially carefully. Study the composition of the sunscreen, it may contain ingredients that provoke allergies.
Some people are sensitive to certain minerals. These include compounds of "sunscreens". If you have hypersensitive skin, “sun blocks” can also provoke an unpleasant reaction.

Cream water resistance

If you are going to sunbathe near a body of water, you need to choose a product that is waterproof.
Keep in mind, in any case, after bathing, it is recommended to reapply the composition. The cream will help protect the dermis while swimming.

SPF index

When choosing a cream, it is important to consider your own age. The older the person, the higher the index protection score should be.
In adulthood, the skin requires proper care and stronger protection from the aggressive effects of ultraviolet radiation. The natural functions of the age-related epidermis are greatly reduced.

When choosing protective cosmetics, be sure to take into account the characteristics of the skin. If you are going on vacation near water bodies, give preference to moisture-resistant compounds. Such creams are not washed off with water and remain on the skin for a long time.
Give preference to protective creams with the ability to care for the skin. Such products should include soft nutritional components. The composition will provide protection, prevent redness and dehydration of cells.
If you are the owner of a sensitive skin, in the first days of rest in the open sun, give preference to sunscreens with maximum protection from ultraviolet rays.
To protect the skin of the face from the aggressive sun, you need to use individual cosmetics with a targeted effect. You can use sunscreen under makeup. The main condition remains that the product should be well absorbed and not leave a shine.
Keep in mind that a thick sunscreen protects against ultraviolet radiation much better than any spray. If you intend to apply the cream daily, give preference to a product with SPF protection. As a rule, it can be the usual BB cream or foundation.
When purchasing a composition, always pay attention to the expiration date. The cream should have a uniform consistency. It is also recommended to buy funds issued this year, despite the fact that last year's ones have not expired.

Tips for using sunscreen

Many people simply do not know how to use sunscreen, how much to apply it.

The composition with a chemical filter is distributed 30-40 minutes before going out into the scorching sun. If we are talking about a physical filter, it can be distributed on the skin a quarter of an hour before sunbathing.
If you do not swim, then the cream will last and will work for 2 hours. After the specified period, it must be reapplied. If you swim in the sea, the composition is used immediately after leaving the water.
The recommendations of experts say that the volume of the cream should be comparable to a tennis ball. But no one uses this amount, but you should not regret the cream, apply it in large quantities.
If you are going on vacation, it is better to stock up on several types of products with different protection factors. In the first money, apply the composition with SPF-50, then gradually switch to SPF-30, 20.

It is easy to choose a quality sunscreen, given some of the nuances and features of the skin. Be careful when choosing a remedy if you have allergic reactions. Get a quality composition from a well-known brand.