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The sun is the primary cause of skin aging and is often responsible for the appearance of pigment spots. Discover how to effectively protect your skin from UV rays with suitable sunscreen for both face and body.
Why should you protect your skin from the sun?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun are classified into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. These radiations are well-known for their harmful effects on health. However, it's important to note that blue light, present in the visible light spectrum, is even more damaging than UV rays.
There are two types of blue light, mainly from the sun's rays. On the one hand, "turquoise blue" light, which is vital for the body as it contributes to our wakefulness, sleep, and overall well-being.
On the other hand, violet-blue light is more harmful because it accelerates the aging of our cells. Furthermore, this light, which is partially filtered by the lens, penetrates deep into the eye and strikes the retina in its central part, which, in the long term, increases the risk of macular degeneration.
Ultraviolet rays are classified into 3 categories:
- UVA (ultraviolet A), which accounts for 95% of the sun's rays. These rays penetrate deep into the skin, making them difficult to block, and not only cause skin aging but can also lead to certain skin cancers;
- UVB (ultraviolet B). More powerful than UVA, these rays are responsible for sunburn, meaning they burn your epidermis. However, as they are blocked by glass and clouds, only 10% of them reach the deep layers of the skin;
- UVC (ultraviolet C), which are entirely filtered by the ozone layer.
The intensity of UV rays varies depending on the season, position, and tilt of the earth relative to the sun. Generally, the higher the UV index, the higher the protection factor your sunscreen should offer.
Skin aging and allergies
When you don't protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, UV rays accelerate your skin aging. Indeed, by penetrating the deep layers of the skin, the sun's rays destroy collagen and elastic fibers, leading to skin sagging and the appearance of furrows and wrinkles. In addition, small brown spots accompanied by areas of depigmentation appear.
Reactions can also occur following prolonged exposure to UV rays, especially when this exposure is combined with certain medications or cosmetic products.
Sunburn
Caused by UVB rays, sunburn is the most common reaction to the sun. These skin burns correspond to the destruction of thousands of epidermal cells and can cause more or less painful redness, with itching and sometimes accompanied by blisters. In the most severe cases, healing can take some time and leave scars.
Skin cancers
The sun is the cause of two types of skin cancer:
- Cutaneous melanoma. This type of cancer is uncommon, and its appearance is favored by the sun's ultraviolet rays.
- Carcinoma, which is the most common skin cancer. This type of cancer develops locally and is promoted by excessive and repeated sun exposure.
How to choose your sunscreen?
The primary criteria to consider when choosing your sunscreen are your skin type and exposure conditions, meaning the duration and intensity of solar radiation. The choice of a face sunscreen can differ from that of a body sunscreen, as the needs and surfaces to protect are not the same.
A sun protection product contains two photo-protective filters:
- Chemical (organic) filters, which absorb UVA and UVB;
- Mineral screens that reflect UV.
Did you know? SPF standards
- SPF: at least 6. There are 8 indices (6 to 50+).
- UVA protection must be at least 1/3 of the SPF.
Which face sunscreen to choose?
Face sunscreen should be chosen according to your skin type, as the face is a particularly exposed and sensitive area daily.
- Oily / acne-prone skin: a light, fluid, mattifying SPF 50 face sunscreen.
- Hyperpigmentation: choose an anti-spot face sunscreen to protect existing spots.
- Dry skin: a face sunscreen with a moisturizing formula, suitable for the delicate and sensitive skin of the face, is ideal.
Which body sunscreen to choose?
For the body, opt for a body sunscreen with a fluid and comfortable texture that quickly covers large areas without leaving a white film. An SPF 50+ is recommended at the start of exposure or for fair skin, while an SPF 30 can be suitable for skin already accustomed to the sun. Remember to apply your body sunscreen generously to ensure the level of protection indicated on the packaging.
How to care for your skin in the sun?
A few weeks before sun exposure, you can prepare your skin by taking nutritional supplements containing antioxidant active ingredients. However, these supplements do not protect the skin and do not replace external sunscreen.
Self-tanners artificially color the skin but offer no protection. It is essential to apply a face sunscreen and a body sunscreen as soon as you are exposed to the sun.
Application: apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before exposure so that the skin absorbs it well.
Frequency: Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after each swim.
Caring for your skin before and after sun exposure
If you are sensitive to the sun, solar dietary supplements can help you prepare 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
After exposure, it is crucial to nourish your epidermis, which has been damaged. You can use a milk, an after-sun lotion, or a product containing carrot vegetable oil, which helps maintain your tan.
Our tips for protecting yourself from the sun
- Avoid exposure between 11 am and 4 pm (summer).
- Wear anti-UV sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Always apply your face sunscreen and body sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
- Beware of clouds: it's infrared that heats, not UV.
- In the mountains, reflection and altitude increase the aggressiveness of the rays.
Which Garancia sunscreen should you choose to protect your skin?
At Garancia Laboratory, we offer face and body sunscreens that protect the whole family while being more respectful of the oceans.
The very high protection face sunscreen
The Incredible Softness Invisible Sun Protect Fluid SPF50+ is a face sunscreen with dual anti-aging and anti-spot action. Ideal as a makeup base, your skin is protected, smoothed, and incredibly soft.
Metamorphosing solar waters for the body
Designed as a body sunscreen with a fluid and sensorial texture, these solar waters combine high protection and application pleasure:
- The Metamorphosing Red Solar Water SPF30: a body sunscreen that protects while accelerating tanning.
- The Protective Solar Water SPF50+: a body sunscreen offering very high antioxidant protection.
Photo credit: @cassandra_polito
