Protection against the sun raises many complex questions. This is not surprising, as it is extremely important to protect yourself from the sun. No one wants to get skin cancer.
Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, can damage our skin. UVA radiation penetrates the dermis, thereby supporting skin aging. UVA-protected sunscreens are among the best Anti-Aging products available. UVB radiation only penetrates the epidermal layer but causes sunburn.
Good sunscreens protect against both types of radiation. In the EU, it is a legal requirement that UVA protection should cover at least one-third of UVB protection. UVA protection can be found on the product packaging label.
Only use sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB radiation at the same time.
There are different types of sunscreen filters: the most common are chemical and mineral filters. Chemical filters are absorbed by the skin and then, by absorbing UV radiation, convert it into heat. This type of sunscreen is not allowed in natural cosmetics, as chemical filters promote coral extinction in the sea and can cause allergies.
Mineral filters form a protective layer on the surface of the skin, thus reflecting sunlight. In the past, products containing such a filter have always left a whitish layer on the skin. Today, however, many products contain mineral filters that leave no layer behind.
A sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 is exposed to UVB radiation for approx. It protects 94 percent, 30 percent for 97 percent, and 98 percent for protection against 50 factors. The protective effect cannot be increased by reusing the cream.
The optimal level of sun protection factor depends on several factors:
- skin type
- place of residence
- the time of day
- duration of sunbathing
In everyday life, sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 to 20 is sufficient for most people. If you have a lighter skin type or travel as far south as possible, use at least 30 sun protection factor sunscreens. By choosing a higher sun protection factor, you can always be sure.
