Finding the right sunscreen is like finding a soul mate. A sunscreen needs to be comfortable, fit your skin type and have the right texture, so that applying it is simple and pleasant. Just like looking for a soul mate, it's not an easy task. Sunscreen is a long-term commitment and investment.
How to sunbathe correctly
By now we should already know, the first fundamental rule is to expose yourself to the sun gradually . The temptation is to take a sun bath so that you tan as quickly as possible, but there is nothing more wrong. Remember that to get a long-lasting tan it takes 10 days, so you need to sunbathe little by little. In addition, it is good to avoid the hours between 11 and 15 , the time of day when the radiation is strongest.
To obtain satisfactory results and avoid excesses it is important to know your skin, it is necessary to start from your phototype.
What is the phototype?
This is a classification determined by the quality and quantity of melanin present on the skin . The color and intensity of the tan are in fact influenced by melanin. According to the color of the complexion and that of the hair, 6 phototypes can be classified. In general, people with dark skin and hair tan more easily and are more protected from UV rays; people with a fair complexion are more prone to sunburn and sunspots.
What are sunburns?
You've certainly gotten burned at least once, but what exactly happens to your skin? A sunburn is a real burn caused by solar radiation, especially UVB rays . In most cases it is a 1st degree burn, which affects only the epidermis. The skin takes on a deep red color and the burn is painful; but a few days are enough to return to normal. If your skin is particularly delicate or if exposure has been particularly prolonged, you may experience a 2nd degree sunburn. In this case, blisters may appear and a longer healing time, approximately 1-2 weeks, is required. Remember that even a few minutes of sun exposure can cause sunburn.
Can I get burned in the shade?
Always be on your guard, because the sun's rays can penetrate through glass and clouds or reflect on sand, snow or water. Therefore, even on a cloudy, cold day or even if you are sheltered under an umbrella, you can be affected by UVA and UVB rays.
How to remedy a sunburn
Aloe vera can be used in many ways and is a real cure-all in case of sunburn, skin irritation, burns and sunburn. Just break and cut the aloe vera leaves to obtain a soothing gel which, when applied to the skin, immediately gives a feeling of refreshment.
Another way to get some well-being is to practice light massages on the burned area with sweet almond oil , indicated for its soothing properties. Also, on days when you are getting sunburn treatments, dress comfortably. Avoid clothes that are too tight or synthetic .
Finally try to keep your body well hydrated: drink plenty of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and use a moisturizing and soothing cream , preferably formulated with natural ingredients.
What is the difference between physical filters and chemical filters?
To be effective and protect us from UVA and UVB rays, sun creams must have a particular formulation and include shielding substances, i.e. filters. Physical filters are made up of small mineral particles capable of reflecting the sun's rays, so they can no longer reach the skin. These filters are not broken down, do not interact and are not altered or damaged by solar radiation. They are able to reject both UVA and UVB frequencies. In most cases these are natural sunscreens, but they can also be artificially produced. The most commonly used physical shields are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Chemical filters, on the other hand, absorb part of the solar radiation and release energy in the form of heat. These shields are cheaper and allow the creation of lighter and easily spreadable cosmetics. However, chemical filters can cause irritation, phototoxicity and sensitization. In addition, they are particularly polluting for fish, shellfish, algae and corals. Therefore, it is preferable to use physical filters both to minimize the risk of allergies and for the less aggressive environmental impact.
What characteristics must a well-formulated sunscreen have?
To recognize a well-formulated solar product, it is necessary to consider many aspects, not just the type of filters used. The ideal sunscreen must have a sun protection factor (SPF) between 30 and 50+ , it must be resistant to water and sweat, it must be easy to spread (it must not leave white trails), it must not contain allergenic substances (such as parabens ), contain natural ingredients, vitamins and antioxidants, contain low or neutral fragrances.
How to protect acne-prone skin
Acne skin needs extra attention when sunbathing. It is important to choose sunscreen with a high SPF , to be applied half an hour before exposure, then repeated the application frequently and after each bath. The ideal is to choose sun creams specially designed to protect acne-prone skin. If you choose universal creams, you need to focus on fluid and gel formulations, free of oils and non-comedogenic .
Scars and sunspots
The sun can become the worst enemy of acne-inflamed skin and leave unsightly spots and scars. For this reason, in addition to using a specific sunscreen, during the summer it is advisable to suspend the use of aggressive and abrasive skincare products, which could photosensitize the skin. Finally, never as in this case, it is important to sunbathe gradually and avoid the hottest hours.
How do you take care of your skin in the summer? Tell it in the comments.