How to choose the right sunscreen
Temperatures are rising and summer vacation is upon us. With the beach beckoning, it’s very important to find the proper sunscreen to best deal with the sun, all the while taking care of you and your children’s skin.
Oils, creams, lotions, milks, wipes… every brand offers different ways to protect your skin against the sun. More than the type of product though, what really matters is the solar protection factor, which is determined by the skin type, which part of the body it is for, and how much sun will be hitting it. Needless to say, this can get rather confusing.
Solar Protection Factor (SPF)
A sunscreen’s SPF is indicated right on the label, and relates to two factors: skin type (extremely sensitive to resilient) and exposure conditions (moderate to extreme).
There are four phototypes, meaning an aptitude to tan or redden with more or less ease; and the lighter the hair and skin a person has, the more sensitive and fragile they are considered, which calls for a higher SPF. As for sun exposure, since summer is all about beach and prolonged outdoor activities, we’re looking at “significant exposure”.
So people with fair skin should look for an SPF of 50+, while darker-skinned people can settle for a light protection in the six-10 range.
What texture to pick?
Contrary to popular belief, the various textures are all practically equally efficient in protecting your skin from UV rays. Brands have improved their formulas to give their products a minimum SPF of 30, even for oils that people often think of as inefficient.
Though it is always going to be important to select an SPF made for your phototype (don’t select a sun spray that only has an SPF of 30 if you have very sensitive skin), the type of product you buy is an entirely personal decision.
Oils are usually best for those in search of a glossy or iridescent effect, whereas sprays will satisfy the more impatient who just want something light and non-sticky. This is a quality also found in mists, a product steadily becoming more popular. Both of these options should be massaged into the skin anyway in order to provide maximum protection.
Milks today have been enhanced to leave behind a light and glossy layer, but they can prove to be rather sticky on some skin types. In the end, the go-to has always been and always will be a cream, as it offers the highest SPF and is more water-resistant than the others. It is also ideal for dry skins.
Facial protection
It is crucial to protect the face from the sun with textures and SPFs intended for it.
Unlike the body, the face is always exposed to UV rays.
Of course it is possible to use the same sunscreen for body and face, but certain textures are better adapted for the face and thus more comfortable to wear on a daily basis. There are now creams, sprays, milks and even gels made specifically to protect the face, with or without effects.
–AFP
