Cream with SPF filter We should use it daily, even on cloudy days and when indoors, from sunrise to sunset, regardless of our latitude. Sun protection is the foundation of skin care. Daily use of high-quality sunscreen should be an essential part of home skincare for the face and body; it helps maintain a youthful, firm appearance, delays the formation of wrinkles, protects against discoloration, and also protects against the development of skin cancers and precancerous conditions. In this article, we'll answer in detail why using sunscreen is so important, what the difference is between UVA and UVB radiation, which sunscreen to choose, and what the difference is between SPF 30 and 50.
Key information:
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the level designation UVB protection. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection. SPF 30-50 is a high sun protection (products with this level of protection block UVB radiation at approximately 96-98%), and SPF50+ is a very high photoprotection. However, no SPF product protects against UVB radiation in 100%. This is due, among other things, to the fact that sunscreens wear off the skin due to water, sweat, and clothing, and also to the fact that certain filters can "absorb" a certain dose of radiation before their effectiveness decreases. That's why it's so important to reapply them every 2-3 hours.
UVB radiation is responsible for tan, sunburn and the formation of some skin cancers. It is blocked by windows and clouds, and its intensity is highest on sunny days, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This radiation acts mainly at the epidermal level.
UVA radiation works more insidiously. It does not cause redness or burns like UVB, it penetrates through windows and clouds, its intensity is similar from sunrise to sunset, and its action is largely responsible for photoaging of the skin (wrinkles, accelerated degradation of collagen and elastin), melasma, the formation of discoloration, and intensifies vascular changes. UVA radiation penetrates the dermis and its dose accumulates throughout life.
Considering how harmful UVA radiation is to our skin, protection should also include this element. To protect yourself from this type of radiation, you should use products that indicate on the packaging that they protect against UVA (they have the UVA symbol in a circle, the UVB-UVA marking or the PA marking with three or four pluses or broad spectrum).
If we want to effectively protect our skin from the sun – SPF30 is the absolute minimum, which protects against UVB radiation at approximately 96%. However, it is recommended that a face cream with a sunscreen provide SPF50+ protection and guarantee protection against UVA radiation. It is also worth considering protection against visible light and infrared. It is also very important to remember to reapply face cream with a sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
W creams with a filter we can find two types of filters – mineral filters (organic) and chemical (inorganic).
Mineral filters remain on the skin's surface, reflecting (although there are reports that they also partially absorb) UV radiation. The "strength" of their action directly depends on the amount of product applied, they are easily washable and often leave a white color on the skin, they work immediately after applying the appropriate volume of the product.
Chemical filters They absorb mainly UVB radiation (to a lesser extent UVA), which causes their effectiveness to decrease over time because the chemical filter molecules degrade – the faster the more radiation they absorb. Chemical filters they have no color and are considered more "aesthetic". However, they should be apply 15-20 minutes before exposure to radiation.
More and more often, products are being created that contain a combination of mineral and chemical filters, and this solution seems to be optimal to fully benefit from the advantages of both types of filters.
Face creams with filter It should also be used under makeup – even if individual makeup products (BB creams or powders) offer some level of sun protection. This is because the amount of makeup applied to the face is often too small to provide adequate sun protection, and few products will provide the required level of SPF 30 or higher.
Cream volume, that we apply translates into the level of photoprotection. Typically, it is the volume that fits along the length of the index and middle fingers a given person on one part of the body, for example, the face with ears. Reputable cosmetics manufacturers usually remind about this on packaging or label with appropriate illustrations.
Yes, because UVA radiation penetrates through window glass and is the main cause of photoaging of the skin.
Research confirms that regular use of sunscreen does not cause vitamin D deficiency in healthy people.
Do not mix the filter with other products, as this dilutes its structure and drastically reduces the declared level of protection.
Chemical filters need about 15-20 minutes to fully "settle" on the skin and create a stable protective barrier.
Yes, mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are usually better tolerated by sensitive skin, prone to allergies, and by children.
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