You've probably stood in front of a shelf full of sunscreens and not been sure which one to choose. SPF 15, 30, 50... what does it all really mean? Don't worry, because below we explain in simple terms everything you need to know to choose the perfect sunscreen for you, with the backing of the leading dermatological organisations.
What is the sun protection factor?
Beach, sun, sea, sand, umbrella, magazine, towel, a couple of dips... sounds good, doesn't it? That's the thing about summer: it cheers up your spirits and makes you want to put on your swimming costume and go out and toast yourself like a good slice of bread.
But be careful, because it is precisely at this time that we must be well prepared against our worst enemy: UV or ultraviolet rays. And that's where a good sunscreen comes into play, essential to reduce the impact of these rays on our skin.
However, there is one important detail that many people overlook: not everyone really understands how the famous FPS works. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 43% of people know how to interpret this data correctly. on the label of a sunscreen. So let's remedy it.
In general, we all know that SPF is that little number that appears on sun creams and lotions. But what's not always so clear is what's behind it: the SPF indicates how long you can stay in the sun without your skin starting to be damaged compared to not wearing protection.
And here comes the key nuance: it doesn't mean that a higher SPF is a kind of “total shield”, but rather that it allows you to extend the exposure time with protection. That's right, it is not a licence to forget the protector for hours on end..
Because no, it's not enough to just apply it once and that's it. Ideally, it should be reapplied frequently, Especially if you bathe or sweat (which is often the case in summer). Water and sweat gradually remove the protective layer, so it's a good idea to always have the bottle to hand and not to be overconfident.
How can you calculate the right sun protection factor for you?
The short answer would be: it depends. But don't worry, because it's easier than it sounds.
First of all, there is a key question to ask yourself: how long can your skin withstand the sun without getting sunburnt and without protection?
This is where your skin type comes into play, or in other words your skin phototype. Not all skin types react in the same way to the sun: lighter skins tend to burn much sooner, while darker skins can withstand the sun a little longer (although that doesn't mean they won't suffer damage). Don't you have a clear idea of your skin type? what is the phototype and what is yours?? No problem, we explain it to you and leave you with a simple test so that you can find out for yourself.
In addition, if you are interested in the subject and want to go even deeper, you can take a look at the Fitzpatrick scale and learn how the different phototypes are classified. With this, you will become an expert on the subject!
Back to FPS... how is it calculated?
Here comes the easy part. All you have to do is multiply how long your skin can stay in the sun without getting sunburnt by SPF of the protector you are going to use.
For example: If your skin can withstand about 20 minutes in the sun without protection and you use SPF 30, you could theoretically go up to 600 minutes without getting sunburnt.
Sounds good, doesn't it? But here comes the “but”. This is a calculation in laboratory conditions, not in real life.
Factors that can alter SPF duration
On a day-to-day basis, there are many factors that reduce this protection:
- Sweat
- Water
- Rubbing against towels or clothing
- And, of course, the intensity of the sun (it is not the same at 10:00 as at 14:00).
That's why it doesn't matter what FPS you use: it is essential to reapply the sunscreen every two hours., and always after bathing or sweating. In addition, organisations such as the AEMPS and the Fundación Piel Sana recommend something very basic but very effective: avoid the central hours of the day, especially between 12:00 and 16:00.
Which SPF should you choose?
This is where a lot of people get confused, but let's keep it simple:
- SPF 15It can be used for everyday use if you're hardly exposed to the sun. Still, it falls a little short: it blocks about 93% of UVB rays.
- SPF 30The most recommended standard. It protects approximately 97% from UVB rays and is a safe choice for most people.
- SPF 50: It raises the protection a little more (around 98%) and is ideal if you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors.
- SPF 50+The difference with 50 is not huge, but it can make a difference for very fair or particularly sensitive skin.
Once you are clear about what FPS you need, there is another important point that not everyone is aware of: not all solar products work the same. And this is where the difference between sunscreens and sunscreens... because not all products work in the same way and are equally suitable for all skin types.
UVA and UVB: the ultraviolet rays that affect your skin
When choosing a sunscreen, it's not all about the SPF number. There's another detail that's just as important (if not more so): what kind of protection it offers. Because yes, not all sun rays are the same. And, in general, the sun creams are designed to protect you from two main types of sunscreensUVA and UVB rays.
- UVA raysThey are the quietest... and also the most treacherous. They account for approximately 95% of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth and have the ability to pass through virtually everything: clouds, glass and even the most superficial layers of the skin. They do not cause immediate pain, so they go unnoticed, but they work deep down. They are responsible for premature ageing, many spots and loss of elasticity. that appears over time.
- UVB rays: are the culprits of redness, sunburn and the “I've overdone it in the sun” that we've all suffered from at some time or another. Although they represent a much smaller percentage, they have a very direct impact on the skin and they are closely related to the development of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the world.
That is why the key is not to choose just any product, but to always go for a broad spectrum protector, The new technology is designed to protect you against both types of radiation.
And not only that: dermatologists insist that effective protection does not depend on the cream alone. It also matters reduce exposure in the central hours of the day and rely on physical barriers such as clothing, hats or sunglasses.
And remember that sun protection doesn't end when you towel dry: once your day in the sun is over, your skin care continues. Discover which is better after sun, after sun or aloe vera?, two options with very different properties to recover the skin after exposure.
A common mistake: thinking that more SPF is infinite protection.
This is one of the most common mistakes. Using a high SPF can give a feeling of “I'm protected to the max”, and that makes many people overconfident: they spend more time in the sun, don't reapply the cream and forget to look for shade.
The problem? They end up getting more radiation than they should.
Because it doesn't, there is no such thing as full protection. The key is not only to choose a good FPS, but to use it well:
- Apply a generous amount
- Cover all exposed areas (yes, also ears, neck or instep).
- And reapply every one and a half to two hours.
In the end, there is one thing that should not be forgotten: sun damage is cumulative. And even if you don't see it today, skin has a memory.
Sun protection: every day, not just at the beach
Another classic: thinking that sunscreen is only for holidays.
But the reality is quite different. Sun exposure occurs every days: walking down the street, driving, sitting by a window or having a drink on a terrace. And even if it's not hot or cloudy, UV rays are still there.
This is why more and more specialists are insisting on the same thing: the sun protection should be part of your daily routine, just like washing your face or moisturising your skin.
And it's not just to avoid burns. In the long term, unprotected exposure is behind very common problems such as spots, premature ageing or loss of skin evenness. If, like me, you are one of those who are starting to see the effects of the sun in the form of skin blemishes, learn how to treat them with tips and products that work and thus visibly reduce them.
Now that you know, protect your skin as it deserves to be protected
After all this, it is clear: choosing the right sunscreen and using it correctly is not a minor detail., is a direct investment in the health of your skin.
At Sam Parfums we work with some of the best brands in the market to offer you a selection of protectores solares, to protect the different areas of the body: face, neck and décolleté y body. If you want to find out which ones we like the most, we have selected the best sunscreens for this summer.
So, if you want to enjoy the sun this summer without any scares, you know where to start: choose your sunscreen wisely... and don't forget to use it!