The light and heat of the sun are essential for life, because without the sun, our planet would be nothing more than a giant sphere of ice and rock. According to numerous specialized studies, the sun’s rays are beneficial to us both physically and emotionally, but, at the same time, the sun can have a negative impact on our health.
What is SPF?
SPF or Sunscreen Protection Factor is a parameter that determines the amount of radiation that the skin can withstand before it starts to turn red. SPF is also the unit of measurement that indicates the effectiveness of sunscreen products.
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”, meaning the ability to block UVB and UVA rays. Basically, SPF indicates the approximate time we can stay in the sun without our skin being affected.
SPF represents protection against UVB radiation and UVA rays.
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UVA radiation and UVB radiation
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and reach below the epidermis. They cause damage to the DNA of cells, which is why, when they sense the presence of UVA, melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing melanin – begin to produce the brown substance that gives skin its color, in an attempt to stop the destruction of cells, thus triggering most types of skin cancer.
UVA rays cause premature skin aging and immune system disorders. They are responsible for skin aging (photoaging) and the appearance of wrinkles. UVA rays destroy keratinocytes (cells that form a large part of the structure of the outer layer of the skin) located at the base of the epidermis, being responsible for most types of skin cancer.
It is known that lamps in tanning salons produce ultraviolet rays over 10 times more intense than the sun, so melanocytes cannot cope with the damage to cellular DNA.
UVB rays are what cause sunburn. They are extremely strong between 10:00 and 16:00, especially in the hot season. UVB rays affect the surface layers of the skin and epidermis, causing redness and burns.
Positive effects of the sun on the skin
It is vital to understand how to expose our skin correctly, to receive the right amount, to stay healthy, knowing that morning exposure to the sun on sunny days has a similar effect to that of a cardio session (similar effect to sports). Also, among the many benefits of the Sun on our body, we can list:
♦ Increasing lifespan and fertility;
♦ Effectively combat depression, insomnia, but also bone or heart diseases, including cancer, through the production of vitamin D;
♦ Another major benefit, according to studies by the World Health Organization, is that the sun can also help with skin conditions such as jaundice, acne or psoriasis.
The unpleasant part of sun exposure is premature aging of the skin as a result of interaction with ultraviolet radiation through the destruction of collagen, manifested by dehydration, drying, loss of elasticity, the appearance and deepening of wrinkles, and the appearance of pigment spots.
Thus, in order to freely enjoy all the benefits of the sun while counteracting the negative aspects of exposure, we have the ideal shield at hand: SPF.
What sun protection factors are there?
The SPF value indicates the degree of sun protection provided.
♦ 6-10 SPF Low protection.
♦ 10-25 SPF Medium protection.
♦ 30-50 SPF High protection.
♦ 50+ SPF Very high protection.
Products with SPF 15 offer 93% sun protection against UVB rays.
Those with SPF 30 block 97% of UVB radiation.
Retipalm Sun Protection Face & Body SPF 30 offers triple protection: thanks to organic, photostable UV-A and UV-B, thanks to micropigments that reflect and scatter radiation and thanks to unique, biological plant ingredients that protect the skin from DNA damage and free radicals.
Discover all Retipalm sun protection products.
The value of the sun protection factor also measures the period for which the skin is protected. Thus, using a sunscreen product with an SPF 30 will allow you to stay in the sun 30 times longer without burning your skin than if you did not use sunscreen.
Products with SPF50 are indicated for sensitive or very fair skin types.
SPF TYPES: Chemical and Mineral SPF Sunscreen
Mineral SPF is based on physical UV-blocking agents. Mineral SPF creates a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting UV rays rather than absorbing them. The advantage of mineral SPF is that it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Mineral SPF is safe for health. It has no allergic or estrogenic potential and begins to act immediately after application, unlike the chemical factor which takes effect 20 minutes after application.
Chemical SPF is easier to apply, due to its light texture, but it works after UVB rays have penetrated the skin. It is present in lotions with SPF higher than 30.
Chemical SPF has the potential to cause allergies, can cause hormonal imbalances, and can block pores. It also requires repeated reapplications to provide a higher level of protection.
How to use sun protection factor?
Ideally, for daily sun protection, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as SPF 30 or higher, both on your face and body. Products with a sun protection factor should be applied at least 15-30 minutes before exposure to sunlight.
You should always choose sunscreens that are extremely lightweight and will not clog your pores, causing acne or various irritations.
It is recommended to apply a generous layer of the product, in repeated rows, because only reapplying the product with SPF will ensure your skin is protected.
SPF depending on skin type
SPF for fair skin
People with fair skin, with a low melanin level, are more exposed to the harmful effects specific to exposure to UV radiation.
They should pay increased attention to sun protection and it is advisable to use a protection factor of at least 30, when exposed occasionally, and 50 when exposed to the sun for a long time.
SPF for normal skin
People with normal skin should use a product with a medium sun protection factor, 15-30.
SPF for dark skin
People with olive skin should also use products with a sun protection factor when exposed solar radiation. Products with SPF 15 are effective enough for this.
SPF for children
In the case of children, the sun protection factor should be at least 30, with products with SPF 50 being recommended for babies. To avoid irritation or allergic reactions, it is recommended to use products specifically designed for little ones.
The sun determines the type of climate, transforming summer into the favorite season of beach or pool lovers and can warm our hearts on a moody autumn day just as well as it gently warms our faces on the ski slopes. And to fully enjoy its rays and to keep our skin beautiful and healthy, we must include SPF products in our routine.