HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD SUNSCREEN

There are all kinds of sunscreens available depending on the brand, format, price and texture, but not all of them protect the skin in the same way. A good sunscreen strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, helping to keep it healthy and hydrated.

Below, we offer you the best advice for choosing the sunscreen that best suits your skin’s needs.

WHY USE SUNSCREEN?

We should use sunscreen all year round, not only in summer, as it helps prevent the development of melanomas by protecting the skin from the damage caused by solar radiation.

FACTORS FOR CHOOSING A GOOD SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen should adapt to your skin type while covering it with a strong and effective protective layer. In addition, as indicated by the OCU, it is important to choose a product that protects against both UVA rays (responsible for premature skin ageing) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn).

However, there are also other factors that should be considered when choosing a good sunscreen.

Ultraviolet radiation

Make sure that the sunscreen protects against UVA rays, preventing premature skin ageing, and against UVB rays, which cause damage to the DNA of skin cells.

Infrared radiation

This type of infrared radiation (IR-A) causes thermal stress, a type of heat that reaches the subcutaneous level and contributes to skin ageing. It is becoming increasingly common to find sunscreens that include a protection factor against this type of radiation.

Visible light

Visible light, or blue light, is the part of the spectrum closest to ultraviolet radiation and is related to the appearance of unwanted sun spots, as it stimulates melanin production. On sunscreen packaging, it appears under the acronym HEV.

SPF protection factor

The higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the greater the level of protection. This value indicates the number of times the sunscreen increases the skin’s natural defence capacity. It is recommended to use a product with SPF 30 or higher.

Your skin type

Whether you suffer from atopic or very sensitive skin, or whether you have oily or dry skin, it is best to choose a sunscreen specifically designed for your skin type.