How to choose the right sunscreen?

Today, sunscreen is an essential product. Whether in summer 🏖️ or in winter ⛷️, more and more people are aware of the consequences of the sun (sunburn, skin aging, pigment spots, etc.) and therefore introduce sunscreen into their daily routine, although most only use it on vacation.

It is usually applied to areas not covered by clothing, such as the face or neck.

We offer you a guide that will help you better choose your sunscreen.

The latter is above all a cosmetic product, with a protection index that protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, you should know that no cream filters 100% of UV rays. This is why expressions such as "total screen" have been banned in the communication of these products. So, let's keep in mind that sunscreen is only complementary to overall sun protection . According to Public Health France , it is necessary to avoid exposure to the sun between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., to favor shaded areas and to go out covered (clothing 👚 , hats 👒 and protective glasses 🕶️ ).

Choose the protection index that suits you

Sunscreens are classified by protection level , present on the product label by the sun protection factor (SPF), also called protection index (IP) or SPF (Sun Protection Factor).

In order to determine the protection index best suited to your skin, we invite you to read our article What is your phototype? . This article will allow you to know your skin type and your sun exposure conditions.

It indicates the transmission of UVB to the skin. For example, with a cream with an index of 50, the amount of UVB transmitted, respecting the laboratory application conditions, will be 1/50, or 2%. A cream with an index of 25 is considered “medium” protection and lets 4% of UVB through. While a cream with an index of 30, which belongs to the “high protection” category, has 3.33% of unfiltered UVB.

In other words, a properly applied SPF 50 means that your skin will take 50 times longer to burn than without protection.
At KER SUN, we recommend using an SPF 50 or SPF 50+ because a sunscreen is never applied as well as in a laboratory and the index 50 will guarantee you more peace of mind and safety. Of course, do not forget sensitive areas such as the ears, nose, forehead, eyelids and lips.

Choose a sunscreen that is effective against UVB and UVA rays

• Ultraviolet B radiation is the cause of your sunburn and the main trigger for skin cancer.
• Ultraviolet A rays do not leave visible traces after exposure. However, they lead to premature aging of the skin and are responsible for the development of certain skin cancers.

When choosing your sunscreen, the SPF index guarantees protection against UVB rays only. It is therefore important to check the packaging to ensure that your product also protects against UVA rays. This is why the French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) recommends choosing sunscreen with the UVA* logo to also guarantee protection against UVA rays.

*This logo is not mandatory. It is only recommended and used by many professionals, so keep an eye out!

Choose between organic filter and mineral filter

• Organic filters ( chemical filters ) are composed of molecules of synthetic origin that absorb UV rays in a “chemical” way instead of your skin. Generally, this sunscreen is more pleasant to apply because it is fluid and does not leave a thin white film on the skin. Its effectiveness starts 20 minutes after application. However, some chemical filters can be allergenic and cause irritation.

• Mineral filters are composed of mineral materials, which we can call natural. Unlike organic filters, they reflect UV rays by mechanical action, thanks to their components: zinc or titanium dioxide. They act directly after application. Mineral filters are less allergenic and are recommended for children and sensitive skin . However, they can leave a thin white layer on the skin.

Choose a texture that suits your needs and desires

As you may have noticed, your sun protection can take many forms (spray, cream, milk, gel, etc.) and your choice will depend on your use but also on the area of ​​application . In principle, when the area to be protected is large, a more fluid and easily applicable texture is more desirable. Here are some examples of use:

• Face cream
• Body spray or milk
• Stick for fragile areas (lips, nose, tattoos, scars...)

• “Water resistant”: SPF effective at over 70% after 40 minutes of swimming.
• “Waterproof”: SPF effective at over 70% after 80 minutes of swimming.
• “Sweatproof”: Resistant to perspiration for 1 hour.

However, in order to maintain good protection quality, it is recommended to apply the product after each swim.

The texture does not have a great importance on your protection. It is preferable to always refer to the index indicated on your product, chosen according to your phototype, and to the level of external solar radiation.

To protect all parts of your body exposed to ultraviolet rays in a more lasting way than with sunscreen, don't forget our anti-UV accessories! Find our selection of stoles and scarves for women and neck warmers and bandanas for men .

SOURCES:

• https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/presse/2018/Risques-solaires-et-cancers-les-habits-et-connaissances-des-francais-decryptees
• https://www.docmorris.fr/conseils-de-pharmacien/article/quelle-creme-solaire-choisir
• https://www.quechoisir.org/guide-d-achat-creme-solaire-n4471/ 
• https://www.economie.gouv.fr/particuliers/creme-solaire-choisir-index-filtre#