In summer, cosmetic stores generously offer us a huge assortment of tanning creams and other sunscreen products, the prices of which can reach very impressive figures. How not to get confused in the variety of tubes, jars and choose the right tool for you? We conduct a small examination.
From the school bench we know, under the influence of the sun's rays in our body, vitamin D. is produced so necessary for our bone tissues. But sunlight is not just a source of vitamin D, first of all it is a source of energy, health and positive emotions. In the northern latitudes, where there is a particular lack of solar radiation, we instinctively reach for the sun, substituting our body for the affectionate touch of the sun's rays. And sometimes we forget that in everything you need to know the measure.
Long exposure to the sun can do much more harm than good. In pursuit of a beautiful bronze tan, one should not forget about the possibility of getting a sunburn, as well as the processes of photoaging of the skin that occur under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Sun rays penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis, where they destroy collagen and elastin fibers. And it is this solar effect that leads to the premature appearance of wrinkles.
This is especially true in our age of ozone holes, global warming and increase in radiation activity of the sun. Hard ultraviolet comes, and now even in the middle band of Russia it is recommended to use sunscreen cosmetics. Moreover, sunscreens, which initially have only the function of protection from sunburn, now combine the properties of creams for daily use and skin care. First, let's define what means for tanning is offered to us by the modern beauty industry, and what we really need and what is not very.
Sunblock . This is the main sunscreen, which can be recommended to everyone without exception. The skin applied to the skin forms a film that is a filter for hazardous radiation and attenuates the effect of the sun tens of times.
Oil for sunburn . Helps to acquire a quick, even tan while moisturizing the skin. Suntan oil in its composition contains protective components from all types of solar radiation, but it acts weaker than the cream.
Sunblock for the face . Tender and sensitive facial skin is most often exposed to sunlight, so it needs special protection. Sunscreen for the face softens and nourishes the skin, tones it and sates with vitamins. In summer it is desirable to use it not only on the beach, but also apply under make-up.
Remedy after sunbathing . As the name implies, it is desirable to use it after sunbathing. Thanks to special components, it fixes and prolongs the tanning, removes redness and moisturizes the skin irritated by the sun. The product after tanning can be replaced with a simple moisturizer.
Spray after sunburn . It has a pleasant cooling effect, moisturizes the skin, gives a feeling of freshness and softness, has a soothing effect. However, this tool is not necessary, and you can do without it.
Cream from sunburn . But this is really an indispensable tool for holidaymakers and travelers. Forget about the grandmother's remedies for sunburn - kefir, sour cream and cucumber peel. Cream from sunburn instantly removes inflammation, burning and significantly accelerates the processes of skin regeneration.
Level of sun protection
The effectiveness of any sunscreen is usually measured in units of SPF (sun protection factor - sunscreen factor). If on the package of a face cream you will find the abbreviation SPF - you can be sure that the cream has a sunscreen effect. The figure after the SPF sign means how many times you can increase the time of sunbathing if you use the tool.
For example, if the first redness on your skin appears after half an hour of exposure to the sun, then theoretically, if you use SPF 10 cream, you can increase this time tenfold, that is, up to five hours of active sunburn. What practically we can not recommend in any way. And this effect is achieved due to special additives that are part of sunscreen products. Such as the tiniest powder of titanium dioxide, which reflects ultraviolet, acting like millions of microscopic mirrors.
The level of SPF ranges from 2 to 50. SPF 2 is the weakest level of protection, delays 50% of the most harmful ultraviolet - UV-B. The most popular products are SPF 10-15, ideally suited for normal skin. The maximum level of protection is provided by means of SPF 50 - they delay 98% of harmful rays.
Now - the most interesting. It turns out that cosmetologists around the world in their work have long used the table of Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick to determine the skin type of the patient, otherwise - the phototype, which is determined by the activity of melanocytes. Melanocytes are skin cells responsible for the synthesis of melanin, a pigment that protects the skin from sunburn and gives the tanned skin bronze color.
The scale of Fitzpatrick provides for six phototypes. The last two will not be considered, since their representatives mainly live in Africa and other hot countries. And among us, Europeans, there are only the first four phototypes. Determine your "sunny" type is not at all difficult, we propose to do it right now, and at the same time choose the most suitable sunscreen.
II type: light skin, blue or brown eyes, light or red hair, freckles. The skin of this photo can sunbathe, but to not get a burn, it is necessary to accustom it to the sun's rays gradually. On the beach it is better to use water-resistant products: the first days - SPF 30, later - SPF 15.
III type: fair skin, dark eyes, chestnut or fair-haired hair. This is the most common phototype in our country. Its representatives sunbathe easily and quickly, often bypassing the unpleasant stage of redness of the skin. This skin is not afraid of the mid-latitude sun, but the hot southern fire is dangerous. The first days in the sun, you need to use means with a protection factor of at least SPF 15, later - SPF 8-10.
IV type: dark skin, black hair, dark brown eyes, there are no freckles. Representatives of this phototype sunbathe quickly and easily, never scorching in the sun. And although such skin does not give the owners the trouble associated with sunburn, it still needs to be protected against photoaging by means marked "for the swarthy skin", which will moisturize it and make it even more beautiful. Even if the skin is clearly and does not protest against a long stay in the sun, to protect against photoaging it is desirable to use sunscreen SPF 6-8.
The rules for using sunscreen are fairly simple. Apply sunblock 15-20 minutes before going to the beach. Do not feel sorry for the cream - its consumption should be about 4 tablespoons for the whole body. In the early days, use tools with a higher protection index, then reduce it. Sunscreens are washed off, erased and weathered, so do not forget to update the cream layer every two hours. Do not sunbathe in the very sun. And do not forget to use the "after-sun" remedies that will strengthen the tan on your skin.
A gentle sun and even tan!
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