How to choose sunscreen

Currently, it is known that the use of sunscreen is essential, not only when we are exposed to the sun – on the beach or in the pool – but also in our daily lives. Those who still don’t have this habit should acquire it as soon as possible, in order to take care of their health and avoid premature aging of the skin.

However, many people, despite recognizing the need to use sunscreen, still have doubts about it. Some of the most recurring questions are: how to choose a good sunscreen? What should I consider when purchasing?

Below, Sara Bragança, physician from Rio de Janeiro, postgraduate in Dermatology and member of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, talks about the main points that involve choosing a good sunscreen.

UVA and UVB radiation

Sara Bragança explains that UVA radiation is present throughout the year and affects the skin, in practically the same way, both in winter and in summer. “UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are primarily responsible for aging it. This radiation also plays a role in allergies and predisposes the skin to cancer,” she says.

The doctor adds that UVA rays are also present in artificial tanning chambers, even at higher doses than solar radiation. So be careful with this kind of aesthetic procedure!

UVB radiation, according to Sara Bragança, is partially absorbed by the earth’s atmospheric layer and, the part that reaches Earth, is responsible for skin damage. “It occurs more during the summer. These rays penetrate the skin superficially and are responsible for sunburn. This type of ray is more invisible… Sometimes people think that just because they didn’t turn red, they weren’t harmed, but it favors skin aging a lot,” she explains.

What does FPS mean?

When choosing a sunscreen, one of the first points we look at is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor). But does everyone really know how important it is?

Sara Bragança explains that the SPF measures how long the skin exposed to the sun takes to turn red. “When exposed to the sun without protection, it takes a certain time to turn red. This time depends on the type of skin and the time of sun exposure. For example, the lighter the skin, and the greater the intensity of solar radiation, the shorter this time,” she says.

Thus, the doctor points out that when a sunscreen with SPF 15 is used, for example, the same skin takes 15 times longer to turn red.

How to make a good choice?

It is clear that people with fairer skin should invest in a sunscreen with a higher SPF, as they need more protection from the sun. “In dark skins, the SPF may be lower, as the person has more melanin pigment, which is a natural skin protector”, explains Sara Bragança.

Another important point to note is the person’s skin type. For example, those who have oily skin can opt for oil-free versions, but always following the advice of their dermatologist.

“I usually recommend more fluid textures for the skin of the face, especially in the case of more oily skin. For example: gels, fluids, acquagel, dry touch cream gel, etc.”, says doctor Sara.

As for the body, according to Sara Bragança, spray protectors and creams are the most recommended due to the practicality of application. “I consider spray protectors great for the body and practical, especially at the beach and pool. They have the advantage of being more easily applied. However, it is important to remember that the product must be well spread evenly, with the hands”, she says.

The doctor adds that the most modern (updated) protectors are being formulated for sensitive skin and maintaining a protection factor of around 60 or more. “Another good news is the protectors that adhere to wet skin, not being necessary to dry it to reapply the product”, she explains.

However, there is little care: recently, the results of tests were released by Proteste (Brazilian Association of Consumer Protection) that showed that some brands of sunscreen offer a reduced sun protection factor in relation to what is indicated on the packaging, among other problems. In this sense, it is important to always be aware of the news and also ask your dermatologist for directions whenever possible.

Check out the best protectors evaluated by Proteste in the gallery below:

Manipulated sunscreen

Another very common doubt is in relation to manipulated protectors. Are they really trustworthy? Sara Bragança explains that they are a good option for people who want something more specific for their skin, as well as the association of other actives in the same formula. “However, it is not always possible to formulate very high protection factors”, she emphasizes.

reapplication

Do you really need to reapply sunscreen? Sara Bragança explains that, as sweat and everyday friction remove the filter, the product must be reapplied at two-hour intervals, or always after bathing in the sea and swimming pool or after excessive sweating.

Should children also protect themselves?

The doctor Sara explains that sunscreens can be applied from the age of six months. “These products mainly have physical filters, which are not absorbed by the skin, forming a barrier that reflects light, reducing the risk of irritation and allergy”, she says.

lip protection

Sara Bragança highlights that the use of moisturizing lipsticks and with sunscreen are well indicated, especially for people who go to the beach or pool. “They’re important because the skin on your lips is more sensitive and suffers from excessive sun exposure,” she says.

The doctor adds that they must also be reapplied every two hours to ensure good protection.

So, don’t forget: the use of sunscreen is very important for our skin. Get in the habit of applying it every day and not just when you go to the beach or pool. At the time of purchase, choose a product with a relevant protection factor, preferably following the guidelines of your dermatologist.