How to choose the best sunscreen?

The season of sunny days begins on June 20th, so it's time to use sun protection daily to safeguard your skin. As you know, the sun's rays emit ultraviolet radiation that can have serious consequences on your health. You've probably found yourself in this situation before: you want to go on a sunny vacation and you end up at the supermarket to buy sunscreen, but you have no idea which product to choose because there are so many options. We will explain how to choose the best sunscreen based on the sun's rays, the type of protection, your age, your needs, and its environmental impact.



What are UVA and UVB?
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) or UV radiations are invisible rays emitted by the sun (a natural source) and by artificial sources such as UV lights, mercury vapor lamps, certain lasers, etc. There are three important subtypes of UV radiation, but the only rays that reach Earth's surface are the rays called UVA and UVB.

All UVA rays pass entirely and easily the ozone layer. They penetrate the skin and its various layers: the dermis (the second layer) and the hypodermis (the fatty layer, also the deepest). Moreover, these rays are responsible for premature skin ageing.

However, UVB rays partially penetrate the ozone layer and reach the epidermis (the superficial layer of the skin). These rays are responsible for sunburns and, in the long term, much more significant damages: for example, they can potentially develop skin cancers. That's why all health professionals and dermatologists recommend using sunscreens and sun filters that protect against these two radiations.


How to protect your skin with SPF? What is SPF for?
While choosing your sunscreen, you'll certainly come across many specific terms and information, the meaning of which you may not necessarily know.

Firstly, sunscreens are divided into two categories based on their composition: mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens reflect UV light, while chemical sunscreens absorb it.

Next, each sunscreen mentions an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on its packaging. This is an indicator of the amount of time the product will protect your skin from UV rays. The ingredients in these products either reflect or absorb UV radiations and help prevent potential sun damages.

SPF is usually indicated with a number related to the amount of radiation required to cause sunburn. Be careful! This protection factor depends on both the duration of exposure and the time when you are exposed: for example, the sun's rays are always more dangerous between 2 PM and 4 PM.

To protect your skin with sunscreen, you need to understand the different levels of protection:

• SPF 50+: Indicates very high protection.
• SPF between 30 and 50: Indicates high protection.
• SPF between 15 and 25: Indicates medium protection.
• SPF less than 15: Indicates low protection.

Thus, the higher the number associated with the SPF, the longer the protection time against UVB rays.


And how do you protect yourself from UVA rays? You can look at the packaging of sunscreens and their logos: if the term "UVA" is inside a circle, the sunscreen also protects against UVA rays (approximately 1/3 of the SPF value) and complies with the European recommendation. There are also "broad-spectrum" sunscreens that have the ability to protect the skin from both ultraviolet rays and infrared (IR-A) or blue light (HEV rays).

The Importance of Sun Protection According to Age
As you grow, your skin not only changes in appearance but also in thickness. Although you still have the same number of layers, your skin experiences many changes that reflect the evolution of your needs. That's why sun protection should be selected based on the age of the consumer.

• Babies:

As explained earlier, the first layer is called the epidermis. In babies, this layer is particularly thin, which affects its resistance, hydration, sensitivity to microbial (physical or chemical) aggressions, and sensitivity to sunlight. That's why babies should not be directly exposed to the sun. If they are exposed, they should wear clothing with sun protection and wide-brimmed hats. If necessary, it's possible to use a sunscreen with a mineral filter on very small areas. Be careful! Make sure it's hypoallergenic to minimize the risk of allergies.

• Children:

From the age of 3, children's skin is slightly more mature, but still very sensitive to sun's rays. Furthermore, children typically spend more time outdoors and are therefore three times more exposed to ultraviolet radiation (when they play outside, for example). Therefore, you can use a sunscreen with a mineral or chemical filter, with SPF50 or higher, hypoallergenic, and water-resistant.

• Adults:

Adults have much thicker and less sensitive skin than children. They can use different types of sun protection with a medium SPF according to individual sensitivity. There are gels that are generally used on hairy areas, as well as creams for dry areas, or sticks whose format helps protect more delicate areas like the eye contour.

• From 40 onwards:

As people age, their skin becomes sensitive again due to the development of dry areas, lack of hydration, and skin ageing. It's necessary to use high sun protection, and ideally, sunscreens that combine protection and hydration.

Adapting Your Sun Protection According to Your Needs
Now that you know the essential information to choose the best sun protection according to your age, it's also important to consider the purpose of your purchase. We are constantly exposed to UV rays, whether it's cloudy or not, but in varying amounts depending on the season, location, or even the day.

• For daily use vs. Extended exposure:

If you want to buy sun protection for daily use and minimal exposure, we recommend applying sunscreen every day to your face since it's the most exposed area to the sun. You can find day creams and face moisturizers with SPF included. And if you enjoy makeup, there are primers or tinted sunscreens with SPF included as well. This way, you can easily protect your face without worrying about the sun’s consequences on your skin.

Now if you're going on vacation or need to find the ideal sun protection for prolonged exposure, we recommend a sunscreen with SPF between 30 and 50+. If you plan to go to the beach or pool, we recommend sunscreens with high protection and especially water resistance. Remember that surfaces like water, snow, or sand reflect UV radiation, so your body is much more exposed than usual.

• According to your phototype:
  

It's also important to note that not all skin types are the same, nor do they absorb radiation the same way. Each person, according to their skin type, should use an appropriate SPF, manage their sun exposure, and the frequency of sunscreen application. A classification has been established, with different skin types based on their reaction to sunlight. These are called phototypes, and their reaction depends on the color of their skin and its response to exposure (sunburns and tanning). We have six distinct phototypes:

• Phototype I: These are individuals with very fair or pale skin, typically with blue eyes, and blond or red hair. They have a high risk of sunburn and never tan.
• Phototype II: These persons have very fair skin, light eyes, and blond hair. They are highly prone to sunburn and rarely tan.
• Phototype III: People with fair skin and dark hair fall into this category. They may sometimes get sunburned and tend to tan gradually.
• Phototype IV: These are individuals with olive skin, brown eyes, and brown or black hair. They tan very easily and are much less likely to get sunburned.
• Phototype V: Individuals with dark skin, dark eyes, and dark hair belong to this group. They tan quickly and intensely and tend not to get sunburned.
• Phototype VI: These persons have darker skin and dark eyes. They never get sunburned and have the ability to tan very easily.

Actually, did you know that tanning depends on the quantity and type of melanin present in your skin? Melanin is a biological term that corresponds to the pigments responsible for the color of your skin, hair, etc. Additionally, melanin helps to block UV rays to a certain extent. That's why phototypes IV, V, and VI are more likely to tan quickly, and have less chance of being burned by the sun: they produce more eumelanin (the darkest one), which gives them a higher natural protection. Thus, using sunscreen will not affect your tan but will simply protect you from UV radiations.

Don't forget that you can also adapt your protection according to your skin's needs and your preferences: there are creams, sun sprays, gels, sticks...



What Can You Do to Protect the Environment After Using Sunscreen?
Now that you have all the necessary information about your skin, you should know that some conventional sunscreens are made up of chemical ingredients that are harmful to the environment. They are ingredients used as sun filters in creams: oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two molecules contaminate the oceans and impact the marine ecosystem. For example, coral reefs that would come into contact with these ingredients struggle to develop, and in some severe cases, they die.

Don't worry, there are solutions! You can use biodegradable sunscreen. In other words, these can naturally be broken down without having any harmful impact on ecosystems. There are sunscreens with active ingredients and components in their composition that decay in the environment while still providing you with sun protection. For example, sunscreens containing mineral filters (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) and made up of 95% natural ingredients. These biodegradable sunscreens can be identified by certifications and labels on their packaging (usually recyclable).



We recommend the following 5 sunscreens, to be adapted according to the individual and their needs:

• Caudalie - VINOSUN PROTECT – Very High Protection Sun Water SPF50+: This sun mist is suitable for adults, children from 3 years old, and all skin types. It can be used on the body, face, and hair. This product is vegan, without oxybenzone nor octinoxate, and its packaging is 100% recyclable. Furthermore, the brand is committed to collecting as much plastic waste from the ocean as it uses.

• SVR - SUN SECURE Spray SPF50+: This water-resistant sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection. It has a highly hydrating and lightweight effect on the skin. It's also environmentally friendly, thanks to a biodegradable formula and a recyclable tube (you can throw it in a recycling container).

• LA ROCHE-POSAY - ANTHELIO MINERAL ONE SPF50+: This daily use product offers high mineral protection against UVA and UVB rays. It contains vitamin E (antioxidant effect), hyaluronic acid (moisturizing effect), and titanium dioxide (mineral filter).

• Nivea Sun – Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect SPF50+: This sunscreen offers an effective formula against UVA and UVB rays, it is biodegradable, extra water-resistant, and designed for children's and babies’ sensitive skin (helps to reduce the risk of sun allergies). Without oxybenzone nor octinoxate.

• ALPHANOVA SUN - ORGANIC BABY SUN MILK – PROTECCIÓN SPF50+: This is the perfect product if you're looking for an eco-friendly SPF50+ sunscreen that is suitable for babies. It's a fragrance-free, paraben-free, and chemical filter-free sunscreen. It is dermatologically tested and, most importantly, environmentally friendly.