TL;DR:
- Sunscreens protect against skin aging, wrinkles, discoloration, photoaging, and burns caused by UV radiation.
- UVB radiation causes burns and aids vitamin D production; UVA radiation penetrates deeper, leading to skin aging, DNA damage, and cancer. Both require protection.
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures UVB protection but not UVA. Look for IPD, PPD(PA) labels for UVA protection.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV energy but may cause allergic reactions. Mineral sunscreens (with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) physically block UV rays and are better for sensitive skin but thicker and may stain clothes.
- Apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin, 20–30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2–3 hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Look for comprehensive protection with SPF and PPD/PA ratings.
Summer is a long-awaited season for many people. Warm and long days encourage outdoor activities and spending time in the sunshine. Whether we go for a walk on a sunny day or go on vacation to warm countries, application of sunscreen should be the basis of our skin care. So how do you choose a sunscreen and what should you look for when buying one?
Why is sunscreen the basis of skin care?
The sun's rays unfortunately negatively affect our skin. Although during tanning the skin changes color and becomes darker and more attractive to many people, long and frequent exposure to the sun is not advisable. All because sunlight accelerates skin aging. Dry skin loses its firmness and elasticity faster. This, in turn, contributes to the formation of wrinkles, which add years to our skin. In addition, permanent discoloration can occur after too much sun exposure to our skin. This, of course, applies not only to the skin of the face, but also to the entire body. Sunscreens help reduce the amount of light reaching the skin and thus protect it from photoaging and burns.
UVB radiation vs. UVA radiation
It is worth knowing that the solar radiation to which our skin is exposed is divided into two different types. UVB is the radiation that causes burns on the skin. At the same time, this type of radiation makes our body produce vitamin D that affects the health of the body. It is only 5% of the radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. It reflects off snow, sand, water and can also break through clouds. Its effects are particularly intense in summer. In contrast, UVA radiation penetrates deep into the layers of the skin, causing changes there, such as the destruction of collagen, elastin and DNA changes. Thus, it affects skin aging and can cause cancer. Therefore, when choosing a sunscreen, it is worth paying special attention to what sunlight it will protect us from. If we are exposed to the sun for a long time, a UVA sunscreen will definitely be a better choice to protect us from skin aging. However, let's not forget about UVB filters, which are worth using not only in summer, but also throughout the year during sunny days. So the best solution will be to choose a sunscreen that will protect us from both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF designation – what is worth knowing?
Every sunscreen has an SPF designation on the package. This is the basic information that we usually follow when choosing a sunscreen. Why. SPF is the Sun Protection Factor, which tells us how much time we can, safely stay in the sun and how much sunlight a particular sunscreen protects us from. The higher the SPF rating, the greater this protection should be. It is very important to remember that SPF filters only protect us from UVB radiation. If we want a product that will protect our skin from photoaging, we should look for the IPD or PPD(PA) designation on the package. These are indicators that tell you that the product also protects against UVA radiation. **The higher the indicator, the more accurate this protection is. These types of filters will protect the skin from hyperpigmentation, DNA changes and damage to collagen and elastin in the body. So it will be a good idea to choose sunscreens with SPF and PPD ratings. Then we can be sure that the product will protect our skin comprehensively. Before buying a sunscreen, it's a good idea to read the label carefully, so that it contains clear information about what sunlight it will protect us from.
Chemical and mineral filters
Available in pharmacies and drugstores sunscreens can be divided into chemical and mineral. The former are characterized by the fact that they absorb the energy carried by the sun's UV rays and convert it into heat energy. They are effective protection, with a lightweight formulation that is hardly noticeable on the skin. However, they can be controversial mainly because of their composition. For this reason, when choosing them, it is advisable to read the composition carefully and pay attention to the ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. Mineral filters, on the other hand, form a kind of protective shield on the skin against sunlight. The main ingredients of mineral filters are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Therefore, they are less allergenic and a good option for people with sensitive skin. In addition, they provide protection against both UVB and UVA rays. It should also be borne in mind that mineral filters have a heavier formulation than chemical filters, which affects their comfort and, moreover, they can stain clothes.
How to properly apply sunscreens?
Choosing the right sunscreen is the first step in protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. However, in order for this protection to be correct and at the highest possible level that the product guarantees, it is essential to apply it correctly. On most products you will find brief information on how to apply a particular sunscreen. It is advisable to follow the instructions of the manufacturers to ensure the correct operation of the filter. The basic rule of application of sunscreen, is to apply it to dry and clean skin. Sunscreen application should be repeated according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually every 2 to 3 hours. When using pools or bodies of water, application of screen cream should be repeated after getting out of the water, even with waterproof filters. The situation is similar during physical exertion and perspiration. Then, too, the filter should be reapplied to the skin to ensure full protection. The filter should not be applied too generously. In addition, it should be applied before sun exposure, preferably 20 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun. So, as you can see, when choosing a sunscreen, it's not just the SPF rating information that should be most important. Let's remember that full protection from the sun's UVB and UVA rays is provided by a sunscreen with SPF and PDD, PA designation.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is your best defense against sun damage, aging, and harmful UV rays. By understanding sunscreen types, SPF, and proper application, you protect your skin effectively. Choose products with both UVA and UVB protection, and always read labels. Whether you prefer chemical or mineral filters, consistency in use is key. Applying sunscreen the right way keeps your skin safe and healthy year-round. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine—you’ll thank yourself later.
