When it comes to caring for your skin in strong UV light, a sun cream is a must. Not all sun creams are the same, though. Many contain unwelcome ingredients that can do more harm than good. In this article we will go through the basic recommendations on what to look for when choosing the right sun cream, so that you are effectively protected from the sun's rays.
Why is it important to read the composition of sun creams?
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The basic piece of advice is always to read the composition of the sun creams or of any other products you buy. As an example, let us mention petrolatum, commonly known as petroleum jelly. It really should not be found in sun creams. Yet various quick-tanning brands have petroleum jelly as their very main ingredient. Because of it, such sun creams can be very unwelcome in the sun. Petroleum jelly leaves a film on the skin that blocks the pores and so keeps perspiration from leaving the skin when it overheats. As a result, the skin overheats and does not recover after sun exposure. Caring for the environment is also an increasingly present theme these days. And another downside of petroleum jelly is that it does not break down in nature, which poses a threat to the ecosystem.
Watch out for petroleum jelly and for unwelcome chemical filters
Another questionable group of substances can be the various chemical filters that many sun creams contain. Some chemical filters pass into the bloodstream – for example avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene and ecamsule. These substances disturb the endocrine system, in sea life as well as in people. This is why it is good to choose sun creams that respect the environment and our skin.
What to focus on when choosing a sun cream
When choosing a sun cream it is important to keep several things in mind. Below we have gathered the most essential ones:
- Broad-spectrum protection: Choose a sun cream that helps protect against UVA as well as UVB rays.
- SPF 30 or more: Sun creams with SPF 30 or higher give adequate protection from UVB rays.
- Natural sun creams: Look for sun preparations that use natural ingredients, as they are less likely to cause skin irritation and are often kinder to the environment.
- Non-comedogenic: Choose a sun cream labelled as "non-comedogenic" so that your pores stay clear.
- Water resistance: If you plan to swim or to do something that makes you perspire a lot, choose a water-resistant sun cream.
- The type of sun preparation: You can choose from standard sun creams, sprays, tanning oils or tanning butters. It depends mostly on your own preferences, as no single preparation can be named the best one.
The role of antioxidants in sun care
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A lack of antioxidants in the diet is also a common reason why skin gets sunburnt. Eating more raw organic plant foods, such as berries and microalgae (spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella), is traditionally said to help the body support its own inner resilience and care for the skin from within – though it never replaces a sun cream. It is also important to keep in mind that a sun cream should not be your only form of sun care. It is lovely to also wear protective clothing such as a hat and sunglasses, and to seek out the shade during the warmest parts of the day. Thanks to these steps you can enjoy the sun safely and care for your skin.
Which SPF to choose?
Besides paying attention to the composition of your sun cream or sun spray, it is important to choose the right SPF (sun protection factor) for your skin type and for the activities you will be doing in the sun. In general, specialists recommend using a sun cream with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. If your skin is fair, if you have had skin cancer in the past or if you plan to spend a longer time in the sun, you may choose a higher protection factor. It is also important to remember to apply your sun cream properly. Most people do not apply enough sun cream, which can lead to insufficient protection. Specialists recommend using at least 30 ml of sun cream for the whole body and applying it every two hours or immediately after swimming or perspiring.
Which type of sun cream to choose?
Another factor in choosing the right sun cream is the type of sun cream you prefer. There are two main types of sun creams: chemical and physical. Chemical sun creams work by absorbing UV radiation, while physical sun creams reflect it. Some people prefer physical sun creams because they are less likely to cause skin irritation, while others prefer chemical sun creams because they tend to be easier to apply and to stay on the skin. The choice is entirely yours. If a given sun cream meets the recommendations above, its type does not matter.