March 28, 2024

Sunscreen, how to understand the protection factor

The sunscreen is not only needed to have a beautiful and even tan but also and especially to protect against the damages of sun exposure such as skin spots, erythema, sunburn, skin aging and especially the more serious ones such as melanoma and skin cancer. Also remember that it is a good idea to use and choose the right after-sun cream to soothe the skin after a day at the beach.

Sunscreen, the number of protection

There are sunscreens with different protection factor, 10, 15-25, 30-50, 50+: but which one to choose? And most importantly, how to choose it?

It should be taken into account that, according to the protection factor, the cream will protect against UVA and UVB rays: the former are those that protect the skin from aging and skin cancer while the latter cause sunburn and erythema.

Usually, you have to choose according to your phototype, which takes into account your skin and hair color. In fact, sunscreen protection 10 will have to be chosen by phototype 1, that is, people who burn very easily and hardly ever tan, just as a simple protection.

People with phototype 1 are those with blond or red hair and very fair skin. SPF 10 will also have to be chosen by phototypes 5 and 6, i.e., those with very dark hair and olive or not very sensitive complexion, those who tan and hardly ever get sunburned.

Protection 20, on the other hand, should be chosen by phototype 4 initially, and then choose lower protections. Phototype 4 are those with brown hair and not very sensitive skin, who tan quickly.

Phototype 3 will be able to choose protection 25 initially (and then drop to a lower one): these are those who have dark blond hair and sensitive skin. Finally, protection 50 will have to be chosen by phototype 2 and then go down to protection 30: those who have blond or brown hair and fair skin that burns quickly.