Sun protection factor: what is the best option to be well protected from the sun?

Sunscreen can prevent burns, spots, and skin cancer when used correctly; learn to choose the best option against ultraviolet rays

Chances are you’ve already gone through the indecision of not knowing how to choose the ideal sunscreen. And that’s because there are so many options available. It has a colored sun filter, which promises to prevent wrinkles, water resistant, with vitamins in the composition, which has a moisturizing action and with different levels of protection. It’s enough to leave anyone confused. However, before paying attention to the different possibilities of the market, the first step to being well protected is to understand how the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) it works.

Dermatologist Sérgio Schalka, specialist in photoprotection, explains that the SPF is a measurement system that evaluates the level of protection against sunburn caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. “It indicates how long your skin can stay protected,” he says. For example, when using a sunscreen with SPF 30, it will take a person 30 times longer to experience the effects of the sun’s rays than with unprotected exposure. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to the SPF of your chosen sunscreen.

The recommendation is that it is not lower than 30, especially for fair-skinned people, who should invest in higher factors, such as 50 or 70. The amount applied must also be taken into consideration for effective protection. According to Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), the ideal amount for the face, neck and head is one teaspoon.

Schalka warns about another point: lightning protection GRAPE🇧🇷 “Caps usually protect very well against UVB rays, but may not protect against UVA rays as well, depending on the quality,” he says. And that level of protection can make all the difference.

How important is UVA protection?

According to the dermatologist, UVA rays are less powerful than UVB, but they can cause two important effects: signs of aging and blemishes on the skin. They are also present in the sun’s rays throughout the day, while UVB rays have a period in which their incidence is greatest. It’s usually two hours before and two hours after noon. Therefore, the hours between 10:00 and 14:00 are the least suitable for sun exposure. But it has a positive point in its incidence. “It is he who encourages the production of vitamin D“, explains Schalka, who believes that they are also more intense and responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. Whatever the type of ultraviolet ray, it can damage the skin.

For this reason, it is recommended to use a sunscreen that protects against these two forms of sunlight incidence. And many of the sunscreen options available on the market tend to protect, but the level of UVA protection isn’t always indicated on the labels. The most common is the indication of SPF only, which does not protect against UVA rays.

“There is a specific measurement scale for sun protection from ultraviolet A rays,” he explains. It’s called PPD – English acronym for Persistent Pigmentary Darkening – and the logic is the same: a solar filter with PPD 10 allows an exposure time 10 times longer without perceiving the effects of sunlight.

However, according to the dermatologist, sunscreen brands are not required to indicate this protection factor. The only requirement of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) is that there is a ratio of 1 to 3: a protector with SPF 30 must have a protection against UVA rays of PPD 10.

The best option for those looking for sunscreen against the effects of UVA radiation are those that indicate the UVA protection factor on the packaging and which contain antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. This can help reduce the signs of aging and the spots.

multifunctional products

Some makeup and moisturizers may have SPF, but care should be taken with these products. The dermatologist explains that, from a technical point of view, a moisturizer with SPF 30 should offer the same protection as a sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor 30. But Schalka cautions that it is not possible to guarantee whether there is protection against UVA rays.

“Per Anvisa regulation, a moisturizer or makeup with SPF is not classified as a sunscreen. They are classified as multifunctional products. Therefore, they do not need to prove their protection against UVA rays,” she says.

This is different from sunscreens that are dyed or have an anti-aging action. In these cases, since the main function of the product is sun protection, it is easier to guarantee its effectiveness. «This is because, to register a sunscreen, Anvisa requires a series of tests. It is registered only after having analyzed all the documentation that proves its effectiveness ».

How to be well protected?

• FPS: at least 30. The doctor’s recommendation is that everyone use sunscreens with at least SPF 30. In some cases, it is necessary to use sunscreens with a higher SPF, such as among people with lighter skin, children, people with a history of cancer, family members, and people with very sensitive skin.
• Waterproof. Especially when used in leisure time, such as at the beach or by the pool, it is essential that the sunscreen is waterproof, which does not mean that it is not necessary to reapply the protection frequently.
• Color protector. If you are a person with a tendency to have spots on your face, the indication is to opt for tinted sunscreen which, as your doctor explains, is usually better for preventing spots.
• With antioxidant action. Antioxidants provide extra protection against UVA and UVB rays, as well as being able to correct some damage. The most common are vitamin C, vitamin B3 and vitamin E.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.