Sun cream is an essential of summer (and not only). Without her, no sun! And even with it, you have to take precautions when you are exposed. The sun, even if it is good for morale, is not without danger! However, not always easy to choose your cream… what index? What composition? How to be sure that she will protect us well? We give you some tips to put the right one in your beach bag!
All are supposed to have the same goal: to protect from the harms of the sun. More particularly UV rays of the sun.
Light is actually a whole spectrum of rays, wavelengths. We, humans, see a little bit of this spectrum, this is called “visible light”. But in reality, there are many other wavelengths that are invisible to us, infrared, X -rays or the famous UV (ultraviolet).
The sun emits three types of UV. There are UVAs, UVBs and UVCs, a bit like our different colors observed in the visible spectrum.
UVCs and most UVBs are absorbed by the ozone layer, water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Finally, it is therefore mainly the UVAs that cross the atmosphere and reach us.
However, it is these UVA (and a little UVB) that represent a danger to our health. More specifically, they are particularly responsible for skin cancers. These “skin carcinomas” are increasing in recent years, mainly due to the fashion of tanning …
Studies identify the fundamental role of UVB and UVA well in the appearance of these cancers. Their effects are relatively complex and it seems that it is above all the cumulative doses throughout life, in particular intense exhibitions and sunburns during childhood, which potentially lead to the occurrence of carcinomas.
And precisely solar creams are therefore supposed to protect against these UV rays …
>> Read also: Cancerology: Too many citrus fruits favor skin cancer
Protect against UV
Candling a (good) sunscreen therefore helps protect against ultraviolet radiation. In any case, up to a point. The index plays an important role here. You can imagine, the higher the index, the greater the protection.
In reality, the cream plays like a kind of filter. The cosmetic product contains chemicals (organic) or mineral (physical/inorganic). All act by blocking UV rays. More specifically, chemical filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, granting and skam absorb these rays and transform them into heat. Rest assured, you don't feel it.
The mineral screens will rather filter the rays by reflecting them. However, distrust! Indeed, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide minerals used in cosmetics are often very small. They will then think only very few shelves (about 10%) and absorb the rest, such as chemical filters.
It is the index on your sunscreen which indicates the effectiveness of these filters. On the market, it is found with clues ranging from 6 to 50+. An index cream 10 will filter 90% of UVs, 10% will be transmitted to the skin. An index cream 50 will only transmit 2% UV. It is even less for the 50+.
Historically, the clues mainly took UVB into account. They may be in the minority, they are the most dangerous. However, UVAs are also important players in the occurrence of skin cancer. Since 2006, solar products must therefore protect against both types of UV. A new indicator has therefore been created, the “sun protection factor” (FPS).
Solar creams, if they comply with the standards in force and with a good clue, would effectively prevent signs of photography, including wrinkles and pigmentary anomalies due to UV.
>> Read also: the solar creams in question
Yes but … there is no 100% effective protection!
Between the clues, not easy to navigate … which sunscreen to choose?
The best protection remains the best, without a doubt. An FPS of 50+ remains the most effective. However, people with more matte skin and little prone to suns could be satisfied with low protection.
Finally … it's to qualify! In the mountains or on the water, the strongest cream is largely recommended!
As for children, the most protective cream should be applied. Indeed, as we have seen, the accumulation of UV A and B during childhood is a risk factor for skin cancer in adulthood.
What index for what protection?
- An index of 6 to 10 indicates low protection
- 15 to 25: average protection
- 30 to 50: High protection
- 50+: Very high protection.
The protection indices also vary depending on the amount of UV to which one is exposed every day. We speak of “the UV index”. Thus, a UV index between 3 and 7 implies a sunscreen of at least 30+. On the other hand, a UV index between 8 and 10 involves a cream of at least 50+.
In France, in summer, the UV index is generally 7 or 8. However, it can exceed 10 in high mountains. In addition, reverberation due to water or snow increases the intensity of the radiation.
For protection to be as effective as possible, in addition to a high index, there is also a regular application. We recommend applying a thick layer 30 minutes before exposure and renewing every two hours.
And beware, the cream fades with water, sweat, friction …
Despite everything, it is very important to note that these products do not protect 100%! None will be able to stop all UVs! It is therefore important to adopt good practices and use additional means of protection.
>> Read also: Biodiversity: Solar creams kill corals
Protect yourself from the sun and not only with sunscreen!
A child exposed to the sun must have sunscreen, hat, glasses and anti-UV clothes.
Credits: Shutterstock/Nut Studio
Since creams are not sufficient means of protection, other measures must be taken. This is especially true for children!
Ideally, you must avoid the sun between noon and 4 p.m. and seek the shadow as often as possible when you are outdoors.
At the beach, think of parasol. Small flat however: the parasol does not fully protect from the rays of the sun!
It is better to wear hats with large edges, which protect the head, the face and the neck. And if possible, it is better to wear UV clothes, especially for children.
We must also be wary of weather conditions which give the impression of false safety. A small fresh wind, a low cloud cover, the altitude … are all impressions of trace well-being.
Also pay attention to certain so -called “photosensitive” drugs. They can cause skin reactions in the event of sun exposure. This is the case of certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, acne treatments … Consult the instructions systematically and do not expose injured and treatment areas!
It is true that this whole article could appear Rabat-Joie. We want to enjoy the sun and the beach in summer! Certainly, but health above all! And for information, tanned skin indicates that skin DNA has been altered by UV, it is not a guarantee of good health, but a warning …
>> Read also: Solar creams: Watch out for mixtures
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
