Sunscreens

Many of us know that ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun are harmful to skin health. Therefore, to protect yourself from their negative impact, experts recommend purchasing sunscreen.

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Indications for use

Long exposure to the sun causes the human body to sweat faster, losing water and microelements. This is especially true for thin people. It is important to understand that if the body loses too much water, it can cause severe, and sometimes irreparable, harm. Tanning leads to the development of a negative rapid effect - sunburn and heat stroke, and a delayed effect - the formation of malignant skin tumors (basal cell carcinoma and melanoma), premature aging of the skin. This is why sunscreen is an indispensable thing for those who spend a lot of time in the sun.

Various sunscreens will be useful for those who suffer from chronic diseases (lupus, neurasthenia, heart and vascular diseases). And also for those whose skin is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation.

Composition of sunscreens

Modern sun protection products usually contain chemical and physical filters. Chemical filters absorb most of the harmful ultraviolet radiation when applied to the skin. The most popular of these are:

1. Benzophenone.
2. Avobenzone.

With the help of physical filters, an invisible barrier is created on the skin that repels the sun's rays of spectrum B. Among them today are:

1. Zinc oxide.
2. Titanium dioxide.

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Names

Today, you can find a huge range of different sunscreens. They all differ in the degree of protection from ultraviolet radiation, composition and additional functions (for example, many manufacturers produce water-repellent creams).

Among the most popular means are the following:

1. Barrier.
2. Garnier.
3. Nivea.
4. Floresan.
5. Avon.
6. My sunshine.
7. Vichy.
8. Panthenol.
9. L'Oreal.
10. La Roche.

This is what we will talk about in this article.

Barrier Cream

Anti-inflammatory cream Barrier creates a special protective film on the surface of the skin, which helps protect you from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, as well as all sorts of allergens. The cream does not clog pores on the skin and does not change its pH balance. It is quite easy to apply, as it is absorbed very quickly. The manufacturer claims that the product is great for people with sensitive and dry skin.

The Barrier cream contains various plant extracts that help moisturize and soften the skin. The product should be applied at least twice a day in a thin layer and rubbed in well until the cream is absorbed.

Garnier sunscreen

Cosmetics manufacturer Garnier produces quite a lot of different sunscreens that are suitable for people with different skin types. The most popular today is the Ambre Solaire line, which includes creams with different degrees of SPF protection. All of them have a hypoallergenic formula, so they are recommended for sensitive skin. Among the products, you can find revolutionary products with SPF protection 50+, which helps protect against even the strongest sun rays.

Garnier sunscreens help stimulate the production of melanin pigment. It helps to obtain an even and natural tan, while protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Garnier creams contain the following components: a vitamin complex and plant extracts. Thanks to them, the products perfectly protect your skin from sunburn and insolation. Plant extracts restore and moisturize the skin, providing it with the necessary nutrition. An invisible protective film appears on the skin, which protects it from the harmful effects of sunlight.

It is recommended to apply creams five to ten minutes before going to the beach.

Nivea cream

The line of sunscreens from Nivea is called Sun. Most of the creams in it have excellent moisturizing properties, so they not only help protect your skin, but also nourish it. It is worth highlighting the Nivea cream-lotion "Protection and Tan", which is available with two degrees of SPF (10 and 20). The product does not allow sunburn to form on the skin, but at the same time does not interfere with the appearance of a natural and even tan. The Nivea cream contains a special plant extract, which allows you to increase the amount of melanin produced.

The formula of the cream is not greasy, but at the same time it moisturizes well. The main advantage of the product is the fact that it protects from both spectrum A and B rays. The cream is also waterproof, but this does not mean that one application will be enough for you for the whole day at the beach. The product should be applied immediately before going out in the sun. Try to renew the layer of cream at least every two hours.

Floresan sunscreen

Floresan produces quite a lot of different sunscreen products, but it is worth highlighting the barrier cream "Full Block", which helps to fully protect your skin from the sun's rays of the B and A spectrums. The product also fights pigmentation, which can be caused by ultraviolet radiation.

The barrier cream is recommended for people with sun allergies, intolerance to ultraviolet rays and increased tendency to pigmentation. The composition of the Floresan cream includes vitamin E and aloe vera. They help moisturize the skin, restore its natural protective barrier. It is waterproof.

In addition, the product also contains: zinc oxide, coconut oil, glycerin, d-panthenol, calendula extract, titanium dioxide.

Recommended to apply to clean and dry skin before sun exposure. Remember to reapply every two to three hours.

Avon cream

Avon "Sun+" products are distinguished by the fact that they help protect the skin from UVA and UVB sun rays, and also increase cell activity, which contributes to the production of vitamin D, which is important for the skin. Among the main Avon sunscreens, several products can be distinguished:

• Sunscreen for sensitive skin with a moisturizing effect SPF25 - it contains vitamin E and panthenol, which actively protect the upper layers of the epidermis. It has a hypoallergenic formula, light and non-greasy texture.

• Sunscreen for sensitive skin with moisturizing effect SPF50 - contains vitamin E and aloe vera extract. It has a very high degree of protection from ultraviolet radiation and a non-greasy texture that is easy to apply.
• Sunscreen for face with moisturizing effect - includes provitamin complex B5. The product has a very light formula, moisturizing properties and excellent protection from ultraviolet radiation.

Sunscreen "My Sunshine"

The Russian manufacturer offers an inexpensive sunscreen "My Sun" with SPF30. This product is designed to protect the baby's delicate skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. It contains only filters that are safe for the baby's health, vitamin E and calendula extract, which provide the maximum level of protection for a long time.

The cream not only helps prevent sunburn, but also gently nourishes and softens the skin. It should be applied to avoid inflammation, overdrying, and moisture loss. It is recommended to apply the cream in small quantities, lightly rubbing it into the skin. During the day, especially if the baby is in the sun, the protective layer should be renewed.

Panthenol

Panthenol cream is a regenerating and soothing agent that is recommended for application after receiving mild sunburn or before going out in the sun to prevent it.

The active ingredient of the product is Panthenol, which helps to produce pantothenic acid. It is this acid that takes part in the regenerative processes of the epidermis, the synthesis of elastin and collagen.

To achieve maximum effect, Panthenol cream should be applied to the skin before going out in the sun or to damaged areas (in case of sunburn).

Vichy cream

The most popular sunscreen from Vichi is the balm, which is applied to eliminate discomfort after receiving light sunburn. It helps to restore damaged epidermal cells. Thanks to the active components (epilob extract, shea and soy butter, thermal water and vitamin E), the skin quickly calms down, redness goes away, and the heat stops. The balm also helps to restore the skin's natural balance and moisturize it.

To heal damaged epidermis, apply a small amount to the areas that have been burned. Reapply every two to three hours.

Sunscreen PPD

PPD is a factor that is present in some modern sunscreens. It indicates the degree of protection of the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. Working in combination with another factor (SPF), it perfectly copes with moisturizing and nourishing the skin in the summer. In addition, thanks to it, the epidermis is well protected from photoaging and sunburn.

Why do we need PPD in sunscreens? First of all, we need to understand what types of sun rays affect our skin. There are only two:

1. And the spectrum is ultraviolet rays with a long wave that penetrate quite deeply into the layers of the epidermis. It is this spectrum that causes premature aging of the skin and damages the cells of the dermis. Its effect is noticeable after several years, when wrinkles and flabbiness appear on the skin.
2. In the spectrum are ultraviolet rays with a medium wave. They also have a negative effect on the condition of the skin. It is because of them that tanning and sunburn appear on the skin.

Sunscreens with PPD provide additional protection specifically from ultraviolet waves from the A spectrum. This abbreviation can be deciphered as: permanent pigment darkening factor.

La Roche Cream

If you don't want to wait long for the sunscreen you applied to be absorbed, you can buy the product from La Roche "Antgelios XL". This is a quick-drying gel cream that has a very high degree of protection from ultraviolet rays. Recommended for use by people with combination and oily skin, as it has a mattifying effect.

Protects from sun rays of two spectra (A and B). Suitable for skin prone to allergic reactions. Does not leave an oily shine.

To use, apply a small amount to the skin of the body and face before going to the beach. Repeat every two hours, as well as after swimming. The product is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age.

Loreal cream

French manufacturer L'Oreal offers many different sun protection products. But the most popular is the cream for wrinkles and other signs of skin aging that appear after prolonged exposure to the sun.

It has a protection level of SPF30, so it helps to effectively combat the signs of photoaging. The cream contains nourishing and moisturizing components that actively protect the epidermis from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. It has a non-greasy and non-sticky structure, so it is easy to apply to the skin and does not cause discomfort.

To achieve effective results, you need to apply the cream to your face every time before leaving the house.

High protection sunscreen

All sunscreens differ in the degree of protection from sun rays, which are included in the A and B spectrums. On the packaging of any sunscreen, you can find the abbreviation SPF (ultraviolet protection factor). As a rule, it ranges from two to thirty. It is worth understanding that the higher the SPF, the longer you can stay in the sun without harm to your health. To get the exact time to stay in the sun, you need to multiply the protection factor by twenty minutes.

You need to choose SPF depending on your skin type:

1. People with dark or slightly tanned skin can safely use creams with protection factors of 2-4.
2. If you sunbathe for several days and never get burned, you can choose creams with SPF 5-10.
3. People with pale skin or high sensitivity to the sun's rays should always use products with a factor of 11 to 30.

High protection is provided by sunscreens that have an SPF level of 10 to 15. They help protect against approximately 95% of ultraviolet rays. This is quite a good result, but remember that they are not suitable for everyone.

Sunscreen 30

If we talk about creams with SPF protection level from 20 to 30, then we can confidently say that they fight ultraviolet radiation more intensively. As a rule, they protect from 97% of harmful sun rays that fall on our skin.

Among the most popular sunscreens with SPF 30 are:

1. ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 – perfect for those with too oily skin. It provides really gentle skin care. Doesn’t leave an oily shine on it.
2. DDF, Enhancing Sun Protection SPF 30 – evens out skin tone and protects it from harmful UV rays. This product is recommended for women with very oily skin.

Sunscreen 50

Sunscreens with SPF 50 and above are quite popular today. Manufacturers claim that such products can cope with 99.5% of ultraviolet rays that fall on our skin.

But it is worth noting that there is no significant difference in protection between creams with SPF30 and SPF50. Moreover, some creams with an ultra-high degree today no longer meet the accepted standards.

Whitening sunscreen creams

Often the tan is uneven, unpleasant-looking pigment spots appear on the skin, which you want to get rid of as soon as possible. If this problem is familiar to you, then you need to buy special whitening sunscreen creams. Among all the products, the whitening sunscreen cream Floresan SPF 35 stands out.

This cream was created specifically for those who need an additional whitening effect. Moreover, the SPF protective block in this product is quite high, which allows it to cope with its main task - to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. The cream contains: parsley, cucumber and horseradish extract, lactic acid and vitamin C. It is with their help that the skin tone is evened out, the number of age spots and freckles is noticeably reduced.

Also among the active components of the Floresan whitening sunscreen cream is hyaluronic acid (moisturizing and nourishing the skin).

It is recommended to apply the product to dry and clean skin before sunbathing. If you have taken water procedures, the application should be repeated.

Waterproof sunscreen

Waterproof sunscreens are very popular among buyers. This can be explained by their special property - they tolerate water procedures well, protecting delicate skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation even in water. But it is worth understanding that even waterproof products need to be reapplied after prolonged swimming or exposure to the sun.

Among the well-known sunscreens with a waterproof formula are:

1. Dermacol waterproof sunscreen with SPF30 – has a double effect (protects against UVA and UVB). The cream contains vitamin E, grape seed oil and beta-carotene. Thanks to these components, the skin will have an even and beautiful tan without harming your health.
2. Frais Monde Waterproof Sunscreen with Olive Oil SPF36 – contains the following ingredients: amine dimitel, thermal water, avocado oil, olive oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, hydrolyzed castor oil.

What is the best sunscreen for a child?

The development of baby skin occurs gradually. Only at the age of three are the cells in the epidermis that are responsible for the production of a special substance - melanin - finally formed. Too much ultraviolet rays can seriously harm a child's body. Up to three years, the baby should be constantly protected from the sun, and from the age of three, special sunscreens are allowed to be used. You can also find special products for babies from 0-6 months, but only in professional pharmacies. Be prepared for the fact that the cost of such drugs will be very high.

To choose an effective sunscreen for a child, you need to carefully read the instructions for each product. Usually, manufacturers indicate from what age their cosmetics can be used. There are also special creams for children. Rely on well-known companies that have been producing such products for a long time: Bübchen, Chicco, Mustella, Grinmama, Sanosan, Moe Solnyshko. Quite a few effective sunscreens for babies are also available from such manufacturers as Avon, Biokon, Garnier.

Method of administration and dosage

Apply sunscreen to clean and dry skin twenty to thirty minutes before sunbathing. Avoid contact with eyes. Repeat the procedure as needed (at least every 2-3 hours) or after swimming.

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After Sun Burn Cream

Of course, no one is immune from sunburn, so it is worth knowing which sunburn creams are the most effective and popular.

1. Panthenol is perhaps one of the best products that helps to cure any type of burns. Including sunburns. The active ingredient is d-panthenol. Apply the cream directly to the damaged areas.
2. Silveder cream - the product has an antibacterial effect. The active component is silver sulfadiazine. Apply to damaged skin in small quantities and allow to absorb.

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Use during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is best to use a mineral-based sunscreen that does not penetrate deeply into the skin and does not cause irritation. It is very important that the product has a high level of SPF and PPD protection, since the skin of a pregnant woman is more prone to sunburn.

It is important to apply sunscreen during pregnancy at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun. This is done so that its components have time to act and create a protective barrier on the skin. Do not skimp on the product, apply it in a fairly thick layer. It is very important to reapply every two hours or after swimming.

Harm from sunscreens

The ideal sunscreen should block all ultraviolet rays that pass through the layers of the epidermis. In order for the cream to really work, it must be on the skin for at least three hours and work in such a way that chemicals that are very harmful to the human body are not formed. What harm can sunscreen do to our skin?

1. Don't count on sunscreen to protect you from skin cancer. According to a 2007 study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there is no evidence that it works.
2. Some studies have shown that melanoma develops more often in people who use sunscreen.
3. Too much SPF protection can lead to a decrease in the amount of vitamin D in the body.
4. Some creams contain vitamin A, which increases the risk of developing cancer.

Allergy to sunscreen

Typically, an allergy to sunscreen can manifest itself as allergic contact dermatitis or contact photoallergy. The first type develops if a person applies sunscreen to the skin. Within 2 hours after application, the skin begins to turn red and itch. As a rule, the inflammation takes the form of blisters or a rash. Open wounds may also appear.

Photoallergy manifests itself in approximately the same way. But it appears only after the applied cream interacts with the sun's rays. Allergic reactions can be caused by the following components: oxybenzone, RABA, avobenzone. Usually, the inflammation passes very quickly (a day or two). To relieve itching, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the cream off the body. Compresses and special lotions help relieve irritation. Corticosteroids can be prescribed to relieve inflammation. Such allergies occur extremely rarely.

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Storage conditions and shelf life

Usually, sunscreens are stored in a dark place at a temperature no higher than +30 degrees. It is very important that the place is inaccessible to children. The shelf life of an unopened tube is three years. An open cream can be used for no more than six months.

Best sunscreen

It is difficult to say with certainty which sunscreen will suit you best. Of course, modern products have many positive reviews, but the best one still needs to be selected individually.