A tan, while attractive and many of us dream of an olive complexion, is unfortunately unhealthy. Dermatologists are sounding the alarm, and it's high time to take their warnings seriously. Of course, basking in the sun is very pleasant and relaxing. The sun is the most important source of vitamin D, commonly known as the happiness vitamin. However, sunbathing isn't as healthy. Excessive sun exposure damages our skin cells. Sunburn, a skin reaction to radiation, is also harmful.
A tan is the result of melanin – a natural substance found in the body that is responsible for the pigmentation of skin, hair, and the iris of the eye. Melanin's primary function is to protect the skin from UV rays. This mechanism is intended to counteract the harmful effects of the sun. Tanning is a side effect. However, melanin's protection is very weak, so it must be supplemented with filters found in sunscreens.
Radiation – what are the dangers?
Sunscreen shouldn't be limited to the summer season. We should use these products year-round. UVA rays constitute 95% of UV radiation and are present regardless of the weather or season. We tan even in the shade, as the sun's rays reflect off sand, water, and snow, among other things, and even penetrate through windows.
UVA radiation releases more free radicals. It is responsible for photoaging, which is the process of skin degeneration and damage, the destruction of collagen fibers, pigmentation discoloration, and even cancerous changes. The effects of UVA are not immediately visible because the doses are cumulative.
UVB radiation has an erythematous effect and causes sunburn. It is also responsible for skin browning. These rays do not penetrate through clouds or glass. UVB intensity varies depending on the season and the day – it is strongest in the summer, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
SPF – what is it?
SPF (Sun Protective Factor) is a measure of a product's sun protection capabilities. This indicator is calculated by comparing the time it takes for a sunburn to develop on sun-protected skin with the time it takes for unprotected skin to burn. A person whose skin turns red after 10 minutes without sunscreen can safely tan for approximately 100 minutes using an SPF 10 product. The higher the sun protection factor, the greater the skin protection. Dermatologists also recommend using products with a higher SPF. Irresponsible and thoughtless tanning can be disastrous and cause skin cancer.
Types of filters on cosmetics:
- low protection level – SPF 2-6
- medium protection level – SPF 8-12
- high protection level – SPF 15-25
- very high protection level – SPF 30-50
Complexion and filter height
The rule for using the right sunscreen is simple: the lighter your complexion, the higher the SPF you should use to best protect your skin. Regardless of your complexion, however, tanning should begin with a high SPF. This factor can be gradually reduced as your tan develops. Skin exposed to the sun needs to adapt, so it needs the best possible protection. If you want proper protection, make sure the SPF you use protects against UVA and UVB rays and has stable filters, meaning they don't degrade in the sun. I prefer pharmacy brands, which usually combine mineral and chemical filters.
What filters can we find in cosmetics?
SPF filters are chemical compounds that protect the skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation. These filters are used in cosmetics:
- Mineral (physical) – these work by reflecting radiation. The most popular are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
- Chemical – have the properties of absorbing and absorbing solar radiation energy.
How to use sunscreen?
The manufacturer's instructions on the packaging of every sunscreen product indicate the recommended amount to use to maintain its benefits. The recommended amount is 1.8 ml, and it's recommended to reapply the cream every 2-3 hours. The cream should also be applied after every swim (even waterproof sunscreen!) and towel drying.
Which filter should I choose?
Unfortunately, sunscreens aren't foolproof. Some whiten the skin, while others are difficult to absorb and shorten the life of your makeup. Fortunately, there's a wide selection of sunscreens on the market, so you can easily choose the right product for your skin type.
If you're looking for daily skin protection, consider swapping your typical sunscreen for makeup. Most foundations have SPF 15. For short exposures and city sun, this is perfectly adequate. There are also foundations and makeup primers with SPF 20, 25, and 30. This option is equally good, but remember that sunscreen should be chosen based on your needs and expectations. If you're going to the beach, choose a sunscreen with photostable filters; for a 30-minute walk, foundation with SPF 15-20 and a hat will suffice.
Mineral foundations and sun protection
Mineral foundations contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, minerals that protect the skin from the harmful effects of radiation. This makes them ideal for urban environments, where sun protection of up to 30 SPF is sufficient.
What else is worth knowing about filters?
- There's no sunscreen that protects your skin 100% from UV radiation. The phrases "sun block" or "complete protection" aren't entirely accurate, so be careful and keep this in mind when sunbathing.
- At least a month before sunbathing and the summer season, you should avoid acids, retinoids, and vitamin A. These ingredients are photosensitizing and can cause burns and discoloration. This also applies to oral medications. Avoid sunbathing while on retinoid therapy. Products containing St. John's wort are also photosensitizing.
- All moles and acne lesions should be protected from sunlight. Only a doctor can decide which moles should be removed before sun exposure.
- It is important to apply tanning cosmetics no later than 15-20 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply them after the exposure time has elapsed.
Martyna Piechowska is a blogger and makeup artist. She combines her passion for cosmetics and makeup with her professional work, where she can be found daily at the drugstore. Blogging is both a hobby and a way to spend her free time. She loves cosmetics and everything related to beauty, skincare, and makeup.
