Protect your skin with SPF Creams

Last year while being in Croatia I have discovered the high importance of using SPF creams while being exposed to sun. I know that people might thing that they will not be the ones to get a sun burn but trust me, without a proper protection you will not only get a bad burn but you will also expose your skin to some severe UVA and UVB rays.

The sun creams with high SPF can prevent this but also note that you need to expose yourself to sunlight during the correct hours. Check the article below to find out more about the importance of using creams with high SPF.

Essential Sunscreen Tips for Sun Exposure

As the hot sun makes us spending more time outdoors, it’s important to prioritize the health and safety of our skin. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sunlight can cause sunburn, premature aging and even skin cancer.

To protect your skin from these dangers, it is important to include SPF products in your daily skincare routine. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of SPF products and provide practical advice on how to choose and use them properly when in the sun.

What is SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from UVB rays. UVB rays cause sunburn and are strongly associated with skin cancer.

SPF products provide a shield that helps block and absorb UVB rays, reducing skin damage.

How to choose the right SPF for your skin

When choosing an SPF product, it’s important to consider a few key factors.

• SPF Level: Look for an SPF cream with an SPF of at least 30. Higher SPF levels provide improved protection, but it’s important to note that no sunscreen offers 100% protection.
• Reapply the cream regularly, especially after showering or sweating.
• Make sure the sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin and are linked to premature aging and skin cancer.
• Your skin and allergies: Consider your skin and any specific sensitivities or allergies you may have. Choose SPF products that are labeled hypoallergenic, hypoallergenic, and suitable for your skin type.

How to apply it correctly

To ensure adequate coverage, apply plenty of SPF cream to all exposed areas of the body, including face, neck, arms and legs. Don’t forget areas that are often overlooked such as the ears, the back of the neck and the tops of the feet.

• Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun to help absorb it into the skin. Reapply every couple of hours, or more often if you have showered or sweated.
• Don’t forget your lips and eyes.
• Protect your lips with a lip balm with SPF, and wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from sun damage.
• Seek shade: While SPF coating offers maximum protection, it’s wise to seek shade during peak sun hours, usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This reduces overall sun exposure and reduces skin damage.
• Wear protective clothing: Add other sunscreens to your sunscreen, such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shorts and long pants for you skin is more protected from sunlight.

Bear in mind that in the warm season the UV exposure index varies from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest. It is not advisable to stay in the sun while the UV index is above 6.

Especially if you are on vacation you can easily check this on a wether app on your smartphone.

I often do this while being on vacation and as long the UV index is above 7 I will seek shade or choose not to stay in the sun. This is how I avoided sun burns last year during my honeymoon but got myself a nice and healthy tan instead.

Below are a few sun creams with high SPF that I would choose after having tested all of them:

• Vichy Capital Soleil 50+

This cream is suitable for the face and body and is formulated with the broad-spectrum filter system Meroxyl, which provides very high protection SPF 50+.

Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, it offers 24 hours of hydration.

Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested on sensitive skin. Apply it regularly during sun exposure. Even if it is written that it is water resistant I chose to apply it several times during sun exposure.

• Altruist SPF 50

This cream provides UVA and UVB protection. What I enjoyed is that even if it is a fatty cream it has no fragrance at all and it is suitable for my skin type. Make sure that you test it before applying it on your face.

However the price is a good one and the quality is top. It has a hypoallergenic formula, high tolerance and is indeed water-resistant.

• Evy Technology Sunscreen Mousse 50+

I have also tested this SPF cream from EVY Technology, the one dedicated to children. It is a lightweight sun protection with SPF 50 for face and body, highly reliable against UVB and UVA rays.

It is an excellent choice for those seeking long-lasting yet gentle protection, such as individuals prone to pigmentation spots or for whom anti-aging protection is an important aspect of skincare.

According to their description it guarantees high safety, high tolerance, and rapid penetration, however I would suggest to test it prior long sun exposure.

All of the products above were tested but I would recommend to find and choose one that best suits your needs and to your skin, as skin types differ from person to person what might be suitable for me might not be for everyone.

Text and pics: IbMagazine, Yle Balaceanu