Best Sunscreens: Which Protection to Choose for Your Skin

What is SPF

The Solar Protection Factor, known as SPF, indicates the level of protection a sunscreen product provides against UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn. Contrary to what many people believe, SPF does not indicate the safe duration of sun exposure, but rather the percentage of UVB rays filtered by the product. For example, an SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, while an SPF 30 blocks about 97% and an SPF 50 goes up to 98%. Since people tend never to apply enough sunscreen, we strongly recommend you always choose an SPF of 30 or higher, preferably 50, to ensure effective protection against long-term damage caused by sun exposure

Also important is the protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for photoaging and can contribute to the development of skin tumors. Modern protection provides broad-spectrum coverage against both types of ultraviolet radiation, UVB and UVA. To make sure a sunscreen product protects adequately against both UVA and UVB rays, look for the circled UVA symbol on the label, which indicates UVA protection equal to at least one third of the UVB effectiveness, as recommended by the European Commission.

Your skin will benefit greatly from a conscious choice that includes both UVB and UVA protection, ensuring optimal protection against potential damage caused by sun exposure.

What is the UV index and how is it related to sunscreen

The UV index is a measure that indicates the level of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun and how quickly it can damage your skin. This index ranges from 0 to 11+, where higher values indicate a greater risk of exposure to UV rays. It is important to use sunscreen with an adequate protection factor, especially when the UV index is 3 or higher.

The UV rays are responsible for various types of skin damage, as already specified, and sunscreen plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from these harmful effects.

Using appropriate sunscreens creates a barrier that helps filter and reflect UV rays, significantly reducing the impact of radiation on your skin. is essential to choose a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) suited to the UV index intensity in your area`

How to choose sunscreen

Choose sunscreen right means consider the skin type and phototype to ensure protection and a moisturising effect without irritation, ensuring protection and comfort during sun exposure. Not sure what your skin type is? Try our Skin test!

Sensitive skin

For sensitive skin, look for fragrance- and paraben-free formulations, and preferably with mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less irritating.

Greasy leathers

If you have the oily skin, oriented towards non-comedogenic and water-based products to avoid a shiny effect and the formation of imperfections.

Dry skin

For dry skin too, it is essential that sunscreen include moisturizing ingredients like thehyaluronic acid, which helps maintain hydration during sun exposure.

Skin Phototypes and SPF

It's also important to consider your skin phototype when choosing your sun protection factor. For the phototypes 1 and 2, who have very fair skin and burn easily, it is essential to use an SPF 50 to ensure maximum protection. For the Skin phototypes 3 to 6, which tend to burn less and tan more easily, an SPF 30 is generally sufficient. Make sure to choose a product that offers the right protection for your level of sensitivity to UV rays, ensuring safety and optimal skin care in the sun.

Best sunscreen formats: which ones suit you

For effective, comfortable sun protection all year round, and to add the perfect products to your morning and evening summer skincare, choose the format that best suits your lifestyle and your skin's needs.

Creams

The creams offer a dense consistency and rich in moisturizing ingredients, creating a protective veil on the skin. These come in an ideal format for specific, targeted application, particularly for those who suffer from skin dryness.

Gel

The gels offer a format of lightweight product that absorbs easily, particularly appreciated for its ability to does not leave greasy residue on the skin. Their texture offers a refreshing feel and absorbs quickly. Perfect if you have oily or combination skin.

Spray

The sprays represent a practical and quick format, perfect for even distribution of the product over large areas of the body. Thanks to their liquid consistency, they are highly appreciated for their ease of application and reapplication. Ideal for those who are always on the go or for people who do outdoor sports.

Why it’s better not to use tanning sprays

Unlike sunscreens, which are formulated to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, the sprays and artificial tanning lotions temporarily color the surface of the skin, without providing a barrier against sun damage.

Even if you have dark skin, which naturally contains more melanin and offers some protection, you are not immune to UV damage.

is therefore it is advisable to avoid artificial tanning products and choose sunscreen products that offer adequate protection. Protecting your skin from the sun’s rays should always be the priority, regardless of the desire for a tanned complexion. If you want golden-looking skin, consider using safe self-tanners, but never forget sunscreen.

The best SKIN FIRST products for sun protection

SKIN FIRST offers a diverse range of creams sun care, designed to offer maximum protection while keeping your skin healthy and beautiful. Choose the product best suited to your needs from our collection and ensure effective protection for every occasion.

Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 - Face

With a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture, this sunscreen gel is ideal for those looking for effective protection specifically for the face without the feeling of heavinessProtects against UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant, perfect for active days at the beach or by the pool. Its non-greasy formula also makes it suitable for combination and oily skin.

Also available with SPF 50.

Sun Lotion SPF 30 – Face and body

This sunscreen with a fluid texture offers quick absorption without leaving white marks. Formulated to protect the face and body, it provides protection against UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant, ideal for those who want to keep their skin hydrated and protected during long periods of sun exposure. It is suitable for all skin types, providing lasting comfort.

This lotion is also available with higher protection (50).

Application and reapplication of sunscreen

If you're wondering When to apply sunscreen, know that consistency is essential to ensure a Effective protection against UV rays and prevent the onset of problems related to exposure. Sunscreen should be applied generously and evenly to all exposed areas of skin at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. This allows the product to be absorbed properly and start working at its best.

is important to remember to Reapply the cream every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, to maintain active sun protection throughout the day.

Furthermore, remember: cream should not be applied only at the seaside or on the beach, and above all, not just in summer: even when you're in the city or the mountains, exposure to UV rays can be just as intense as at the beach, especially if the UV index is high. Even in winter, always remember to protect yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Protection

Can I use last year's sunscreen?

Check the expiration date. If it hasn't expired and has been stored properly, it can be used, but consider buying a new cream for optimal effectiveness.

Yes, you can use the same sunscreen on both your face and body?

It’s possible, but to optimize your skincare, choose a specific sunscreen for the face, formulated to be gentler and suitable for that area.

Do tanning lamps work to prepare your skin for the sun?

No, using sunbeds to prepare for sun exposure is not recommended. These devices mainly emit UVA rays, which can penetrate deeply into the skin and cause more damage than UVB rays, increasing the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer.

Using a high SPF sunscreen prevents you from tanning?

No, you can still tan even when using a sunscreen with a high SPF. No sun protection blocks 100% of the sun’s rays, and even high-SPF formulas let a small percentage of UV rays through, allowing tanning.

The tan can get rid of acne?

Another common myth is that a tan can cure acne. Although the sun can temporarily dry out the skin and make blemishes look less noticeable, exposure to UV rays can actually worsen acne in the long term and increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Does the scrub remove your tan?

No, exfoliating your skin with a scrub does not remove your tan. A tan develops in the deeper layers of the epidermis and is not removed by exfoliation, which only removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, potentially helping to make the tan more even and radiant.

With these simple tips we've given you, you'll ensure effective protection so you can enjoy the sun safely and keep your skin healthy and beautiful. Buy your next Skin First sunscreen!