Skincare Products : Sunscreen
Why it is fundamental
Why do we insist so much on sun protection? Because the damage that UV rays can cause is numerous, irreversible, and often very serious: they are one of the main causes of wrinkles, cellular DNA damage, and skin cancer. So you will understand that protecting your skin (even in winter) brings countless benefits for your health.
Types of solar filters
Sunscreens can be divided into two main categories:
- Physical filters (also called inorganic or mineral filters): they act as a screen that reflects UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin. The most commonly used ones are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
- Chemical (or organic) filters: they work by absorbing UV rays, converting them into heat and releasing them from the skin. The most commonly used chemical filters are octocrylene, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.
How to apply it
To get the maximum benefit from sunscreen, it is important to apply it correctly to clean, dry skin and reapply it every two hours or after sweating or getting wet.
What are the essential things you need to remember:
- Apply it even in winter if you expose yourself to the sun;
- Apply it even when it is cloudy but you are outdoors: UV rays reach your skin even through clouds;
- Apply it even if you are under an umbrella: if clouds cannot block UV rays, let alone an umbrella;
- Reapply it multiple times throughout the day: it's difficult (especially when wearing makeup) but it is necessary;
- Do not use it if it has passed the PAO (Period After Opening, the number of months after opening indicated on the packaging after which the product should no longer be used as its properties may be altered);
- Check that it also protects against UVA rays.
Keep an eye on the UV index
To understand whether or not to use sunscreen, it’s enough to check the UV index: it’s the ultraviolet exposure index, a scale that measures the amount of UV rays present in Earth's atmosphere. It’s used to inform about the risks of sunburn and skin damage:if it is equal to or greater than 3, it’s always best to protect yourself with sunscreen, as well as wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses, and try to avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours.
