Skincare Products : Sunscreen

Why do we insist so much on sun protection? Because the damage that UV rays can cause is numerous, irreversible and often 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.

Sunscreen filters can be divided into two main categories: 

• Physical filters (either inorganic or mineral): they act as a screen that reflects UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the Skin. The most commonly used options 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.

To get the maximum benefit from sunscreen, it’s important to apply it correctly to clean, dry Skin and reapply every two hours or after sweating or getting wet.

Here are the key things you need to remember:

• Apply it even in winter if you’re exposed to the sun;
• Apply it even when it’s cloudy but you’re outdoors: UV rays reach your Skin even through clouds;
• Apply it even if you’re under an umbrella: if clouds can’t block UV rays, an umbrella certainly won’t either;
• Reapply it multiple times throughout the day: it’s difficult (especially when wearing makeup) but it’s necessary;
• Do not use it if it has passed the PAO (Period After Opening, the number of months after opening listed on the packaging after which the product should no longer be used, as its properties may have been compromised);
• Check that it also protects against UVA rays.

To determine whether to use sunscreen or not, it is sufficient to check the UV index: this is the ultraviolet exposure index, a scale that measures the amount of UV rays present in Earth's atmosphere. It is used to inform about the risks of sunburn and Skin damage:if it is equal to or higher than 3, it is always best to protect yourself with sunscreen, as well as wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses, and try to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours.