Beauty Files
Choosing the right SPF for good sun protection
Who says summer says sun protection protection. To go on vacation well protected, find here all the golden rules for a summer in the sun, while preserving your skin.
What is the purpose of SPF and which one to choose for your skin?
It's easy to get a little lost when faced with the vast array of suncare products. Especially since they don't all have the same acronym. The best known? SPF which means "Sunburn Protection Factor". We sometimes meet its French translation SPF for "Sun Protection Factor" or IP for "Protection Index". But all these acronyms mean the same thing.
The SPF is the index representing the level of protection provided by a sunscreen product. The higher the SPF, the greater the photoprotective action. The SPF index measures the product's ability to block UVB rays, the rays most responsible for sunburn. But just because the SPF is high doesn't mean that all the sun's harmful effects have been eliminated: excessive exposure to the sun can lead to premature skin ageing and dark spots. And contrary to popular belief.., face and body sunscreens don't act as an anti-tanning barrier. They simply allow you to do so in complete safety. In fact, while the sun in small doses is excellent for filling up on vitamin D, going out when the rays become threatening exposes us to the risk of sunburn, and even more complicated health concerns.
There are 4 levels of SPF:
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6 to 10: representing low protection
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15 to 25 : which represents a medium protection
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30 to 50 : which represents a strong protection
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50 and + : which represents a very strong protection
Each sun protection factor corresponds to a percentage of UVB blocked. For example, SPF 20 blocks about 92% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks about 95%. Finally, SPF 50 will block 98% of UVB rays. Even if the difference in the percentage of UV rays blocked is not huge, the protection will still be more effective and a high level of protection will be more appropriate, especially if you have fair skin. Do you have dark skin? Depending on where you are going, you can opt for a medium to high protection factor. But, in all cases, suncare products can only deliver their protection effectively if certain golden rules of application are followed.
Please note : the notions of total sunscreen or total protection are now prohibited. Indeed, no sunscreen can guarantee total protection against UVA and UVB rays. Since 2006, the European Commission has grouped together sunscreen indices above 50 (as well as the 60 and 80 indices that existed previously) into a single 50+ index. This measure was also taken to protect consumers who mistakenly thought they could tan without limit with an index 80 applied only in the morning ...
Whichever option you choose, don't forget to take a good make-up remover oil or balm with you, even on vacation, to effectively remove all sun filters. After the oily step, which effectively emulsifies your suncare product, a cleansing gel will refine the result. We also pause our facial exfoliator (or adopt the Exfoliating Powder Oh My Cream Skincare) to avoid sensitizing the skin.
And because every skin condition needs its own sunscreen, discover our favorite sunscreens in this article.
Choosing the right SPF for your face
Our sun care for the body
And to repair skin weakened by UV rays after exposure
To care for skin that has become overheated after prolonged exposure to the sun, and to relieve sunburn, we opt for an after-sun treatment that will provide our skin with the moisture it needs. An after-sun sorbet jellyto refresh skin that has suffered from heatstroke, or an ultra-nourishing mask to soothe sunburn... Choose the right care product to repair skin weakened by UV rays. Find out more about our tips for refreshing skin after exposure here.
Our tips for safe tanning
- Even if you are protected, don't expose yourself between 12pm and 4pm. During this time, ultraviolet rays bombard the skin and skin aging is the result (regardless of your phototype)...
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We think of the sensitive areas: ears, hairline, neckline, hands and feet... All these fragile places where sunburn and redness can happen!
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Complete your travel kit with the right accessories for maximum protection: sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, T-shirt or flowing blouse..;
- We reveal all our tips for (really) good tanning, here.
- And for a long-lasting tan? Exfoliate your skin before exposure to the sun to remove dead cells and give your skin a new look. After exposure, don't forget to moisturize your skin with an after-sun lotion. But beware of overexposure, which, despite all the sun creams in the world, is still dangerous for your skin.
Want to complete your summer vanity with a face maskor a nourishing or firming body care product? Don't hesitate to visit our boutique to receive your skin diagnosis. Would you like to discover another sun cream or after sun ? Our complete collection on the site will detail all the others gems. Go here to discover all our essentials to take care of your body and your skin this summer. And here for our best tips on how to get a good tan. Finally, an e-mail to consultation@ohmycream.com will help you find the perfect formula! Have a great summer!
