SPF rules for good sun protection

Why use SPF?

It's easy to get lost in the vast array of suncare products. Especially since not all of them carry the same acronym. The best-known? SPF stands for "Sunburn Protection Factor". We sometimes come across its French translation FPS for "Facteur de Protection Solaire" or IP for "Indice de Protection". 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.

How do I know the SPF factor of a sun care product?

There are 4 SPF levels:

6 to 10: representing low protection
15 to 25: representing medium protection
30 to 50: representing strong protection
50 and +: representing very high protection

Each sun protection factor corresponds to a percentage of UVB rays blocked. For example, SPF 20 blocks around 92% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks around 95%. Finally, SPF 50 will block 98% of UVB rays. Even if the difference in the percentage of UV rays blocked isn't huge, 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 your destination, you may opt for a medium to high protection factor. In all cases, however, suncare products can only deliver effective protection if certain golden rules of application are observed.

Please note : the terms "total sunscreen" or "total protection" are no longer permitted. No sunscreen can guarantee total protection against UVA and UVB rays. Since 2006, indexes above 50 (as well as the previously existing indexes 60 and 80) have been grouped together by the European Commission into a single index 50+. This measure was also taken to protect consumers who mistakenly thought they could tan without limit with SPF 80 applied only in the morning...

How to use sun protection properly

The various tests used to assign a protection score to your suncare product are carried out under certain conditions. Unfortunately, these are far removed from common usage. For example, when measuring SPF on the face, about half a teaspoon of sunscreen is applied.

Here are our beauty tips for getting the most out of your suncare products:

Apply sun protection generously. For the face, use the mille-feuille technique, layering layers of sun protection on top of each other. Apply a first layer, allow to penetrate, then repeat.

Choosing the right product. For the face, cream or light emulsion textures are the easiest to apply, whatever your skin type. For the body, treat yourself to sensorial textures: sun oil, sun mist or sun milk, the choice is yours...
Re-apply the product every 2 hours. This may seem restrictive, but it's the only way to guarantee that the index applied to the product is maintained. Especially in summer, when bathing, towel rubbing and perspiration put our sun protection to the test...

Renew your suncare products every year. Sun filters are fragile ingredients; temperature variations and frequent contact with the air when opening and closing the product can upset the formula. To avoid any doubts, it's best to start with new suncare products every summer. And if you've been generous with your applications, your bottles should already be almost empty...

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.

Which sunscreen and SPF to choose for the face?

For sensitive skin: British Summer Time Sun Cream Sensitive Skin SPF30 Pai Skincare

Thanks to its broad-spectrum mineral protection, it shields even the most sensitive skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as from the harmful effects of blue light and infrared rays, while repairing the damage caused by the various rays and leaving it feeling comfortable and soothed all day long.

For mature skin: Sun Face Cream SPF 50 Crème Solaire Visage Rudolph

With a dual anti-aging and repairing action, it protects against the burning effects of aging, while moisturizing the skin. Urban skins will also appreciate its strong anti-free radical power, thanks to its powerful antioxidant load.

For combination, oily or blemish-prone skin: SPF50 Mineral Drops Niacinamide + Green Tea Invisible Sunscreen Odacité

With its light, invisible texture, it protects the skin from the effects of the sun and diminishes pigmentation spots, while reducing irritation. And for daily protection in the city, opt for its tinted version !

For dry skin: Sun Face Cream SPF50 Oh My Cream Skincare

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and a complex of plant oils, it helps protect against UVA and UVB rays, while leaving skin nourished and soothed.

Which body sunscreen to choose?

For oil fans: Sun Oil SPF 30 Body Oil Rudolph Care

A dry oil that combines sensoriality and effectiveness, with a light, super-water-resistant texture. It adheres flawlessly to the skin and can even be applied to damp skin. The right formula for maximum enjoyment in complete safety...

For sensitive skin: Sun Body Lotion SPF 50 Sun Body Lotion Rudolph Care

With Eco Swan Label-certified sun filters and a formula rich in aloe vera extracts, this sun cream protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays without a trace, moisturizes and soothes the skin, and even has a real toning and refreshing effect thanks to its natural cucumber extracts.

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 with protection, you shouldn't expose yourself to the sun between 12pm and 4pm. During this period, ultraviolet rays bombard the epidermis, and skin ageing is the result (whatever your phototype)...
We're thinking of sensitive areas: ears, hairline, décolleté, hands and feet... all those fragile places where sunburn and redness can easily occur!
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.

Our favorite sun care products

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All our sun care products

Would you like to complete your summer vanity with a face maska nourishing or firming body treatment? Don't hesitate to visit our boutique to receive your skin diagnosis. Would you like to discover another sun cream or aftersun ? Our complete collection on the site will give you details of all the others gems. Click here to discover all our summer skin and body care essentials. And here for our top tips on tanning. Finally, send an e-mail to contact@ohmycream.com to find the perfect formula!