Summer holiday season is just around the corner, which makes it high time to talk about sun protection products. The Sun’s rays are very important for us—they stimulate the production of vitamin D, which strengthens our teeth and bones, disperses melancholy and makes us feel good. However, in anticipation of the long-awaited holiday on a warm beach it is important to remember that solar radiation can be very harmful! Devious UV radiation speeds up the organism’s aging processes, causes allergies, dermatitis and cell mutations.
What is the difference between UVA, UVB and UVC rays?
Short wavelength UVC rays emit the most dangerous type of radiation. Fortunately, the ozone layer faithfully protects us from their destructive influence.
UVB rays are medium wavelength UV rays (beta radiation). Only approximately 5% of the harmful radiation passes through the atmosphere. However, even that is enough to cause skin burns or the development of melanoma.
UVA rays are long wavelength UV rays (alpha radiation) that do not result in visible injuries but penetrate deep into skin layers and cause:
- premature aging of the skin (photoaging)
- hypersensitivity to the sun
- pigmentation disorders
- development of skin cancer.
In order to avoid unpleasant consequences after the summer season, make sure to use sun protection products regularly, not only during visits to the beach.
Types of UV filters
UV filters are substances that absorb, reflect and neutralise the negative influence of UV radiation. They are divided into the following groups:
- chemical sunscreens that block and absorb UV rays. These products are water-resistant and highly efficient. May cause allergic reactions.
- physical sunblocks that reflect UV rays. Do not create a reaction with the skin, effective immediately after application.
How to choose sun protection products?
Despite the abundance of sun protection products on the market, it is not that easy to choose safe and efficient products.
Components to pay attention to
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor). This indicates the level of protection against beta radiation. SPF should be chosen according to your skin type: if sunburn occurs on your skin in 10 minutes without protection, then applying a SPF-15 product should enable you to stay in the sun for up to 150 minutes.
SPF-15 products are best suited for daily use; you should apply a product with an SPF of 30 or higher when going to the beach.
IPD and PPD indexes show the level of protection against alpha radiation. UVA filters include compounds like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl, Tinosorb or Avobenzone.
Water resistant products contain substances (acrylates and polymers) that are resistant to sweat and body oils. These substances strengthen the protective capabilities of sunscreen and keep it effective even after swimming.
Types of sun protection products
- Creams and gels form a thin film on the skin’s surface that reflects the UV rays. You should use a cream if your skin is dry and a gel if it is oily.
- Facial creams have an especially light texture.
- Oils are used for skin hydration after a short period of time in the sun.
- Sprays and aerosols are quick and easy to apply and convenient to use (not recommended if you are prone to allergic reactions).
- Balms, lotions and cooling gels nourish and regenerate your skin, saturate it with nutrients to prevent the premature aging of skin and provide a perfectly even tan.
Before making a purchase, please carefully examine the ingredients and test the product. A high-quality sunscreen is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving an oily sheen.
If the product contains ingredients such as isoparaffin, lanolin alcohol, hexylene glycol, decyl oleate, or hydrogenated vegetable oils, it is better not to make that purchase.
How to apply sun protection products to achieve the desired effect?
- Apply the cream generously and evenly on the skin 20–30 minutes before going out into the sun. This gives the product ample time to be absorbed into the skin and provide full protection.
- Please re-apply the product after swimming. A water-resistant sun protection cream should be re-applied every 1.5–2 hours.
- After a visit to the beach, please remove excess sun protection using a scrub, and apply a moisturizing lotion or balm on the skin.
Eco SunCare natural cosmetics + free gift
Eco SunCare natural cosmetics provide reliable protection from UVA and UVB radiation for both adults and children. These products do not contain petrochemical products, colours and preservatives.
Thanks to this, products from the Eco SunCare series do not leave an oily sheen or cause allergies, and are suitable for the daily use of children and grown-ups alike. The quality of the product is confirmed by the BDIH certificate (Germany).
Upon a single purchase of €30 worth of our products you will receive the Eco SunCare children’s cream and lotion as a gift.
We wish you pleasant shopping and an unforgettable holiday!