With the arrival of warmer weather and vacations on the horizon, protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays is becoming a priority for those who care most about their skin. Choosing the right sunscreen isn't just a matter of comfort or cosmetics, but above all, of health. In this article, discover the difference between UVA and UVB rays and, most importantly, how to choose your next sunscreen based on your skin type.
I. UV rays from the sun
The different types of UV rays
365 days a year, the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays toward our planet. You're probably familiar with them: UVA and UVB, but do you know their specificities and differences?
UVA rays represent approximately 95% of the UV rays that reach the Earth's surface. They penetrate deep into the dermis and cause the appearance of brown spots on the skin's surface. As you can see, these are the types of UV rays that reach the skin and damage it over the long term. Indeed, UVA rays accelerate skin aging and lead to premature aging.
UVB rays, on the other hand, penetrate the more superficial layers of the epidermis. They are responsible for sunburn and skin diseases such as cancer. Their effects on the skin are immediate: sunburn, burns, and heatstroke.
Your remedy? Sun protection and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
II. Sun protection
1. Stick cream
A trend of recent years and popular thanks to its convenient application format, sunscreen sticks should have a place in your beach bag. Between sunglasses, a beach book, and a towel, remember to include your sunscreen.
Our experts recommend that all skin types, whether light or darker, opt for sunscreen with an SPF50 UV index to approach your first beach trips with peace of mind. Remember that the SPF indicates the level of protection that the sunscreen guarantees for your skin against the sun's UV rays. For example, an SPF30 sunscreen means that you are protected 30 times longer than if you were without sunscreen, taking into account the time it takes for a sunburn to appear without protection. SPF50 therefore allows you to enjoy your days at the beach for longer!
Back to the sunscreen stick... this product has already won over the PAYOT team thanks to its transparent texture on the skin. No more white traces of sunscreen on the skin. Formulated with an OCEA+ COMPLEX, it effectively protects against all UV rays: UVB, UVA, and long UVA, and thus protects against photoaging, which is responsible for wrinkles, fine lines, and brown spots.
2. Water-based sunscreen
A solar innovation, bi-phase water can also be used as a sunscreen for the body and face! Lighter on the skin, the fresh water vaporizes on the skin's surface. It not only effectively protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays, but also provides a refreshing boost at any time of day, even for skin most exposed to the sun.
A new product that our experts love, this sunscreen is suitable for swimming, but it is recommended to apply it regularly, at most every 2 hours.
Environmentally conscious sunscreens
As you will have understood, our sun creams protect your skin by offering high protection against UVA (short and long) and UVB rays from the sun thanks to the combination of organic UVA/UVB filters and silicone-free formulas.
Here, we reveal their true added value on the market: their respect for the oceans and their commitment to THE CORAL PLANTER association to finance the planting of several coral reefs off the coast of the Maldives. Every year, nearly 25,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the oceans, and we are proud to work for this valuable cause.
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III - Which sunscreen for which skin type?
1. Light and sensitive skin
It is commonly said that light and sensitive skin is more susceptible to sunburn and premature aging. This is because less melanin leads to increased sensitivity to the sun. Very light skin turns red within minutes when not protected from the sun.
Our experts recommend sunscreens with an SPF of 50+, preferably with mineral filters to minimize the risk of irritation. Look for products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
2. Dark and matte skin
Olive and dark skin tones have a higher amount of melanin, which naturally protects them from UV rays. However, this doesn't mean they're immune to sun damage. It's still important to apply a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least SPF 30 to prevent sunburn and premature skin aging. Opt for light, non-greasy sunscreens to avoid white residue on the skin. The PAYOT sunscreen stick meets this criterion with flying colors!
3. Combination to oily skin
For combination to oily skin, it's crucial to choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen. This means that sunscreen doesn't promote the proliferation of spots and other imperfections on the skin's surface. The Very High Protection Sunscreen Stick SPF50+ is designed to be suitable for all skin types. That's why we recommend it for blemish-prone skin. Plus, it has a matte finish on the skin! No unnecessary shine!
3. Dry skin
Already sensitive, dry skin should opt for a sunscreen with a UV index of 50 for safe sun exposure. Our experts recommend moisturizing and/or nourishing sunscreens that won't tighten the skin. Enriched with organic buriti oil, the very high protection SPF50+ stick won't dry out the skin. Indeed, considered the richest natural source of beta-carotene, this oil prolongs your tan and brightens your complexion.
Oil-based sunscreens are ideal for nourishing and plumping the skin while fighting fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to protecting against UV rays, these creams help maintain youthful skin and prevent free radical damage. It's important to choose products that are tailored to your skin type and specific needs for effective sun protection and a radiant complexion.
In a nutshell, sunscreen is considered an anti-aging treatment that prevents skin aging, skin cancer, and sunburn. Using sunscreen daily is arguably our experts' best advice for sun exposure. Protect yourself and enjoy the sun safely!
4. Mature skin
For mature skin with visible signs of aging, we recommend sunscreens enriched with antioxidants to protect the skin from harmful substances in the air, such as pollution. A UV index of SPF 30 or SPF 50 is recommended to prevent premature aging and dark spots.