UV rays and spf: expert answers for informed sun protection
What's the difference between UVA and UVB?
UVB causes visible tanning and sunburn, while UVA is responsible for skin ageing in the long term. Together, UVA and UVB are prime suspects in the cause of many skin cancers. So don't forget to keep your skin safe by choosing "broad-spectrum" sunscreens that provide both UVA and UVB protection and long UVA protection! Click HERE for more information on UVA, UVB and long-UVA
What does spf means?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rates sunscreen's efficiency in blocking UVB rays. It is a way to measure the amount of blocked radiation, providing the dosage is 2 milligrams per square centimeter. For optimal protection from UVB, we recommend using sunscreen rated as 'very high' – SPF 50+, as they block at least 98% of UVB rays. EU-approved broad-spectrum sunscreens also provide UVA protection ('UVA' in a circle on the packaging).
Click HERE to learn more about protecting your skin and hair against the sun
Why should i avoid the sun at its peak?
Do you know what smart sun lovers do? They seek out shady spots between noon and 4 p.m. when the sun is most damaging! And that's a big yes, as UV rays are more direct and intense when high in the sky. So, if you can't avoid the sun at its zenith, take extra precautions when going out. That being said, we should avoid sun as much as possible and use sunscreen at every occasions.
Can sun reflection cause sunburn?
Did you know that ultraviolet radiation does not only come from up above? Indeed, the reflection of the sun's rays further intensifies their effect. We all know that water reflects sunlight, but so does sand, white paint, concrete, and any light or shiny surface! Snow is a super reflector; it almost doubles your UV exposure. It's also helpful to know that UV levels increase at high altitudes, such as in the mountains and near the equator. Now you know what to do next time you go skiing!
Sunscreen: key questions for optimal protection
Choosing the right sunscreen takes work, given the vast range of available products, lotions, ingredients, SPFs, and formulations. Knowing which questions to ask is crucial for selecting, applying, and achieving the best skin protection!
Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better?
Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV radiation, whilst mineral sunscreen, also called physical sunscreen or “sunblock” (even though this term is incorrect), creates a barrier to physically block and deflect the UV rays. Some broad-spectrum sunscreens contain a combination of both mineral and chemical ingredients. This is why we refer to our sun protection lotions and potions as "sunscreen" to simplify things.
From the lightest to the darkest shades, including black: does every skin tone need sunscreen?
Yes, every skin colour requires sunscreen protection! While darker skin contain more melanin, which offers some degree of protection against UVB, it is still vulnerable to the harmful effects of UVA radiation.
While they tan easily, phototypes 4 to 6, that are intermediate to dark skins, can still have melanomas. It is not the same skin cancers as in people who have very fair skin. Epidermal carcinomas are very rare. However, it's crucial to understand that skin cancer can be more challenging to detect and may be diagnosed at a later stage in darker skin tones, making prevention even more critical. A mole check once a year with your derm can definitely help!
To learn more about phototypes, check our article here.
How much sunscreen should I use?
Most people simply don't use enough sunscreen. So, what's the right amount? It's always more than you think! An average-sized woman must use 36g of cream to cover her whole body. That is roughly two tablespoons or one generous "golfball."
How should I apply sunscreen?
The sunscreen rule to keep in mind: apply sun protection 20-30 minutes before you go outside. Remember your ears, the nape of your neck, your feet and ankles, and the backs of your hands, just like the song. It is essential to reapply sun protection every two hours – more frequently if you're swimming or sweating (even with a water-resistant formula). And that, regardless of the SPF or the ingredients.
Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
When applied correctly, sunscreen acts as a barrier that minimizes the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin. This, in turn, helps protect against sunburn and damage… and also reduces tanning. However, no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so some tanning might still occur.
What is the best sunscreen?
It all depends on your needs! It makes sense to pick out a few different sunscreen formulations that suit your whole family's wants and needs; try them and choose your favorite—texture, ingredients, smell, or simply a gorgeous packaging—the choice is yours! La Roche-Posay Laboratory has developed ANTHELIOS – a range of high and very high protection sunscreens. Our products encompass cream, gel, fluid, mist, oil, and stick formulations that complement your lifestyle and are tailored to different skin types: sensitive, oily and acne-prone, pigmentation-prone, babies and children... You will find everything from tinted sunscreens to everyday facial sunscreens to “wet skin” textures that can be applied straight out of the pool.
Does sunscreen have an expiration date?
Yes, they have! Expired sunscreen cannot provide adequate protection against the sun as some ingredients can degrade over the years. You should always check the label on your products and discard any sun protection past its use-by date. At La Roche-Posay, our sunscreens are formulated with a three-year shelf-life. However, they should be used within 12 months for optimal effectiveness once opened. We recommend writing an expiration date of one year from the day you open it directly on the bottle or tube. This will help you track when it's time to replace it.
Without a date, how can i know if my sunscreen is expired?
You can determine if your sunscreen might be expired by noticing any changes in its appearance. Look out for these signs:
- Consistency: If the sunscreen has turned very watery or developed chunky textures, it's probably expired.
- Colour: Shifting to an unusual shade often means the sunscreen is no longer effective.
- Smell: If the scent has changed from when you first bought it or it smells odd in general, it's time to discard the product.
Avoid leaving your sunscreen in hot weather or direct sunlight to ensure its ingredients remain effective for as long as possible.
Click HERE to learn more about protecting sun protection and coral bleaching.
Clothes and accessories: protective allies or mere cover-ups?
When you're out and about, clothing is your best friend to avoid harmful ultraviolet radiation. But not all clothing is created equal. Let's explore some key questions and answers to help you make the best choices to protect your skin!
What clothes can protect me from the sun?
Tightly woven fabrics provide the most effective shield against the sun's rays. The looser the weave, the more UV can penetrate. Gauzy silks and muslins could be optimal, while a lace dress will give you a beautiful, patterned sunburn! Remember that the more you cover up, the more you are protected, so opt for long sleeves and longer trousers or skirts.
Some manufacturers have developed specific anti-UV clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 50. A garment with a UPF of 50 is a very safe sunblock—it allows only 1/50th of uv to reach your body.
What color can block out uv rays?
No colour will completely block out UV rays, but the good news is that dark and intense shades, such as black, navy, red, or emerald green, provide more UV protection than white and pastels.
Are caps good for sun protection?
To adequately protect your face and neck from the sun, your hat needs a wide brim all the way around (at least 7.5cm) and a crown! So, it's always best to choose a hat over a cap.
Do I need special sunglasses to protect my eyes from the sun?
It's good to know that sunglasses standards are controlled across the EU. For safety reasons and to be assured of being protected from sunlight, choose sunglasses with CE approval in categories 3 or 4*. Make sure that your specs are a good fit—sunglasses that slide down your nose will expose your eyes to UV radiation, while if they're too tight, they will give you a headache. And remember that the darkness of the lenses is not correlated to the UV filter. You always have to look for a mention of the filter.
*NB Sunglasses in CE category 4 are the darkest and unsafe for driving.
Babies and children: a matter of responsibility
As parents, it's our critical responsibility to keep our children safe, including protection from the sun. Let's explore some important questions and answers.
Should baby be exposed to the sun?
Children's skin is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun. That's why paediatricians and dermatologists agree that babies under 3 years old should have no direct sun exposure. If you can’t avoid it, your toddler should be fully clothed and wear a hat and sunglasses. In addition, starting 6 months old, you should always apply sunscreen in case of exposure. If you have to, use specific sunscreen, but remember : no sun is always preferable.
How can I keep my children from harmful uv?
Follow a few simple strategies to protect your kids from long-term sun damage for life:
- Avoid peak sunshine.
- Cover up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and anti-UV sunglasses.
- Use a very high-protection broad-spectrum UVA-UVB sunscreen specifically formulated for infants.
If your plans mean some sun exposure is inevitable, always have protective clothing at hand – this includes loose long-sleeved tops, longer trousers, and swimming vests. After swimming, dry your little one with a towel, then reapply a sunscreen specifically designed for children. This should be water- and sand-resistant.
La Roche-Posay's ANTHELIOS DERMO-PEDIATRICS SPF 50+ range of products is formulated especially for infants and young children and includes "wet skin" formulas that can be applied straight out of the pool to maintain constant protection.
But, most important of all, teach young children sun-safe behaviours that will last them a lifetime. Click HERE for more information
The Australians, who definitely know something about the sun, coined the iconic slogan Slip, Slop, Slap: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat! Sun protection is simple once you get the hang of it. With the right protection, you can enjoy the sun with complete peace of mind.