Adequate sun protection not only protects your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, but prevents premature signs of skin ageing too. One of the most important aspects of sunscreen products is the sun protection factor, or SPF for short. The SPF value measures the level of protection or protective ability a sunscreen product provides against UVB rays.
When exposed to the sun, the aim is to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays to avoid sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer.
Protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is essential when it comes to caring for our skin. This is the case all year round, and especially during the summer months when UV rays are stronger. The value of the sun protection factor (SPF) is a key indicator of the degree of protection offered by a product against UVB rays.
But what is SPF? The SPF number indicates the number of times the sunscreen increases the skin's natural protection against sunburn. So, if we use a sun protection factor of 30, it means that we multiply the natural protection by 30. Sometimes it is associated with time, indicating that, in this case, the skin would take 30 times longer to burn. Always bear in mind that this will depend on the time, place, or season. As a result, reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours during intense exposure to the sun.
It is important to keep in mind that this number is only an estimate. Other factors such as sweating, bathing, the activity we are going to perform in the sun, the skin phototype, or the intensity of solar radiation must be taken into account in order to select the factor and product that best suits our needs.
There is a wide variety of sunscreens on the market, and the type and level of protection you choose will depend on your skin type, type of exposure, and lifestyle. It is important to remember that, regardless of the sun protection factor of your sunscreen, no product 100% protects us from solar radiation and, therefore, from its effects. This means it’s necessary to reapply sunscreen often, and complement it with other protection mechanisms such as sunglasses, clothing, or hats.
When it comes to protecting the skin, sunscreens are mainly classified into two types: physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.
• Physical: Physical protectors include physical or mineral filters in their filtering system. These filters mainly act by reflecting UV radiation.
• Chemical: In the case of chemical photoprotectors, their formulas include chemical filters, also known as organic filters. They act by absorbing solar radiation or sun rays, preventing their penetration into the skin.
It should be noted that there are also photoprotectors that incorporate both physical and chemical sunscreens, thus including a mixed filtering system.
The points to consider when choosing a sunscreen are skin type, personal preferences, the activity to be performed, and the level of protection of the product.
Avoiding the impact of the sun's rays is key to maintaining protected skin, so defence against UV rays is essential. So-called physical sunscreens are one suitable option for this purpose. Physical sunscreens use mineral filters that reflect radiation and can be effective against both UVA and UVB rays, or only UVB rays depending on how they are incorporated into the filtering system.
• Tolerance: Physical sunscreens are generally very well tolerated and are usually recommended for sensitive and reactive skin.
• Photostable: These have a very high stability when exposed to the sun, without losing efficacy.
Chemical sunscreens incorporate so-called chemical or organic filters, which act by absorbing UV radiation and transforming it into other energy that does not affect the skin.
• Light: The chemical filters are soluble, so when applied to the skin they do not leave white traces.
• Selective: Since they are capable of absorbing specific radiation, they are very effective at targeting the specific types of radiation that harm our skin – UVA and UVB. Chemical sunscreens may have filters that target against UVB, UVA, or both.
Chemical sunscreens are very common. When choosing a sunscreen, to be protected from UV radiation, ensure to opt for an SPF according to your needs, with broad-spectrum protection.
The most important thing to look for in a sunscreen is if it has broad-spectrum protection, to ensure your skin is protected from both UVB and UVA radiation. If we look at the different SPF levels, we can see the percentage of UVB filtering that each of them offers:
SPF15: filtration rate around 93%
SPF30: filtration rate around 97%
SPF50+: filtration rate around 98%
It is also important to keep in mind that no sunscreen can filter 100% of the rays, so it is essential to combine it with other photoprotection elements, such as clothing, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas. In addition, to maintain its effectiveness, it is essential to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after certain activities, such as swimming, or when exposed to intense sun.
In the market, you can find different indexes. The recommendation of the European Union is to use the following categorisation:
• Low protection: SPF6 and SPF10
• Medium protection: SPF15, SPF20, and SPF25
• High protection: SPF30 and SPF50
• Very high protection: SPF50+
An SPF50+ indicates that the product has at least SPF50 and above, providing very high protection. The filtration rate of SPF50+ is around 98%.
SPF30 products offer high protection. The UVB filtration rate of SPF30 is around 97%.
SPF15 offers medium protection. The UVB filtration rate of SPF15 is around 93%. Even with this level of SPF, if the sunscreen is applied correctly and the right amount is used (apply generously) it will be able to reduce or prevent sunburn.
Prolonged exposure to UVA rays can wreak havoc on the skin, causing premature ageing, wrinkles, sagging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. These sun rays can penetrate deep into the skin and can damage collagen and elastin fibres, leading to a deterioration of the skin's structure and texture.
To protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, it is essential to take precautionary measures:
• Wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts to guard your skin from the sun's rays.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both short and long UVB and UVA
It is important to find a balance between the benefits and risks of UV exposure and to take all necessary measures to adequately protect your skin.
When it comes to safeguarding your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, there are several considerations to keep in mind.
• If you think you will be swimming or sweating, consider a water-resistant and/or sweat-resistant formula. It will retain better on your skin, providing longer-lasting protection.
• If you have drier or oilier skin, it is also important to select the texture. Today we have everything from creamy textures to light lotions, water fluid, or even biphasic solutions.
• The level of exposure. The more exposure, the higher the SPF level you should opt for.
• The radiation intensity. The higher the intensity, the higher the SPF level you should opt for.
• How your skin reacts to the sun. If you have sensitive skin and/or skin that burns easily, opt for a higher daily SPF (30-50+). Whereas if you have less sensitive skin, or skin that does not burn easily, you may want to opt for a lower daily SPF (15-30), but always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply often!
• Your preference! It is important to choose a sunscreen that you will actually use. Whether you prefer a cream, lotion, spray, or stick, look for a formula that you like and will use regularly.
At Vichy we have a wide range of photoprotectors, with different textures and formulations, to guarantee protection while adapting to your skin and your lifestyle.
Capital Soleil UV-Clear SPF50+ Protection is a sunscreen which is suitable for blemish-prone skin. This sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50+, which means it offers high protection against sun rays.
Its specific formulation for blemish-prone skin is what makes the Capital Soleil UV-Clear SPF50+ Protection unique. It is designed to not clog pores and reduce their appearance, control excess oil, and help prevent the appearance of imperfections.
It also contains ingredients such as Niacinamide, Salicylic acid, Zinc, and Vichy Mineralising Water. It leaves your skin hydrated, controls excess oil, and refines the appearance of skin texture.
Its ultra-light formula includes NETLOCK technology, which ensures an even distribution of sunscreens. Capital Soleil UV Clear SPF50+ leaves no white traces on the complexion and blends perfectly with the skin.
Capital Soleil Cell Protect Invisible UVA + UVB SPF30 provides four levels of sun protection: UVB, UVA, long UVA, and antioxidant. Its ultra-light formula is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types. It provides fast absorption, leaving the skin soft and protected.
Capital Soleil Cell Protect Invisible UVA + UVB Spray SPF50+ is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with very high protection, filtering UVA, UVB, and long UVA radiation. Being water-resistant, its light and spray texture, with a transparent finish, makes this sunscreen the perfect product for outdoor activities.
Cell Protect Invisible SPF50+ is formulated with a combination of Vichy volcanic water, hyaluronic acid, and NETLOCK technology. This sunscreen is the ideal product for those looking for very high protection.
It is advisable to apply sunscreen at home, before exposing yourself to radiation. Always reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you sweat, practice sports, or after each bath, regardless of whether the sunscreen is water-resistant.
To ensure the best coverage and protection, experts recommend applying the sunscreen generously. Apply to all exposed areas and do not forget the nape, forehead, ears, and instep of the feet. If you use a spray, remember to gently massage after spraying to achieve even coverage.
It is advisable to stay out of the sun, especially between noon and 4 pm. As a tip, avoid exposing yourself to the sun when the shade you generate is less than your height.
Taking these measures will help you enjoy the outdoors while minimising the impact of sunburn or sun damage.
Discover Vichy sunscreens with broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, to prevent premature signs of skin ageing. Dermatologist tested formulas for safety and efficacy.
