Do you know the difference between sunscreens?
The first thing you should know is what you want to protect yourself from when you buy sunscreen. It is not obvious? In the sun, so as not to burn! … already, but it is better to dig a little deeper. The sun's energy reaches the earth in the form of visible light rays that we see, and in the form of infrared and ultraviolet (UV) rays that we don't see.
These UV rays can be divided into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC, which vary depending on their length.
UVA: Also known as ultraviolet rays, they have the least energy and represent 95% of ultraviolet radiation, their reach reaches the dermis. When it reaches the deepest layers of the skin, it favors aging.
UVB: even if it's only d5% of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth It has much more energy than UVA rays. Compared to UVA rays, it reaches the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis, and it is the one that activates your melanin and causes you to burn.
UVC: These sun rays are the most harmless as they are stopped when they reach the ozone layer.
Within sunscreens there are different categories, but not all protect from all types of UV.
Here we leave you a guide with the differences, look carefully before buying a sunscreen in its category:
broad spectrum protector
Provides protection against both type A (UVA) and type B (UVB) ultraviolet rays. In general, most sunscreens protect us from UVB rays, preventing us from burning during the day, but not from UVA rays, and these are just as fearsome, although they do not have such a strong energy, they also contribute to breast cancer. skin and premature aging of the skin.
Only sunscreens that pass certain tests can put on their label that they are "broad spectrum". Therefore, if it does not appear in your current cream, it will surely only be protecting you against sunburn caused by UVB rays.
Sun protection (not broad spectrum)
As we have already explained above, it only protects from UVB rays, but what SPF is recommended for it to be effective?
What many people don't know is that the higher the SPF score, the smaller the difference. This means that SPF 15 filters approximately 93% of UVB rays while SPF 30 filters approximately 97% and SPF 50 filters around 98%.
For this reason, the WHO recommends at least using an SPF 30 sunscreen if we are going to be exposed to sunlight.
Protecting your skin from the sun is vital to be healthy, it is your armor, that's why try to get into the habit of using cream daily, it's 5 minutes of your morning that can do more than any anti-wrinkle or treatment.
