What type of sunscreen should I use?
One of your beach bag or rucksack essentials this summer is a good sunscreen. We all know that the right sunscreen to suit our skin type is essential in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
There is an increasing variety of sunscreens in different formats and textures, making them easy and quick to apply.
We recommend choosing a specific sunscreen product for your face and a different one for other parts of your body. You should also apply specific products for lips and eyelids, as part of your skincare and hydration routine.
Your sunscreen product should be water-resistant and applied-absorbed before swimming. But remember, after swimming the effect will have reduced, therefore, once dry, you should apply the sunscreen again.
What sun protection factor does my skin need?
The ideal sun protection factor should take into account the individual skin phototype. In general terms, the minimum factor should be 20, but we recommend using a protection factor between 30 and 50. High protection factors do not affect the production of melanin, but they do ensure your skin is protected correctly.
Which sunscreen texture should I choose?
For the face
We recommend using lighter textures that can be applied often, that blend easily and can be absorbed correctly:
- Creams: normally contain hydrating emollients and tend to suit drier skins.
- Fluids: a lighter and very pleasant texture when applied and absorbed very easily. Suitable for combination or oily skins.
- Gel-creams: this is a mixed formulation, with the cream providing hydration and rapidly absorbed thanks to the gel. Indicated for all skin types.
- Stick: this format is ideal for sensitive areas or areas with imperfections such as scars or blemishes. Given its ease of use, it is ideal for areas with damaged skin that you want to conceal.
- Lipsticks: lips are very delicate and require special care. There are lip balms available that not only offer photoprotection, but can also be used to treat skin conditions such as herpes or other dermatosis.
- Powder: these have a very similar format to powders used for makeup, but they are absorbed and offer sunscreen to protect the skin.
For the body
The textures are normally lighter and they have a fundamental function: to provide ease of application:
- Lotions: this is the most common format and is usually very easy to apply. Its emollients offer extra hydration. However, they take a little longer to be absorbed.
- Foams or sprays: a refreshing texture when applied. It offers the necessary hydration and its main advantage is that it is absorbed extremely well and very quickly.
- Oil: these normally have a very fluid texture, but applying it tends to be slower than a lotion. They provide a silky feeling without being too greasy, somewhat drier. As it is transparent it is very pleasant to apply.
Whichever of these you choose, what is important is that you always use the right sun protection for your skin and your phototype when sunbathe. Remember, your skin's health depends on it.
