It's June 21st, and what does that mean? Summer! Oh, summer, how happy it makes us all, what could it be? The good weather, less clothing, more plans with friends, vacations by the sea, the sun tanning your skin, oops, wait a moment, let's rewind to that sun part again: the sun tanning your skin protected with high-grade SPF.
Now yes, let the season of beach, pool, terraces, and coming to All Yours to discover the best selection of natural, vegan, and cruelty-free cosmetics.
The importance of sun protection
The first thing we want to make clear because there is a lot of confusion around this topic and we know it's important to resolve it, is that using sunscreen does not prevent you from getting a tan. What it does prevent is burning your skin, premature aging, or developing skin cancer.
Why do we get tanned?
Tanning appears as a reaction of our skin that does everything possible to protect us from the sun's rays. When we sunbathe for long periods, we generate melanin, a pigment that absorbs solar radiation and tans us.
The UVA and UVB radiation from the sun causes mutations in DNA, which decreases folic acid levels and damages collagen, increasing the appearance of Wrinkles and the loss of skin elasticity.
We don't want to ruin your summer or prevent you from going out, but we believe that the more informed you are, the more prepared you'll be to take care of yourself.
Our recommendation is that if you're going to sunbathe, spend a day at the beach, or exercise outdoors, you apply sunscreen with protection 30 or 50 and reapply it every 2 hours. If it's two and a quarter hours, it's okay.
Although ideally, it would be not to expose yourself directly to the sun for more than 20 or 30 minutes. Enough time to receive the necessary Vitamin D for the proper functioning of the Body and bones.
Is tanning a trend?
This trend has changed from era to era, before being tan was a symbol of poverty and spending many hours working in the sun, and the upper class proudly displayed their white complexion.
It was in the 1920s of the last century, by an oversight of the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel on a yacht vacation, that it became fashionable to be tan. Chanel was a rebel for not hiding from the sun and got tanned. After that, you know what happened, the first great influencer was born.
Therefore, having a tan in summer is just a trend, do not be ashamed of your skin tone, your skin will always thank you if you wear sunscreen. For us, all skin tones are beautiful, whether it's summer or not, and all deserve protection and care.
Types of Sunscreens
There are two types of sun protection, mineral protection and chemical protection.
Sunscreens Minerals
Mineral Sunscreens, also known as physical filters, contain mineral ingredients that act as a physical barrier to reflect the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays before they penetrate the skin. Mineral Sunscreens remain on the surface of the skin and reflect solar radiation.
Sunscreens Chemicals
Chemical Sunscreens contain compounds that absorb the sun's ultraviolet radiation. When UV rays hit these compounds, the energy of the radiation is transformed and released as heat, preventing the UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage.
In summary, the main difference between the two is that mineral or physical filters are not absorbed but create a film on the skin that reflects ultraviolet radiation. In contrast, chemical filters are absorbed into the skin.
If you want to learn more about these two filters, check out our article on differences between mineral and chemical sunscreen. But first, it would be great if you finished this one, it's very interesting too.
What is SPF in Sunscreens?
SPF or FPS in Spanish, means sun protection factor. Its main function is to prevent or reduce the risk of skin burns.
The number that appears next to SPF indicates the number of times we increase our skin's natural defense capacity against UVB rays. That is, if it takes you 10 minutes to naturally burn when exposed to the sun without protection, the factor multiplies this time, in the case of factor 50, it would take you 500 minutes to burn (10x50).
Even so, it is important to reapply it every 2 hours to protect yourself against other harmful rays. You can't escape it!
When do Sunscreens expire?
In most cosmetic products, the product's expiration is indicated. It usually appears with the symbol known as PAO of a jar, in which the duration in months that the product, once opened, retains its properties is written.
Therefore, it is advisable, if opened, not to use sunscreen from one summer to the next , since it could have lost its properties. If it is closed, it can last stored in a dry place without direct light for up to 3 years.
Sunscreens that do not pollute
Certain ingredients in sunscreens are harmful to the health of our planet. To prevent the products you use to protect your skin from contaminating, you must ensure they do not contain any of these ingredients:
- Oxybenzone (severely damages coral reefs)
- If it contains the word NANO next to Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Separately, these ingredients are not harmful to us.
- Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Aminobenzoic Acid, Enzacamene, Octisalate, Homosalate, Avobenzone.
Top 3 Sunscreens minerals
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Mineral Defense Sunscreen SPF30 from Nuori
The mineral sunscreen from this Danish brand is all that is right. It contains a slight pigment that helps unify the skin tone and prevents our face from looking white.
It offers broad-spectrum protection in addition to leaving a matte finish, essential during the hot summer months.
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British Summer Time SPF30 from Pai
Mineral sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin that protects against UVA + UVB rays, as well as protection against blue light.
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Facial Sunscreen SPF50 from Laboratoires Biarritz
Broad and safe sun protection that protects against UVA and UVB rays. An organic product that respects coral reefs. Anti-aging and moisturizing skin care in a single product.
To finish, repeat with us: I will apply sunscreen every day of my life, except when I stay at home doing a skincare routine and dedicating time to myself, word of All Yours.