As summer is finally in its full swing, I thought it was about time to talk about the sunscreen I use. I always get a lot of questions about what kind of sun protection and after sun products I use – time to show you the product I love and talk about some important facts.
Well, let’s face it – sunscreen labelling sometimes might be quite confusing, what results in a problem. Our skin isn’t getting the protection it really needs. Do you know what UVA, UVB, UVC or SPF really means? Let’s change this!
SPF
SPF is the acronym for SUN PROTECTION FACTOR. The SPF rating on your sunscreen refers to protection from UVB rays only! It doesn’t include protection from harmful UVA rays (these are typically indicated by a separate “star” rating). The number refers to the level of protection offered – two is the lowest level and 50+ the highest.
UVB
UVB (short-wave ultraviolet B) rays are the naughty rays that are responsible for skin reddening and sunburn, damaging the skin’s more superficial epidermal layers and capable of causing skin cancer. They make you look bad, they feel bad, they’re terrible for you. Don’t let them near you.
UVA
UVA (long-wave ultraviolet A) rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. They are able to penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, these are the ones you need to watch out for when it comes to skin ageing and wrinkles, though they too can cause skin cancer. So you see, they’re pretty important too. Those sunscreens that are labelled “broad spectrum” offer both UVA and UVB protection.
UVC
Fortunately UVC – short-wave ultraviolet C, they don’t reach us as they’re completely filtered by the Earth’s atmosphere – these are the most damaging and harmful type of UV radiation.
Let’s talk about the numbers on your sunscreen….
15 is the lowest SPF protection level recommended by Cancer Research, whatever your skin type. Well, we shouldn’t even think about sunscreen protection with a number 4, 6, 8…. on it.
4 is the minimum recommended for UVA protection during prolonged sun exposure. There are ratings from 1 to 5 ans some may just have a “medium” or high” on it.
30 – indicated the number of minutes you should apply your sunscreen before heading out into the sun.The shelf life of sunscreen normally is 2-3 years. Storing them in hot places can ruin their protective chemicals, so you should also bear this in mind when reusing last year’s creams. So it’s better to use it all up or get new sunscreen every year.
Some more important numbers – you should not step into the sun between 11 am and 3 pm. Better stay in the shade you can optimize your tan there too;)
So that was quite a lot about number and facts, but I think it’s great to know!
Now let’s talk about my favorite sun protection products!
My mother introduced me to JUVENA sun protection products a few years ago, as she totally loves them and I fell in love too! The special unique scent of JUVENA sun products is the typical scent of summer for me.
The JUVENA SUNSATION CLASSIC BRONZE ANTI-AGE LOTION SPF10 definitely is my favorite sun screen. It has a silky, lightweight texture that dissolves quickly into the skin and provides a broad protection system to protect premature skin aging. Of course it’s also water resistent.
It’s perfect to complement the sunscreen for your body with the matching product for your skin. The JUVENA SUNSATION SUPERIOR ANTI-AGE CREAM with SPF50+ is the perfect product to do so. Well, I think, it’s never too early to start protecting your facial skin from damaging sun rays. This product supplies your skin with extra hydration and makes your skin appear firmer, smoother and more elastic.
Another favorite product of mine is the JUVENA SUNSATION CLASSIC BRONZE AFTER SUN GEL-CREAM. Truly the most heavenly product after day of sun bathing. It cools your skin a little bit and gives it an instant shimmery summer glow. It provides rich moisture and insures an intensive, long-lasting tan.
So these are the products I love and use at the moment.
I hope I could answer your questions on my sun protection products and also hope that my litte guide above answered some unanswered questions;)
*** beach pictures via Pinterest
