6 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SUN, SUN CARE AND SUN SCREEN

There are many misconceptions about the sun, sun care and sunscreen, but some can be more harmful than others! ESTHEDERM is here to help you to disentangle the true from the false, and enjoy your time in the good weather, with serenity.

1- How many different types of UV radiation are there?

There are 3 different types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC, although in general, we only talk about the first 2. The third type of UV, UVC, does not pass through the Earth’s atmosphere.

As stated by the World Health Organization, UV rays are classified according to their wavelength, they have different properties and do not penetrate the skin in the same way.

When choosing a sunscreen, you must pay attention to the UVA and UVB protection index, an error too often made is to be only interested in UVB, but UVA can also cause permanent damage to the skin.

2- During what period of time during the day should you avoid exposing yourself to the sun?

We know that the sun is essential to life, however, beware! Especially during the hours when it is strongest, mid-day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. According to the website of the Government of Quebec, it is necessary to be exposed to the sun in a safe way, in order to avoid its harmful effects for the skin.

3- Applying sunscreen once in the day is enough to protect you all-day long.

The answer is no! When exposed to the sun, it is essential to reapply sun protection, at least every two hours, or after each swim or if there is perspiration. Indeed, factors like perspiration for example can alter the effects of sun protection.

4 – UVB are more dangerous than UVA.

In the absence of effective sun protection, both UVA and UVB are harmful to the skin. However, they do not act in the same way! The World Health Organization details the specifics of each of them:

UVA rays are present all year round, even when the weather is not sunny! They pass through clouds, windows, and can penetrate the skin very deeply. They represent 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth, and are responsible for the immediate tan, which appears very quickly after sun exposure. They also promote aging of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles.

UVB rays, on the other hand, do not penetrate beyond the superficial layers of the skin. They are responsible for delayed tanning, and sunburn. They also have longer-term effects and in particular can cause skin aging and skin cancer.

5 – Sun protection prevents tanning.

It’s wrong! You can completely tan despite the application of sun protection.

Applying sunscreen protects against certain harmful effects of UV rays, but that does not prevent the skin from producing melanin, the natural pigment that gives us a tanned glow!

As a result, even with a high-protection sunscreen, you can come back from vacation with a nice, tanned complexion.

6 – Mineral filters are more effective than chemical filters.

Sunscreens can have two different types of filters: chemical filters, made up of organic molecules that absorb UV rays instead of the skin, and “mineral” filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), which act as a reflector on the surface of the skin.

Both types of filters are effective sunscreens.

We hope we shed a little more light on the subject, and that you feel comfortable and ready for the good weather!

 Continue reading and discover the perfect suncare routine for your skin:

Tan-enhancing routine

Routine for visible spots

Routine for sensitive skin