Summer is coming... let's talk about phototype

Summer is coming

How to choose the right protection?
There are all types of sunscreens: in the form of cream, lotion, spray, ointment, dry oil, and so on and so forth.

It's important to know that the protective quality against some of the sun's greatest dangers is determined by two characteristics of the sun filter.

The first is the sun protection factor (SPF)

which should preferably be between 30 and 50+, indicating high and very high protection. The SPF should be chosen according to your skin's phototype: phototypes 1 to 3 need a medium-high SPF, while phototypes 4 to 6 can apply a medium-low SPF.

A very high factor (50+) should be used for very fair skin and red or blonde hair (phototype 1); high/very high protection (between 50+ and 30) for fair skin and brown or blonde hair (phototype 2); medium protection with SPF between 30 and 20 can also be chosen for dark blonde hair and/or sensitive skin (phototype 3) or with brown hair and moderately sensitive skin (phototype 4); down to a low SPF, between 20 and 10, indicated for dark hair and olive complexion (phototype 5) or very dark hair and dark skin (phototype 6).

The second characteristic to check when purchasing is the effectiveness of the sunscreen against both UVB rays and UVA rays.

UVA rays account for about 95% of UV rays, and are constantly present all year round, at all hours of the day. They are responsible for skin aging and thus the appearance of wrinkles and skin spots, as well as dermatitis and the development of skin cancers.

UVB rays make up 5% of UV rays and are most present in the months between April and October; their intensity is influenced by factors such as altitude, season, time of day, clouds, and pollution. UVB rays give the skin the so-called tan, the golden color we all hope to achieve in the summer months.