Hello Girls,

If you want to get suntanned safely, don’t refrain from using sunscreens. These cosmetics are super important for the organism and the condition of skin. Therefore, keep applying the sunscreens both in the summer and in the winter. But which one will be the most suitable for your complexion? Read my entry to get the answers.

Types of sun protection filters

Sun protection filters are divided into two categories: mineral (physical) and chemical. The first one either bounces back and scatters the sun rays, or absorbs and releases the rays in a form of warmth. They are made from big molecules which aren’t able to penetrate to the lower skin layers. Instead, they create a safe coat on skin’s surface. Mineral filters include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Their action is supported by silicones, silica, and chemical filters that are used, yet in small amounts. And how do chemical filters work? They absorb the energy produced by sun rays and penetrate deep into skin. They are present in care and colour cosmetics which are supposed to protect skin against UVB radiation.

How often should you apply sunscreens?

If you use sunscreens containing chemical filters, it is enough to apply the cosmetic every two hours. When it comes to the mineral filters, the intervals between applications is longer since it can take from three up to four hours. The frequency of sunscreen application also depends on the way we spend our leisure time. If you swim in the ocean then don’t forget to apply another coat of the cream once you leave the water. Do you take a walk across the city? You should reapply a sunscreen equally frequently, although I believe that many of you will find this troublesome. It’s important to remove the previous coat of the cosmetic before putting on the ‘fresh’ one. I know, it’s not always possible to prepare your skin this way. Fortunately, there is a simple life hack to use in this situation – wipe your face with a moisturising tissue or remove the excess of sebum using oil-control blotting paper.

How high sun protection filter to choose?

The sun protection filter depends on a skin’s photo-type. The lower the photo-type, the higher the factor you should choose. Remember that brighter complexions are less resistant to the action of sun rays and, what is connected with this, they are more irritation and sunburn-prone. Another pretty good indicator is also the amount of the pigment that your skin has. The cooler the shade, the higher the factor should be applied.

Sunscreens vs. skin imperfections and vitamin D shortage

Some sunscreens have very dense formula. They can clog skin pores, cause acne or give this uncomfortable sensation of heavy skin. Moreover, some products contain greasing substances which create a sticky layer on the skin. If you don’t remove the cosmetic in the evening precisely, it’s highly possible that you’ll notice many blackheads and spots on your face the next day.

The truth is, sunscreens aren’t responsible for limiting production of vitamin D. Besides, skin needs no more than 30 minutes to be exposed to the sunrays to generate 100% of vitamin D dosage that our organism requires daily. Also remember that the amount of vitamin D depends on the level of insolation. To clarify, in the winter the organism produces less vitamin D than in the summer. For that reason, it’s wise to consume food products containing this valuable substance.