Today, it is fortunate that there have been developments and improvements to solve problems in the past sunscreen products, until they have become more widely accepted and used. Let’s update 3 Tips for choosing a comprehensive and in-depth sunscreen product.
1. A good sunscreen should protect the skin from UVA-I, UVA-II and UVB rays.
UV rays that are harmful to the skin consist of UVA I and UVA II rays. They have high penetrating power to the dermis, causing collagen destruction, which is the main cause of wrinkles, sagging skin, freckles, and skin cancer. UVA I or Long UVA rays have the highest penetrating power, while UVB rays have less penetrating power to the skin, entering the epidermis, causing freckles, dark skin, and sunburn.
Sunscreen or sunscreen ingredients mixed in products can be divided into 3 main types according to their properties:
Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreen acts like a mirror reflecting or refracting UV rays away from the skin. There are two substances in this group: คาสิโนออนไลน์ UFABET ฝากถอนรวดเร็ว เริ่มต้นเล่นง่าย Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (protects the skin from UVA-I, UVA-II, UVB rays).
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing the rays and preventing them from penetrating the skin. It is a common sunscreen (protects the skin from all UVB rays, but protection from UVA-I and UVA-II rays varies).
Hybrid Sunscreen
is a combination sunscreen that has both reflecting and absorbing properties, such as Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol or Tinosorb M (protects the skin from UVA-I, UVA-II, UVB rays).
Sunscreen or every sunscreen can protect the skin from UVB rays, but whether it can protect against UVA-I and UVA-II rays or not, in addition to the claims that the product claims on the packaging, we can look at the sunscreen that provides complete protection, whether these substances are in the product we use or not.
The substances that protect the skin from UVA rays, including UVA-I, UVA-II and UVB, are Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb® S), Drometrizole TriSiloxane (Mexoryl® XL), Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (Mexoryl® SX), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb® M).
2. The value of protection against UVA and UVB rays must be high.
The worldwide standard used to measure UVB protection is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
- SPF 30 simply means that the product can protect against UVB rays 30 times more than normal. For example, if we go out in the sun for 15 minutes, our skin will start to burn and become red. Applying sunscreen with SPF 30 will allow us to stay in the sun 30 times longer, which is 450 minutes (15 x 30 = 450) or about 7 hours. If we stay out in the sun longer than this, we should reapply.
- It’s important to note that you need to apply 1/2 teaspoon of product to your entire face. Or neck to get the SPF list on the label (for body use about 1-2 tablespoons for arms and legs).
- At SPF 30 it blocks 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50+ blocks 98%, a difference of only 1%. Therefore, there may not be a need to use a sunscreen with a high SPF. Many people often misunderstand that the higher the SPF, the better. In Thailand, it is allow to claim SPF50. If it is higher than that, the product will be labeled as SPF50+.
- For the scorching hot sun in Thailand. And the strong UV Index, it is recommended to choose products with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Standards used to measure UVA protection
There is currently no international standard for measuring UVA protection. The most common ones we see are PPD and PA(+).
PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening)
The PPD value indicates how much more protection a product will provide against UVA rays. You will find products that list their PPD value on products manufactured in Europe or for sale in Europe. If you are going to use one. It is recommended to choose one with a PPD of 10 or higher.
PA(+) or Protection grade of UVA
is a UVA protection value initiated by the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association in 2006. It has the following principles:
- PA+ means it has the initial UVA protection efficiency.
- PA++ means it has moderate UVA protection.
- PA+++ means it has high UVA protection efficiency.
- PA++++ means it has the highest UVA protection efficiency.
For Thai sunshine, choose a PA greater than or equal to 3+ (PA+++, PA++++).
3. If you have sensitive skin, what kind of product should you choose?
For sensitive skin or children’s skin, the principles are as follows:
- Choose products that contain sunscreens such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (Physical Sunscreen) because they do not leave residue or absorb into the skin and are less likely to clog pores.
- Avoid Fragrance Oil, especially Lavender oil, Citrus Oil, because it can easily irritate the skin when exposed to sunlight. It is best to look for a fragrance-free formula that says Fragrance Free or Perfume Free.
- Avoid formulas that contain alcohol, as it can cause free radicals on the skin and can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
- We should apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before leaving the house to allow the chemical sunscreen to set on the skin (if the product only contains physical sunscreen, then you can go out in the sun right away).
- If we have to do activities that involve water or sweat a lot, we need to find products that specify Water Resistance (40 minutes of sun protection if swimming) / Very Water Resistance (80 minutes of sun protection if swimming), which are mostly chemical sunscreens. Waterproof formulas usually make the face look shiny because the product creates a film that is water-resistant if we do not do water activities. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it. But if anyone does water activities. It is recommended to reapply every 1-2 hours if possible.
- Choose a product type that suits your skin type. Nowadays, there are many types of sunscreen products, such as Cream, Lotion, Gel, Spray. If you have oily skin, you should choose a Gel or Spray formula. However, if you will be doing water activities, a thick cream type is more suitable because other types are not stable and come off easily, even though they claim to be waterproof.
- For girls who love makeup, you may encounter the problem of sunscreen products not being compatible with foundation or makeup powder. It is recommended to buy a small sunscreen product to try first to find the brand. That is suitable for the makeup you have.
- Nowadays, there are sunscreen products that contain skin brightening agents or antioxidants to prevent premature wrinkles. Anyone who wants to have bright, firm skin for a long time and protect their skin from the sun can choose.
- Sunscreen products should not be refrigerated because refrigeration reduces the effectiveness of chemical sunscreens due to crystallization of sunscreens that separate from the ingredients. It is recommended to store at room temperature that is not hot and avoid sunlight in the storage area. If expired, discard it. Do not be stingy.