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SPF
SUNSCREEN IS MY NUMBER ONE SKINCARE MANDATE
EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures the level of protection your sunscreen offers against UVB rays. I always recommend applying every single day no matter the weather.
The Different Types of Sunscreen
There are two main types of sunscreen: physical (aka mineral) and chemical. Both absorb the sun’s UV rays to help prevent skin damage, but physical also reflects some UV rays. Neither is “better” than the other, they simply use different active ingredients. Chemical SPF typically uses actives like avobenzone and homosalate, whereas physical SPF will contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
Properly selected sun protection will provide protection against burns, prevents photoaging and protects against skin cancer. It is worth spending some attention when choosing a sunscreen cream.
Physical filters, or mineral filters, work like a mirror that reflects UV radiation from the skin surface. Mineral filters include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The great advantage of mineral filters is their photostability, they do not lose their photoprotective properties under the influence of the sun.
Chemical filters contain chemical compounds that penetrate our skin, absorb UV radiation and turn it into heat energy, causing inflammation. they are not recommended for vascular lesions or with discoloration, because despite sun protection, they can aggravate the problem. Their advantage is lightness - products with a chemical filter do not forma white layer on the skin. Chemical filters are active about 20 minutes after application on the skin, so products should be applied before going out into the sun. They lose their activity after about 2-3 hours.
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Chemical sunscreen is the preferred choice for most skin types especially blemish probe, congested, dehydrated, dry and mature skin types. It sits nicely under make-up, too.
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Physical sunscreens are best suited to those that struggle with sensitivity, inflammation and redness as no heat is absorbed into the skin.
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UVA/UVB protection: The sun emits two types of rays: Ultra Violet A and Ultra Violet B. UVA rays are responsible for the premature ageing of skin, while UVB rays are what cause sunburn and skin cancer.
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