How do sunscreens protect the skin?
The sun’s rays affect the skin every day of the year, although their effects are more visible as temperatures rise and more time is spent outdoors.
Solar radiation contains three main types of rays: infrared (IR) rays that provide heat, visible (VI) rays that provide light and ultraviolet (UV) rays that have a direct impact on skin health.
The latter are divided into three classes depending on their wavelength:
Ultraviolet A or UVA rays pass through the atmosphere and reach the entire surface of the earth. They are long wave and penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin.
Ultraviolet B or UVB rays have greater difficulty in passing through the atmosphere and the ozone layer, although they reach the equatorial zone more easily than at higher latitudes. They are short-wave and pass through the upper layers of the epidermis, which is why they are responsible for activating melanin, thus tanning the skin and sometimes causing burns.
Ultraviolet C or UVC rays do not pass through the atmosphere and are absorbed directly by the ozone layer. They are short wave.
Sunscreens are quality products with a single objective: to absorb or block the sun’s ultraviolet radiation by means of filters that reduce its impact on the skin.
It is precisely thanks to this defensive action that you can spend more time in the sun without the risk of burning, as long as you apply sunscreen regularly for the duration of exposure.
Types of sunscreens
There are many brands of sun creams on the market that are adapted to the specific needs of each individual. Not all skins are the same, so not all sun protection products can be the same.
While oily skin requires protection that does not contain oils, sensitive skin is very well suited to mineral sunscreens, whose main mechanism of action is to reflect radiation, acting as a mirror.
One of the most characteristic elements of sunscreen is the protection factor, which indicates how long it takes for untanned skin to start reddening with sunscreen applied compared to how long it would take for the first redness to appear if it were not used.
To calculate the protection factor, a simple formula is used: divide the number of seconds it takes for a specific area of skin to show slight redness while covered with sunscreen by the number of seconds it takes for the same area to redden without any sunscreen applied.
For sun care, a wide range of products is available, including body sunscreens, facial sunscreens, children’s sunscreens, aftersun treatments, and dietary supplements, all offered in various formats.
Adults typically prefer lotion or gel sunscreens, as these options allow for easier and more controlled application. In contrast, spray sunscreens are more practical for children and adolescents, keeping their hands clean during application.
Acofar’s sunscreens include facial options that are particularly beneficial for oily skin, featuring a blend of natural and active ingredients that help even skin tone and delay the onset of wrinkles.
Customers can find some of the best sunscreens on the market at the Acofarma pharmacy network, known for competitive pricing and personalized service. Each individual receives expert advice from trusted professionals, ensuring they select the right product for their needs.