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Finally the warm season has arrived and with the warm sunny days some questions come back more and more frequently: do you already have to wear sunscreen even when you are in town? And if so, how to choose the most suitable?
To dispel any doubts, we asked for some clarification from dermatologist and scientific consultant Federica Osti, who immediately wants to reassure everyone: “even if protecting yourself from the sun is important, getting anxious every time a ray hits a portion of the skin is excessive and useless”.
No panic, therefore, but targeted actions aimed at the well-being of the skin with particular attention to that of the face, the most exposed in this period.
Difference between sunscreen and creams and foundation with spf
Although many moisturizers and foundation today they are equipped with spf it’s a mistake to believe that they are comparable to solar products and therefore equally effective against sun damage. “The purposes of these products are, for example, to perform an anti-aging action, to sublimate the complexion or other and only secondarily to protect from sun damage and not even all of them, since the SPF only covers UVB. The primary purpose of the solarinstead it is that of shield all types of light radiation as much as possible responsible for skin aging, some skin cancers, sun spots, redness and inflammation and this makes them much more specific and effective. Although many skincare or make-up references are therefore valid, if you aim for protection as the first objective, they do not always represent the optimal solution “.
When solar in the city is a good idea
In the height of summer at the sea or in the mountains, there is no doubt, sunscreens should always be applied to the exposed portions of skin, while at this time of the year it depends a lot on the type of life you lead.
“If a person leaves the house very earlyworks in an enclosed space and comes back in the evening they are not necessary“. Just as they are not necessarily the case if the desk is near a window. “In that case it is good to inquire about the possible shielding of the glass, if present it protects against damage from the sun’s rays, otherwise it would be better to apply a little protection at the beginning of the day, but always without obsession”.
Obviously, the situation is different for those who pass many hours outdoors or for sportsmen who train outdoors, «who should always protect themselves, remembering to choose a solution water resistant to prevent sweat from sliding off the body ».
Age also has an impact on whether or not to use solar. “On a teenager with no particular skin problems, unless she does outdoor sports, I do not see the need, while I recommend it to a lady with sensitive skin, some fine lines and the appearance of the first spots”.
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RossHelenHow to choose the sunscreens
Thanks to increasingly advanced scientific studies it is the era of generic solar products is over and more and more companies offer products that respond to specific problems. “For example, those who have small imperfections such as blemishes, acne or mask redness must go towards formulations aimed at extinguishing them, while those who have to manage the first signs of aging must focus on products with an effective anti-aging effect”.
As for the level of protection, the advice is not to go too low, regardless of the phototype. “Although darker skins can potentially use lighter solar, the ideal is to opt for at least 30 protection. The reason is that the right amount of product is rarely applied, which is approximately a two milligrams per square centimeter of skinand if this does not happen the protection is inevitably lower ».
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LumiNolaAt the level of texture the safest choice is cream, possibly waterproof, because it is easier to spread in the recommended quantities on the face, body and hands. “All the formulations are tested, so if you apply them carefully there is no problem, but the spray formulas and the waters escape more easily because they are sprayed too far from the skin or drip on the ground”, explains Federica Osti.
Also valid alternative stickmostly for sportsmen that in the case of long outdoor sessions they should reapply the protection after about an hour of training, and that with this solution they might find it easier to do so.
Finally, whatever choice is made is fundamental throw away the sunscreens at the end of each season because time makes their effect wear off and storing them for the next year is not a good idea. Once opened, therefore, it is better to write down the date and respect the pao (period after opening) shown on the package.
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Source: Vanity Fair