Natural contour with sunscreen? See the risks of the viral trend

It is no longer news to say that the TikTok is one of the main sources of beauty trends in the world generation Z .

There, there are thousands of videos that “reveal” skincare secrets with the most diverse promises ranging from facial texture improvements until Ways to keep production intact for longer for example.

Recently, the tag #sunscreencontouring , something like “sunscreen contour”, in Portuguese, gained traction on the network. As the name suggests, the technique consists of applying sunscreen to certain regions of the face to ensure tan lines that outline the face .

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But after all, is there any danger when doing natural contouring?

A CNN Thiago Martins, biomedical, professor and master in Aesthetic Medicine, explains that the practice is risky and ill-advised by health professionals.

“Exposure to the sun without adequate protection significantly increases the risk of sun damage, such as burns, premature skin aging and, most seriously, the development of skin cancer. The idea of ​​using sunscreen to create deliberate tan lines can lead to inconsistent protection,” he says.

According to him, tanning can temporarily create a contouring effect on the face, however it is important to highlight that the effects of the natural method are not comparable to the safe benefits provided by makeup or cosmetic contouring techniques.

“In addition, accumulated sun damage can result in hyperpigmentation, blemishes and uneven skin texture, compromising your health and appearance in the long term”, he guarantees.

Thiago also states that the tendency to use two protectors with different filters is also not recommended.

“Firstly, this can result in inadequate sun protection, especially in areas where a lower SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is used. Furthermore, the effectiveness of sunscreen depends not only on the factor, but also on uniform application and in the appropriate quantity”, he says.

“Mixing products with different rates can lead to a false sense of protection, increasing the risk of sun damage. The ideal is to use an appropriate SPF correctly across the entire face, reapplying whenever necessary, especially after exposure to sweat or water”, he adds.

Choosing the ideal sunscreen

According to Lucas Miranda, dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, it is necessary to check the sun protection factor, which indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. The general recommendation is to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which blocks around 97% of UVB rays.

“To do this, look for sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature skin aging and can contribute to the development of skin cancer”, he tells CNN .

According to him, if the patient has sensitive skin, it is important to look for sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin or hypoallergenic. For oily or acne-prone skin, the choice should be non-comedogenic and oil-free products.

“Sunscreens come in many forms, such as creams, lotions, gels and sprays. The user must choose one that suits their skin type and area of ​​application (for example, there are specific protectors for the face and body)”, he says.

“For those who sweat a lot or who go diving, whether in swimming pools, waterfalls, rivers or in the sea, it is worth choosing a water-resistant sunscreen. Remembering that you will need to reapply it as indicated on the packaging, generally every two hours or after leaving the water”, he adds.

Can using the protector on certain parts cause stains on the skin?

“Not applying sunscreen evenly can lead to uneven protection, resulting in uneven tanning or sunburn. However, sunscreen itself does not cause spots on the skin. On the contrary, by protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure, it helps prevent spots caused by sun damage, such as melasma and hyperpigmentation”, says the doctor.

What about the damage from excessive sun exposure?

• Sunburn: Acute damage to the skin that can lead to peeling and pain.
• Accumulated damage: Chronic sun exposure can cause premature skin aging, including wrinkles, loss of elasticity and sun spots.
• Skin cancer: Including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
• Vision problems: Exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions.

How to apply sunscreen correctly?

• Apply 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, as this allows the skin to absorb the sunscreen completely;
• Use enough product (most adults need about a tablespoon to cover their face. The body needs a much larger amount);
• Reapply every two hours or more often if swimming, sweating or towel drying;
• Don't forget exposed areas such as ears, neck, hands and feet and use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days or when you aren't spending much time outdoors.