It is essential to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. But between an SPF 30 or 50, which one to choose for good protection? We tell you everything.
The sun presents many dangers for the skin, between sunburn, pigment spots, skin aging or even skin diseases… It is essential to protect yourself well, summer and winter alike. In terms of sun protection, the indices of sun creams can vary from 6 to 50. If the most used are protections with SPF 30 and 50, what are their characteristics and which is really suitable for which type of skin? To answer these questions, we sought the advice of Marina Alexandre, dermatologist and La Roche-Posay scientific consultant.
Sun protection, what is an SPF?
An SPF (sunburn protection factor) or in French FPS (sun protection factor) is accompanied by a number which indicates the level of sun protection of the product. The SPF partially blocks UVB rays which “cause sunburn, burn the skin, are carcinogenic, while playing an important role in the creation of vitamin D and also participating in tanning” explains Doctor Marina Alexandre.
The higher the SPF, the greater the protection. A cream with an SPF 50 blocks around 98% of UVB rays while an SPF 30 blocks them at 95%.. Even if the percentage difference is not obvious, the 50 protection is much more effective.
Depending on the phototype, which allows us to classify our skin type according to its reaction to the sun, we are more or less exposed to the dangers of UV rays. Light skin is phototype 1 and 2. Skin that tans while taking a few sunburns is phototype 3 and dark skin is phototype 4. Note that sun protection is essential for all skin types, the whole thing is to adapt it to its phototype.
So, which SPF to choose?
Thus, to find the protection perfectly adapted to your skin type, you determine your phototype and choose it according to your category, without forgetting to take into account the exposure time and the UV index (the intensity of the radiation solar ultraviolet and the health risk it represents).
We therefore recommend an SPF 50 for phototypes 1, 2 and 3 and a lower protection with an SPF 30 for dark skin of phototype 4. Note that it is strongly recommended to apply an SPF 50 for all skin tones, in the event of a very high UV index (from a UV index of 8), in order to preserve the good health of the skin.
How to properly apply your sunscreen?
To properly protect your skin, it is necessary to apply sunscreen in a fairly thick and even layer, taking care not to neglect the areas that are more prone to sunburn such as the face, neckline and shoulders. In addition, you should know that protection with an SPF can effectively fight against UVB and much less against UVA which “act on skin aging and promote the appearance of pigment spots.” says the dermatologist.
That is why : “it is strongly advised not to be exposed to UV rays during dangerous hours, that is to say between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In addition, you must always remember to wear sunscreen, apply in sufficient quantity and renew it every 2 hours.” adds Marina Alexandre. Also think about protective clothing such as hats, caps, t-shirts and sunglasses, for optimal protection.
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