It’s getting sunnier: what’s the importance of SPF?
The sun, a source of life and vitality, can also have harmful effects on our skin if we do not protect ourselves from it. UVA and UVB rays are two types of ultraviolet radiation that come from the sun and each has its own unique impact on our skin. Understanding these rays and incorporating protection from them into your daily beauty routine is vital to maintaining healthy and radiant skin in the long run.
What are UVA and UVB rays?
Ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation) is a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. There are three main types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is generally absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the earth in significant amounts. However, UVA and UVB rays are responsible for most sun damage to our skin.
UVA rays: These rays penetrate deep into the skin and can lead to premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. UVA rays can cause hyperpigmentation, which manifests as dark spots, age spots and freckles. This is because UV-A rays stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin color. Also, prolonged exposure to UV-A rays can increase the risk of skin cancer, including the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
UVB rays: These rays have less penetrating power than UVA rays and are responsible for causing sunburn. They are also a major factor in the development of skin cancer and can damage the skin on sunny days and in the summer months.Prolonged exposure to UV-B rays can also lead to changes in the texture of the skin, including thickening, roughness and loss of elasticity.
The importance of SPF in your beauty routine
Incorporating protection from UVA and UVB rays into your daily beauty routine is crucial to maintaining the health and appearance of your skin. SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. It is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the rays responsible for sunburn. When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to check the label for the term “broad spectrum” to ensure that the product offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. In addition, it is always a good idea to choose a product with a sufficiently high SPF value and to reapply it regularly for optimal protection.
Why including SPF in your beauty routine is important
Preventing premature aging: UVA rays are a major cause of premature skin aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation. By using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB, you can reduce the appearance of these signs of aging and maintain a youthful appearance.
Sunburn protection: UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, which can not only be painful but also harmful to the health of your skin. Regular exposure to UVB rays without protection can cause sunburn, redness, scaling and even blistering.
Reducing the risk of skin cancer: both types of UV rays play a role in the development of skin cancer. By regularly using a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection, you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
Maintain radiant skin: by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, you can maintain the health and appearance of your skin. Healthy skin glows from the inside out, and by including sun protection in your beauty routine, you can help your skin maintain its natural glow.
In addition, you can wear protective clothing such as a hat, sunglasses and clothing with built-in UV protection to further protect your skin.
Avoid sun exposure during peak hours. Try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. then the sun is strongest and UV radiation is most intense. By including UVA and UVB protection in your daily beauty routine, you can not only protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects, but also help maintain a healthy and radiant complexion over the long term. Be proactive in protecting your skin while enjoying the many benefits the sun has to offer.
