Which sunscreen for which skin type?

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Mineral or chemical sun protection?

Sunscreens are mainly based on two or three different modes of action: mineral sunscreen with physical filters, sunscreen with chemical filters, and hybrid sunscreen (contains chemical and physical filters).

How does mineral sun protection work?

Mineral sun protection works on the simple physical principle of reflecting light. These sunscreens contain particles of titanium or zinc oxide, which are harmless to health. These particles act like small mirrors on the skin. The particles are so harmless that this type of sun protection is especially recommended for children. The downside to sun creams with physical filters is that, due to the ingredients, they naturally have a thicker texture and therefore can leave a white sheen on the skin. Often these creams are not absorbed into the skin as quickly.

Benefits of sun creams with physical filters:

suitable for very sensitive skin / baby skin
a small amount of transparent ingredients
simple mechanical principle of operation

Disadvantages of sun creams with physical filters:

denser texture
can leave a white film on the skin

What is chemical sun protection?

The sunblock acts as a filter for UV rays, which are converted into heat, for example through a chemical reaction, and thus can no longer cause damage to the skin. To protect the skin from the full spectrum of UVB and UVA rays, various effective substances are combined in one product. Chemically effective sunscreen is usually much thinner, easier to apply to the skin, and faster absorbed. However, the substances it contains can cause irritation more quickly, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Benefits:

light texture, absorbs quickly, pleasant feeling on the skin
more ingredients

Disadvantages:

may cause irritation and intolerance in sensitive skin types.

Hybrid products or a combination of physical and chemical filters

Both types of sun protection have their own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right sun protection depends primarily on personal preference, intended use, and skin type. Some of the latest generation sunscreen products use a combination of chemical and physical filters to achieve the best results. These products provide a high level of sun protection with very few unwanted side effects.

UVA vs UVB

Our skin can be damaged by two different types of sunlight: long-wave UVA and short-wave UVB. Long-wave UVA rays can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and contribute to the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles in the long term. Shortwave UVB rays are responsible for immediately visible skin damage such as sunburn. Their intensity increases significantly as they approach the equator and at high altitudes. This is why sun protection is never complete when skiing and hiking.

SPF versus PA +

The two types of sun protection systems correspond to the two types of UV rays. Thus, the protective effect of tanning creams is divided into SPF and PA +.

SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how long sunscreen protects you from UV B rays that can damage your skin. A higher protection factor does not necessarily mean that the sunscreen has a stronger effect, but you can stay in the sun longer after applying it.

Example: Sensitive skin turns red after just 10 minutes in the sun. If you use SPF 30 sunscreen, the skin will only turn red after 10 x 30 = 300 minutes. This will also be the maximum duration of sun exposure.

PA +, on the other hand, describes the effectiveness of sunscreen against long-wave UVA rays. The level of protection is indicated by the number of plus points +. Thus, PA + stands for low UVA protection and PA ++++ for maximum protection. Most products these days have information on both filtration systems on their packaging.

How to apply sun cream correctly?

One of the most important findings of nearly all studies on the use of sunscreens is that too few sunscreens are commonly used. When it comes to sun protection, the following applies unequivocally: don't get confused! Sunscreen applied too thin will not provide sufficient protection, and regular reapplication of the cream is also extremely important to maintain protection!

Rule of thumb: Use about 3 tablespoons of adult sunscreen if your entire body needs to be properly protected.