The mysterious spf factor, which we diligently look for on the packaging of cosmetics, is interpreted by everyone in their own way. Everyone remembers that this is a very important argument in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation, but how exactly does it work and what can it really protect against, how can you strengthen or weaken its effect, how to use SPF cream correctly to & nbsp; feel protected – Read the answers to these and some other questions at estet-portal.com.
What do the protection indexes in SPF cream mean?
The SPF index on the packaging of a cosmetic product indicates how much harmful UV radiation will be blocked if this product is applied to the skin. So, for example, if the index on the spf cream is designated as 15, then 1/15 of the sun's rays will reach the skin surface, or 7% if spf 50 – then, respectively, 1/50 of their part or 2%. It should be remembered that even two percent of the ultraviolet rays that managed to penetrate the skin can cause redness, and seven percent – may well damage the cell structure.
Thus, cosmetics with an SPF index of 30-50 can be considered real skin protection. If we are talking about oil, cream with an index of SPF5-15, & nbsp; then you can only expect them to moisturize the skin, but not protection from the sun's rays.
Will an SPF cream with UVA and UVB protection reduce the risk of melanoma?
Scientific data on the protective properties of SPF cream are not yet sufficient. With regard to UVA rays, it is known that they are well absorbed by creams with an appropriate filter, while inflammation on the skin is prevented, the risk of pigmentation is reduced, and water loss is reduced. As for UVB rays, there is not yet sufficient data on how exactly they damage cells, and how this damage can be prevented.
Melanoma Development Process – also has not yet been fully studied, and it is not true to say that it arises from excessive sunburn. Of course, the more often the skin is damaged by sunlight, the higher the risk of developing various malignant skin diseases, including melanoma. This is a scientifically proven risk factor.
It is impossible to eliminate the risk of melanoma by using sunscreen. Sun – an important factor influencing the probable development of this disease, but not the main, direct and not the only one.
Can regular use of SPF prevent pigmentation?
The risk of pigmentation is indeed reduced when using SPF cream. However, no one will give an absolute guarantee that age spots will not appear at all. The fact is that melanocytes, which are responsible for skin pigmentation, are able to migrate and eventually move to those areas that are most exposed to insolation during life – for example, on the hands. In addition, the susceptibility of the skin to ultraviolet radiation and, accordingly, the risk of pigmentation, depends on many factors: this is the use of care creams with retinol, and the use of various drugs with photosensitizing effects, the list of which is incredibly long, and perfume fragrances in cosmetics, and even many products from our daily menu.
An SPF cream with oils protects and cares for the skin at the same time, doesn't it?
The most effective sunscreens contain titanium dioxide. However, if you add stone oil (for example, apricot kernels or macadamia oil) to such an SPF cream, then such an oil will change the refractive index of light by titanium particles, which means that the real & nbsp; the protection factor will be greatly reduced. The same effect will be if in the morning you applied a product with kernel oil on your face, and then smeared sunscreen with titanium dioxide – risk of sunburn and age spots increase significantly. But the mineral oils in the SPF cream, on the contrary, increase the UV absorption factor. That is why they are part of the protective equipment for children.
Is it enough to put on cosmetics with SPF on the face in the city to feel protected?
If your exposure to the sun is limited to a couple of hours driving to the office and home, then it will be enough to apply cosmetics with chemical filters and SPF 50 on your face. The best protection will be provided by layer-by-layer application of day cream, foundation and mineral powder with different SPF factors – Layering them consistently will give you the level of protection you need, and you won't scare those around you with a thick layer of protective equipment on your face.
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