2023-07-13 08:00:41
Summer vacation time has finally come! To go to the sea, in the countryside or in the mountains, do not forget to take your sunscreen. But which sun protection factor to choose: 15, 20, 30 or 50? Health on the Net explains the solar index best suited to your situation.
SPI, the sun protection index of sunscreen products
Sun exposure, in both summer and winter, exposes the skin the dangers of UVA and UVB radiation (both types of radiation are dangerous to health). It is therefore necessary to take the necessary measures to protect yourself effectively, and among the most frequently used solutions are obviously sunscreens (also available in gels, milk or balm). But how to choose the right sunscreen and in particular with what protection factor?
Two acronyms appear on the sunscreen products available in France:
SPI or Sun Protection Index; SPF or Sun Protection Factor (or in English SFP pour Sun Protection Factor).
These indices indicate the amount of sun it would take to get a sunburn after applying sunscreen to the skin. Thus, a sunscreen with a protection factor of 20 indicates that the dose of sun to get a sunburn is multiplied by 20 once the cream is applied.
Read also – Choosing the right sunscreen to protect your health and that of the corals
Four levels of sun protection
Currently, sun creams and products are available with four levels of sun protection :
A low sun protection for IPS 6 and 10; A medium protection for SPF 15, 20 and 25 (note that a number of day creams contain an SPF 20 or 25 filter); A haute protection for IPS 30 and 50; A very high protection for SPF 50+ (note that the term “full screen” is no longer authorized in France, as it misled the consumer. No cream provides 100% protection against the effects of the sun!).
But which sun protection factor should you choose? To make the right choice, two criteria must be taken into account, on the one hand the phototypethat is to say his skin type, and on the other hand sun exposure conditions (duration and place of the exhibition). Four skin types are defined:
Skin extremely sensitive to the sun: people with very white skin, but also infants, children and people with a history of skin cancer; Sun-sensitive skinthat is to say people who often take sunburn in case of exposure; The intermediate skinwith fair-skinned people tanning easily; Fairly tough skinfor people with dark skin. Read also – Octocrylene in sunscreens or anti-aging: what are the dangers?
A sun protection index according to your skin and sun exposure
In parallel with this type of skin, it is necessary to take into account the conditions of exposure to the sun, the risk not being the same on the beach as on a glacier! From these two parameters, it is possible to choose the solar product with the appropriate protection factor:
Very high protection for extremely sensitive skin with high exposure (on the beach or during outdoor activities) or for sensitive skin with extreme exposure (in the tropics or on glaciers); High protection for moderate exposure of extremely sensitive skin or extreme exposure of intermediate skin; Medium protection for sensitive skin with moderate exposure or extreme exposure for fairly resistant skin; A weak protection for the important exposure of rather resistant skins.
In children, you should always use sunscreen with an index of at least 50. And remember to renew the application of the cream every two hours regardless of its protection factor!
Read also – All about sun protection!
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– Protect yourself from the sun. www.ameli.fr. Accessed July 4, 2023.
– Sunscreen: how to choose it well? www.economie.gouv.fr. Accessed July 4, 2023.
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