Sun cream: how to choose the right one

Summer has arrived and it's time to think not only about which beach to visit, but also which sunscreen to buy to take care of your skin. But do you know what things should be considered when choosing the right one? Here are the questions to ask yourself before choosing a sunscreen.

What is the SPF and which number to choose?

We've all seen the SPF acronym in sunscreen, but we don't all know what that means. Don't worry, we'll explain it to you. SPF (Solar Protection Factor for its acronym in English) is the sun protection factor, or that number that indicates the degree of protection offered to the skin: the higher the number, the greater the protection. A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended.

UVA or UVB or both?

The big problem with the sun is not the sun itself, but its ultraviolet rays. There are two types we need to deal with: UVA and UVB. Although they both cause skin damage, they don't do it the same way. Normally, all sunscreens protect against type B (UVB) which causes burns and skin cancer. But type A (UVA) can also cause skin cancer and premature skin aging. So when you read the label, make sure it indicates both UVA and UVB protection.

The same sunscreen for the face and the rest of the body?

The type of skin we have on the face is different than what we have on the rest of the body. For example, on the face we can have an oily or combination type of skin and on the rest of the body dry. For this reason it is advisable to buy specific sun creams for different parts of the body, since the consistency is also different depending on the area on which you want to apply.

Waterproof?

It is also important to take into account whether they are waterproof or not, since in the summer we tend to use sunscreen to go to the beach or pool. This does not mean that you only need to apply the cream once, but simply that it can resist water for a little longer. Once in contact with water, it is recommended to reapply the sunscreen after 40 minutes.

More tips for taking care of your skin

Get out of the sun. We know that summer means getting a tan, but it's always important to protect yourself from the sun, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm. This is the perfect excuse to look for a nice hat or cap for this summer.

Use sunscreen even when the day is cloudy. Even if the day is cloudy, it doesn't mean that ultraviolet rays can't reach your skin. Use the cream every time you leave the house.

Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses are not only made to be the best accessory to go out of the house, but also to protect our eyes from the sun, don't forget them at home!

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. There is nothing better than sunbathing in a natural way, during the recommended hours.