Summer is just around the corner. With the arrival of good weather we spend more time in the sun and we are already preparing the bikinis for the beach and pool season. During this time, the protector solar, Although we use it (or should use it) all year round, it will become, more than at any other time of the year, an essential ally.
(Protect your skin this summer: these are the 14 best sunscreens)
Now, how can we know which sunscreen factor we should choose? Do we understand what it means and what it influences?
The SPF (sun protection factor) defines how long you can be in the sun without burning yourself using sunscreen, compared to the time you could be without sunscreen.
(The best sun creams to take care of your skin this summer)
As NIVEA explains, the most suitable SPF for your skin It will vary depending on how long you can protect yourself. This period ranges from 5 to 30 minutes on average and depends on skin type, location and time of year.
In a simplified way:
Time that your skin can be exposed to the sun without burning (depends on the phototype) x FPS = Minutes protected from the sun
What phototype do I have?
Various clinics and dermatological centers have launched tests online so you can check what your phototype is or how long you can be in the sun without burning.
And, although the best option will always be to consult a dermatologist, we leave you the description of each phototype so that you can find yours.
Phototype I: We find it in people with very light and milky skin, and their hair is usually red or orange. They usually have light eyes and never tan.
Phototype II: The skin of people with this phototype is fair, but they can be slightly tanned, they often have freckles, and their hair is usually blonde.
Phototype III: This phototype usually occurs in people with blonde or brown hair who may have light or slightly brown skin. They usually get a golden tan.
Phototype IV: people with dark hair and eyes and brown skin who tan quickly have it.
Phototype V: people with dark or brown skin who tan quickly have it. It receives the name of Mediterranean.
Phototype VI: It is the one presented by black people. They almost never burn.
Once your phototype is known. It is time to choose the most appropriate sun protection factor for your skin. According to L’Oréal, people whose skin types fall into one of the top three are recommended to use a high or very high SPF sunscreen to avoid burning. Those of the IV and V will use a protector with a medium SPF and those of the VI will be worth a low one.
In any case, as NIVEA explains, a higher sun protection factor will prolong the time you can enjoy sunbathing.
cream, lotion or spray?
Once you are clear about the SPF, you may wonder if it is better to get a sunscreen cream, lotion or spray. So that you can choose the option that best suits you, we will tell you about its particularities:
Las lotions They are perfect for normal skin, although they are suitable for all skin types. They are light and quickly absorbed.
Los sprays they are very comfortable, refreshing and also dry quickly. However, by not seeing them well during the application, we can leave unprotected areas that can burn quickly.
Lastly, the creams They are somewhat more oily, so they are recommended to be applied to normal or dry skin. These also provide extra nutrition.
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