We found out how sunscreen should really be used and what is the right amount of product.
In summer, it is of primary importance to protect the skin with an effective sun protection product.
In addition to sunscreen products, you should rely on hats and clothing, avoid direct sunlight at midday, add sunscreen regularly and seek shade.
Protect your skin from the scorching sun and seek shade. Unsplash
Why is it also important to use high sun protection in Finland? It is about both health and appearance reasons.
– Excessive exposure to UV radiation is the biggest known skin cancer predisposing factor. UV radiation also has properties that promote premature aging of the skin, he says Taru Laitinenproduct development manager of the domestic cosmetics manufacturer and importer Berner.
Many experts are calling for year-round protection from the sun.
– In Finland, the UV index, which describes the intensity of UV radiation, exceeds the need for protection, i.e. the value of the UV index is 3 or more, as a rule, from spring to autumn. As the climate warms, the need for protection may increase further, Laitinen explains.
– In addition to the summer sun, for example, snow cover reflects solar radiation effectively, so even in winter it can be useful to protect yourself from the sun, he reminds.
Always remember to add sunscreen after sweating and swimming. Stassi Karanikolaou is pictured. All Over Press
How much sunscreen should you use?
– When using sunscreen, the most important thing is to spread enough of it on the skin. So choose a product that you can comfortably and easily apply to the skin in the recommended amount.
– Also remember to add a sunscreen product to the skin regularly and always, for example, after sweating or swimming. In principle, I recommend using high protection factors SPF 30, SPF 50 or SPF50+, advises Laitinen.
It is also worth checking the EU-recommended UVA protection, which is at least 1/3 of the stated SPF value, which describes UVB protection. The realization of UVA protection is indicated by a circle symbol with the text UVA inside.
– Sun protection products based on physical UV filters are mostly recommended for children and people with sensitive skin. The sunscreens they contain, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are chemically stable substances that are mostly suitable for people with sensitive skin, Laitinen explains.
Choose a water-resistant sunscreen if you enjoy being in the water. Pictured is Alessandra Ambrosio and Richard Lee. All Over Press
On the other hand, for children who move a lot, swim and play a lot in the water, it may make sense to choose a sunscreen whose composition has been tested for water resistance.
Water-resistant or very water-resistant means that the product has been tested to retain a certain part of its protection even for some time in contact with water. We are usually talking about a measurement period of about half an hour in the water.
– Even then, of course, the sun protection should be added regularly according to the recommendations, reminds Laitinen.
It is often recommended that the cream be added after swimming or sports performance.
If you use too little protection, the protective effect will be significantly reduced. For this reason, it is recommended to use high protection factors.
– For this reason, I also do not recommend using powdered sun protection products, i.e. powders or make-up products, as the primary protection products, because their usage amounts are practically always below the recommendation, stresses Laitinen.
– It is good to remember that no sun protection product provides 100% protection. You should primarily protect yourself from the sun with, for example, clothing. Sunscreen is only an additional aid for protection.
Protect yourself from the sun with clothing. Pictured is Iris Law. All Over Press
REMEMBER
Taru Laitinen guides you on how much sunscreen to apply:
For face and neck: Teaspoonful.
For the body: On the hands, feet, back and stomach-chest area, a teaspoon each, i.e. one teaspoon per hand/foot.
In summary: The average adult should therefore use a little more than two tablespoons of sun protection product on the whole body with each application.
Try these:
The 100% natural, physical, reflective protection of the domestic natural cosmetics brand does not contain chemical protective substances. The SPF 20 protective cream felt pleasant on the skin, and I was happy to apply it throughout the day. Also available with a high protection factor of 50. €38.40, Aiva Organics.
A light, gel-like sunscreen with a high protection factor simply glides onto the face. The effective and non-sticky product remains for standard use. Plus 40 minutes of water and sweat resistance and odorlessness. €93.90, Zo Skin Health.
Vichy’s Capital Soleil UV-Clear SPF50+ sunscreen has an extremely light formula and is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. The non-glossy surface does not look greasy and does not dry out the skin. Plus the quick absorption time and water and sweat resistance. The cream from the French pharmacy cosmetics brand is also suitable for sensitive and sun-sensitive skin. €20.90, Live pharmacy.
The tinted day cream from the Australian brand Bondi Sands was a convenient multitasking experience, as the caring and powerfully moisturizing moisturizer contains a protection factor of 50 and a natural shade that adapts to the skin tone. Made in Australia, the cream contains vitamin E, Jamaican hibiscus fruit extract and zinc oxide. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. €19.90, Sokos.
The tinted and moisturizing lip cream of the Swedish pharmacy brand Acon resembles lip gloss. SPF 25 ensures sun protection for the sensitive skin of the lips. An easy tube to keep with you on the go and to top up throughout the day. A plus for the richness and the beautiful, audible end result. €10.50, Bonus pharmacy.
The velvety Cicabio SPF 50+ sunscreen from the French pharmacy brand Bioderma is suitable for the whole family, including babies. Cream for sensitive skin protects against pigment changes and sunburn. Spreads easily and does not stick. Antibacterial copper and zinc oxides protect the skin, and the product relieves skin redness, itching and irritation and increases the skin’s protective mechanism. €22.84, Karhu pharmacy.
The Anthelios SPF50+ sunscreen for the body of the French pharmacy cosmetic brand La Roche-Posay gives the skin high protection. The water-resistant cream is also resistant to sweat and sand. The fragrance-free and hypoallergenic product is suitable for sensitive and dry skin. Rich, moisturizing and well-absorbing cream is a new favorite. €24.90, Tokmanni.
The fragrance-free sunscreen spray is convenient to apply and add throughout the day. Suitable for all skin types and children’s sensitive skin, the product absorbs quickly. The skin-soothing composition is also suitable for atopic skin. The water-resistant product is also suitable for the youngest members of the family who are enthusiastic about water games. €29.90, University’s pharmacy.
The Hello Sunday sunscreen stick with a high protection factor of 30 is a convenient way to add protection factors to the face and body throughout the day, and especially to sensitive areas such as the ears, hairline and parting. The transparent sunscreen stick contains hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The easy stick that fits in a handbag has a light floral scent. €22, Skincity.
Product images: manufacturers.