How to choose a sun tanner (English)

Knowing how to choose the right tanning cream is important for everyone. Experts have found that ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the skin all year round, both in winter and summer. For example, it can penetrate window frames and affect a person. Even if you are not planning a trip to the sea, think about buying sunscreen.

Sunbathing: benefits and harms

Sunlight has always been attractive to the human body. This can be explained by the fact that it contains useful vitamin D. This component has a beneficial effect on hormonal levels and has a preventive effect against diseases of the liver, kidneys and heart. Vitamin D is an active participant in metabolism and regulates the absorption of essential microelements such as calcium and phosphorus. A small amount of ultraviolet radiation has a beneficial effect on various types of skin diseases.

True, solar radiation can have not only positive, but also negative effects. If there is an overdose of ultraviolet radiation, all the benefits of solar procedures will be useless. Improper tanning, without following the necessary protection rules, can lead to:

Premature skin aging.
The appearance of age spots.
Impaired functioning of the sebaceous glands.
The development of cancer, in particular melanoma.
The occurrence of allergic reactions, rashes.

You can get an overdose of solar radiation even in cold weather, this is especially true for mountainous areas. To protect yourself from the negative effects of sunlight, you must use protective equipment. They include special filters that block harmful radiation from entering the body. Compositions of this type are used before sunbathing. This will help not to receive an excess of ultraviolet radiation and keep the skin from burning and inflammation.

Many creams not only perform a protective function, but also help improve the quality of the resulting tan. Using a tanning product helps ensure an even shade without any negative effects. Therefore, they should become an indispensable attribute at any time of the year, especially when exposed to the scorching rays of the sun.

What to look for on the label?

A good product should always have the letters UVB or UVA, and sometimes UVB and UVA together. What kind of letters are these? They mean dangerous ultraviolet radiation. Let's look at how these rays differ from each other:

UVB rays are most active in the summer and in small doses provide a beautiful tan, but in large doses they can cause burns. But it is this type of ray that produces vitamin D.
UVA - this radiation is active all year round and is the strongest and most dangerous type for human health. There are no barriers for such rays; they easily penetrate through any fabric, windows and can cause enormous harm to the body.

Next, we look for the following abbreviations: SPF (UVB protection) and PPD, PA, IPD (UVA protection). Let's take a closer look at them.

SPF (UVB protection)

When buying a sunscreen, first of all, you should pay attention to the three main letters on the packaging - SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which means the cream's protection factor from UVB rays. SPF values may vary:

High factor - SPF (30-100).
The average factor is SPF (15-25).
The basic factor is SPF (2-10).

The higher the SPF, the greasier the product and the denser it feels on the skin. It is important to take into account the fact that no product, even with SPF 100, will provide 100% protection against burns. Let's visually see what percentage of the sun's rays each SPF can reflect:

99% - SPF 100
98% - SPF 50-60
97% - SPF 30-45
96% - SPF 25
95% - SPF 20
93% - SPF 15
90% - SPF 10
83% - SPF 6
50% - SPF 2

When choosing the SPF value, you must be guided by the following indicators:

Phototype (degree of skin vulnerability to UV radiation).
Time of year (in winter, protection is required several times less than in summer).
Time of day (the sun's rays are most active from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the rest of the time they are less active).
Geography (at the equator the sun is more intense than in central Russia, for example).
Location (sea or mountain peaks require higher SPF).

PPD, PA and IPD (UVA protection)

To create a barrier from UVA rays (and they are the most dangerous), various signs are used: IPD, PPD, RA. You can also see them on the bottle of the product:

Immediate Pigment Darkening (IPD)characterizes the difficulty of protecting a particular product from UVA rays. The maximum level of protection can be 90%.
Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) characterizes the level of reduction in radiation dose from UVA. Its highest value is 42, that is, a product with this characteristic reduces the level of radiation entering the skin by 42%. Also, the treasured letters PPD can be “hidden” behind the designation UVA in a circle. This means that the sunscreen has a dermatologist-recommended, harmless PPD level.
Protection Grade of UVA (PA) - this designation method is more typical for creams produced in eastern countries and is an indicator that characterizes the degree of active protection. This index is expressed by the designations “+”, “++” or “+++”: PA+ minimal UVA protection, PA++ average UVA protection, PA+++ very high UVA protection.

When choosing a certain type of cream, it is important to consider the level of its protection against UVB and UVA penetration. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the abbreviations indicated on the bottles or tubes.

Tanning cream and skin phototype

Before choosing sun protection, it is important to decide on your personal phototype, since not all cosmetics are universal. Essentially, a phototype is a category that indicates the degree of vulnerability of your skin to UV radiation. That’s why it’s so important to determine your phototype, and there are 6 of them in total.

1 type Celtic.Such people have a white-pink skin tone, which is often covered with freckles. Usually these are blondes with blue eyes or red-haired people with fair skin. Representatives of this type find it difficult, one might even say impossible, to sunbathe. Under the influence of sunlight, their skin burns and becomes inflamed, and the tan does not apply to the skin at all. It is better for them to be in the sun in the morning or evening hours. For the first type, a cream with maximum protection SPF 50+ will be relevant.
Type 2 Light-skinned European. These representatives have light skin and hair, and eyes of gray, green or brown color. The second type of skin has a chance to tan, but under certain conditions. It is better to take sunbathing in the morning, before 11 o'clock, or in the evening after 17:00. For them, a cream with an SPF index of at least 30 is relevant.
Type 3 Black European. It is characterized by brown-eyed people with light brown or brown hair. People with phototype 3 usually have ivory-colored skin, which burns only due to oversight. After tanning, they acquire a chocolate color or golden hue. For long-term tanning, you should use a cream with a protection level of SPF 20.
Type 4 Mediterranean.These people are brown-eyed, with dark hair and dark skin. Their skin can tan without negative consequences for about an hour. Tanning products with minimal protection, for example SPF 20, are suitable for them, because the skin of representatives of this type is not afraid of burns, but UVA rays, which provoke age spots and wrinkles, have not been canceled.
Type 5 Asiatic. Type 5 people have dark skin and can stay in the sun for a long time without fear of negative consequences or burns. However, they are prone to premature aging, which means they must be protected using broad-spectrum products.
Type 6 African.Representatives of phototype 6 are completely protected from burns, but they need to take care of sufficient hydration of their skin while in the sun.

For children's skin, you need to look for special sunscreens for children, with an SPF of at least 30.

Rules for using creams to obtain a safe tan

In order for the sunbathing process to be effective and safe, it is important to adhere to certain rules:

Before starting use, do not forget to test for an allergic reaction. Instructions for use are usually presented on the tube itself.
Sunscreen must be applied 20 minutes before going for a walk, this time will be enough for the product to be absorbed. The face and body must be clean and dry. And if you forgot to apply sunscreen beforehand, use an oil-based product as it will absorb faster.
During constant exposure to the sun, it is important to regularly cover your body with SPF cream, preferably once every 2 hours. Tanning creams and sunscreen creams are best suited for those with dry and sensitive skin on the face and body. For those with oily skin or thick hair, gels are excellent sun protection. Sun protection in the form of lotions is most often chosen to be applied to the eyelid area.
When applying protective cream, it is important to distribute it evenly throughout the body, not forgetting about areas on the neck, arms, décolleté, and ears. These areas are most exposed to ultraviolet rays. You can use a special balm for your lips.
Pay attention to moles. If you have them on your body, it is better to apply a high SPF cream to them. For these purposes, Sanskrin in the form of a stick is convenient. Also, the sticks are the most waterproof.
After water treatments, it is important to reapply sunscreen and other alternative products, even if the packaging says that the product is waterproof.
A good product for added protection is mineral makeup powder. It contains special inorganic elements that are capable of filtering ultraviolet radiation, as well as other protective components. The product may have SPF 50 protection.
The use of sunscreen is the main prevention of protecting the skin from aging and fading. The cream is applied in a circular motion and in an even layer, without missing a single centimeter of exposed skin.
Before tanning, the use of perfumes, deodorants and other alcohol-containing components is contraindicated. When exposed to direct sunlight, it can cause an allergic reaction, rashes and age spots.
It is important to apply the cream taking into account its period of action. Even if there was no contact with water, after a certain period of time the protective composition must be reapplied. This usually depends on the person's phototype.
After sunbathing, first of all you need to take a shower and apply lotions with a moisturizing composition to the skin of your face and body.
Tan gradually. Even with the use of protective equipment, scientists do not recommend spending more than 2 hours in the open sun. This can lead not only to burns, but also to sunstroke or heatstroke. And remember that going to the beach between 11:00 and 17:00 is not recommended, even if you use a cream with maximum SPF.
When using a protective cream, it is important to pay attention to its expiration date. After opening the package, it can be used for six months. Interaction with oxygen of the cream triggers the oxidation process, due to which all protective properties are lost.
The choice of creams should be made in favor of moisture-resistant ones, since they actively protect not only upon contact with water, but also with sweat.
Do not skimp on the amount of product applied. Dermatologists recommend applying at least 30 grams of cream.

Which product should I choose?

Products with SPF are available in a wide variety of forms, these can be:

Creams, gels and emulsions. They are considered the most effective and easy to use.
Oils. Less effective as they form a thin protective layer on the skin.
Sticks. They are made on a wax base, so they are waterproof and are ideal for local application, for example on moles, nose, ears.
Powders.Used for makeup with SPF, needed for additional protection.
Aerosols and sprays.An excellent option for hair and scalp. Must be rubbed during application and may be hazardous if inhaled.

By purchasing and using tanning products correctly, everyone can get not only a high-quality, even and beautiful tan, but also protect their skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. You need to choose only proven products; you should not buy too cheap products with questionable composition and from little-known manufacturers. The following brands are popular:

Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50– does not leave an oily sheen, recommended for sensitive skin and facial skin. Economical, moisturizes and softens.
Avene SPF 50– moisturizes and protects sensitive skin from excessive pigmentation. Combines a hypoallergenic formula and water resistance.
Bioderma Photoderm SPF 50 – Suitable for skin with various dermatological diseases. Provides an even complexion and makes the skin soft.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL 50 – has a weightless texture, stable to moisture. Absorbs quickly and mattifies.
Mustela SPF 50 – features an enhanced formula to moisturize the skin. It contains caring substances, is economical, and odorless.
ISIS Pharma RUBORIL EXPERT SPF 50 – has a tonal effect, great for aging skin.
Yves Rocher "Extreme Safety" SPF 50 – does not leave sticky residue, is quickly absorbed, providing good protection to the skin. Does not wash off with water.
Garnier Ambre Solaire “Expert Protection” SPF 50 – hypoallergenic cream, waterproof, contains vitamin E. It is perfectly absorbed without leaving any traces.
Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for body – a lotion that will give you and your skin a feeling of comfort. Makes skin smooth and has anti-aging properties.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Liqu >Of course, these are not all sun protection products. Currently, virtually every brand has similar creams, lotions, fluids, balms, sprays with diverse compositions and properties, as well as with varying degrees of protection.

And if you do get sunburned, it is better to immediately treat the damaged skin with a special product, for example, Panthenol, and then eliminate traumatic sun exposure until complete recovery. This will take several days. That is why, in order not to spoil your vacation, do not neglect the use of effective tanning cream!

Who among us doesn’t dream of finding ourselves on a hot seashore with golden sand to soak up the rays of the southern sun?

The sun gives our skin a beautiful dark tint and promotes the production of vitamin D, strengthening the immune system.

A deep velvety tan is the dream of many girls. But how to achieve a beautiful tan without getting burned?

It's all about the right product to protect your skin from solar radiation, which should be selected before you go to hot regions. The shelves of modern stores are full of many jars and tubes - sprays, oils, creams. How to choose exactly what suits you best?

Let's take a look at the abundance of products on offer and find out how to correctly determine your skin type and choose the right level of protection from sun rays.

Choosing a product by skin type

The ability to acquire a dark shade depends on the type of skin, or more precisely on its ability to synthesize the pigment melanin. Accordingly, the choice of protective cosmetic product will largely depend on this important biological indicator.

It is customary to distinguish four types of skin, which you can quite easily identify by external signs.

TO first type skins include sunbathing light-skinned blondes. They have extremely low levels of melanin, high sensitivity to sunlight and a strong need for UV protection.

People with the first skin type do not have the ability to produce melanin in sufficient quantities and therefore need especially reliable protection from the ultraviolet radiation of our luminary.

If we speak in the language of symbols, then they need to choose cosmetics with a level of protection against UV rays of at least 30-40. The degree of protection of a cosmetic product is indicated by SPF (sun protection factor).

Co. second type include fair-haired people whose skin is prone to a slight tan and is less sensitive than the previous type. But they also need a high level of protection (SPF 25-30).

Third type unites all brown-haired people with slightly dark skin that can tan. But they can also get sunburned if exposed to too much sun. Therefore, people with the third skin type are recommended to choose protective products with an SPF rating of 15 to 20.

And finally, to people with fourth type skin includes all dark-haired and dark-skinned people, whose skin naturally has a very high level of self-protection. This type of skin is also called Mediterranean, since this is the type of skin that people inhabiting the shores of the Mediterranean Sea have. To protect it, it will be enough to purchase a light lotion with a UV filter of 10-15 units.

To determine your skin type and choose the right sunscreen, you can use the tables below:

Table for determining skin type based on photosensitivity

What color are your eyes?

Blue, gray, green

What color is your hair?

Light brown, closer to dark

Dark color, closer to black

What is your skin color?

Light but not too pale

Light, with a slight brownish tint

Do you have a lot of freckles?

How does your skin react to prolonged exposure to sunlight?

Painful burns, bursting blisters,

Severe redness of the skin, peeling

There are no burns

Does your skin darken too much when you tan?

Almost no tan

The tan is very weak

Dark deep tan

For each question, choose the most appropriate answer and write down the corresponding score indicated on the right side of the table. After selecting the appropriate answers to all the questions presented in the table, add up the points received and proceed to the table for determining skin type:

Determining skin type by external signs

Sum of points

Skin type

Leather characteristics

The skin is very sensitive to solar radiation. High tendency to burns.

Sensitive skin prone to burns. Tanning is minimal.

Skin with normal sensitivity, minimal tendency to sunburn, even tan

Mediterranean type - skin without a tendency to burn, dark, deep tan.

What is better to choose – cream, oil or spray?

Sunscreen cosmetics have a variety of texture variations: lotions, creams, milks, balms, sprays. What to choose?

In principle, they have a very similar composition, so the decisive factor here will be the degree of protection and some characteristics of your skin.

For example, for dry skin, medium and high density cosmetics (cream, balm) are better suited, which will nourish and moisturize it for a long time.

Oily and combination skin does not tolerate excess weight on the surface. Therefore, it is better to use a spray, liquid milk or gel. They are instantly absorbed and create a feeling of comfort.

If we talk about the stability-protection ratio, then the best indicators remain with creams and lotions. They stay on the skin for quite a long time and can have a wide protective spectrum.

Sunscreen oils have the opposite effect. They are suitable for dark skin because they have a low barrier coefficient.

If you plan to spend time on the beach, occasionally plunging into the sea waves, pay attention to the resistance of the sunscreen to water. Inscription Water resistance means good resistance to water. If it is written on the product Waterproof, which means it is practically not washed off with water.

In addition, you should know that the generally accepted designation of the sun protection factor SPF on German cosmetics can be indicated by the letters LF, in French - IP, and in products made in America - LPS.

Another important indicator that you should pay attention to when purchasing is the degree of protection against A and B radiation from the solar spectrum. These values are referred to as UVA and UVB. It’s good if their values correlate 1/3.

Read also:
How to sunbathe properly in a solarium?
The difference between salon tanning and solar tanning.
The main rules for proper tanning in a solarium.
How to get a beautiful tan?
Read more.

How to use tanning products correctly

Even if you have correctly determined your skin type and purchased the most suitable product, you should not neglect the main rule of tanning - avoid exposure to the sun during midday hours. At this time, the sun's rays have the highest level of penetration, against which even the most durable cosmetics may be powerless.

You should reapply tanning product every time you take a dip in water if you are using a product that is not water resistant. As for the application method, it is better to do light pats, avoiding thorough rubbing.
***
Thus, choosing the right tanning product is a purely individual matter. Be attentive to your skin and you will definitely get not only pleasure from the time spent on the warm seashore, but also a beautiful deep tan that will attract the attention of others.

This article is for those who consider a tan the most convincing evidence of a successful vacation. We will teach you how to sunbathe without harming your skin, explain what products to use for this and tell you about the best of them, according to the editors of skin.ru.

Why do you need to use photoprotective products to get a beautiful tan?
What products are available to protect against UV radiation and permanent tanning?
What are the criteria for choosing sun protection products?
Are there any products for a quick and lasting tan?
How to tan correctly?
What precautions should be taken?
9 best tanning products

Why do you need to use photoprotective products to get a beautiful tan?

The answer to this question lies on the surface: the skin, being exposed to the sun without any protection, will certainly get burned. Even when the redness goes away and the desired dark pigment appears, the quality of the tan will be questionable. Getting rid of damaged cells, the skin will begin to peel off, and the dark tint will disappear along with the scales.

What products are available to protect against UV radiation and permanent tanning?

Tanning products are available in different formats and textures - from creams to dry oils. Many of them have additional effects. For the beach, water resistance and hydration are priorities.

The richest texture is addressed to normal or dry skin. For the body, a lighter and more versatile milk is preferable.

Spray

The convenient format provides uniform and non-sticky coverage without affecting the ability to protect the skin. So spray or tube is a matter of taste.

Oil

The best product for fans of an intense bronze tan, the oil “attracts” the sun's rays, protects the skin from drying out and gives it a radiance that emphasizes the dark color. Natural oils have a small SPF of 6–8, while the formulas of cosmetic tanning oils include filters with an index of 20–30, which provides more reliable protection and prevention of burns.

What are the criteria for choosing sun protection products?

The main guideline is your own skin, or rather, its phototype. There are six of them in total, and the inhabitants of our latitudes usually belong to the first four.

I phototype. The skin does not perceive the sun at all, so you don’t even have to dream about tanning. Constant protection and shelter under an awning or in the dense shade of trees are required. Cream with SPF 50+ - the only remedy that can protect snow-white skin deprived of melanin from the harmful effects of the sun.

II phototype. It burns and turns red easily, the tan takes a long time to develop and is never chocolate-colored. The maximum that the skin is capable of is to become golden honey. For the first 5–7 days, a photoprotective product for fair skin should contain SPF 50, then the protection can be reduced to “thirty”.

III phototype. The tan applies well, but the skin may burn in the first days. At the beginning of the holiday, a product with SPF 30, towards the end - until 20. The protectant has virtually no effect on the intensity of the tan color, but contributes to its durability.

IV phototype. Representatives of this phototype tan perfectly, so they often use tanning oils with low SPF, skipping the adaptation period, which is dangerous for the skin. Dermatologists recommend using a product with a protection factor at least 20 - the body will tan just as intensely, but there will be less harm and the dark color will remain for a long time.

Are there any products for a quick and lasting tan?

Recently, products have appeared on the market that protect against the sun and at the same time activate a tan. Explains medical Vichy expert Elena Eliseeva:

“These products do not color or tint. These are not self-tanners, but catalysts that trigger melanogenesis naturally. Tyrosine in their composition it promotes the synthesis of melanin (the dark pigment is obtained through complex chemical reactions from this amino acid). And caffeine enhances the activity of the process.”

Sunscreens that activate melanin synthesis.

Moisturizing tanning activator spray for body Capital Idéal Soleil, SPF 30 and SPF 50+, Vichy

Reliable sun protection or intense tanning? The spray solves this dilemma because it reflects the attack of UVB and UVA rays and at the same time activates the synthesis of melanin thanks to the amino acid tyrosine C. The hydrofixative aquabioril protects the skin from dehydration, and the antioxidant tocopherol protects the skin from aging. A high degree of protection is intended for the first days on the beach, a lower one for skin that has already adapted to the sun.

Body milk Sublime Sun “Tanning and Protection”, SPF 15/30, L’Oréal Paris

Available in two versions with different degrees of protection - for dark-skinned and tanned people, as well as for white-skinned people prone to burns. The formula uses a Mexoryl SX filter system, vitamins provide additional protection, special complexes stimulate melanin production and help maintain a tan for up to 5 weeks.

Sunscreen spray “Perfect tan”, SPF 30, Ambre Solaire, Garnier

Stimulates the natural production of melanin, provides a quick, even and lasting tan. Suitable for face and body.

How to tan correctly?

Moderation and constant protection are the only things that can save your skin from sunburn and create conditions for a sustainable and relatively safe tan. Here are some more good tips.

Do not go out to the beach during the hours of maximum solar activity, that is, from 11.00 to 16.00.

In the first days cut back stay in the open sun for up to 60 minutes or visit the beach early in the morning, before the sun has yet reached its peak activity.

Get started leave with maximum protection, reducing it as the skin gets used to the sun and develops pigment.

The adaptation period for light skin is longer than for dark skin. Don't rush events if you don't want to get burned.

Update protect every two hours and after swimming, even if the formula is waterproof.

What precautions should be taken?

Don't trust the treacherous southern sun and don't overestimate the endurance of your skin. As a rule, only 10 minutes is enough to get a burn. As a result, you will still have to hide in the shadows and use a cream with a powerful SPF. Please note that even the highest index does not guarantee 100% protection.

How to choose a sun tanner