All about SPF: The basics of suncare

By now we know that sunscreen is your best friend if you want to ward off dangerous conditions and premature skin aging. Here are the basics of suncare

Sunscreen is something you know that you have to use, but you neglect to use it because you don't like the texture, or smell, or just because you forge about it. This is what you have to know.

All about SPF: The basics of suncare

Chemical vs Mineral SPF

There are typically two categories of sunscreen mineral or chemical, there are some that feature both formulations. Mineral or physical sunscreens are made of titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide and what they do is reflect away UV rays b by repelling them away. Chemical sunscreens convert UV rays into heat preventing them from causing any damage to your skin.

Neither one nor the other are better, they are equally efficient, but mineral sunscreens tend to irritate less the skin. Chemical sunscreens have a thinner texture and they don't leave a white cast. 

Ultraviolet rays

There are two types of UV rays, UVA and UVA rays. The latter have longer ways that penetrate the skin and cause visible signs of aging – UVA rays can also pass through your windows, that is why it is important to wear sunscreen at home. UVB rays reflect off surfaces like snow and are the ones responsible for sunburn, and they can cause hyperpigmentation. 

Broad spectrum sunscreens protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.