The days are getting longer, and with them our desire to enjoy the sun. But protecting your skin should never come at the expense of your health or the planet. Some sunscreens still contain controversial substances, suspected of being carcinogenic or harmful to the oceans. Here is a clear guide to choosing the right sunscreen.
1. Why is protection essential, and against what?
Unprotected sun exposure significantly increases the risk of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and especially skin cancers, including melanoma.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are divided into three types:
- UVC: blocked by the ozone layer.
- UVB: reach the epidermis, cause sunburn.
- UVA: penetrate deeper, responsible for skin aging and cancer risk.
UVB:
- Represent about 5% of UV rays
- Responsible for sunburn
- Their intensity varies with time of day and season
UVA:
- Represent 95% of UV rays
- Penetrate deep into the dermis
- Responsible for premature aging
- Present all year round, even through windows or clouds
A good sunscreen must therefore protect against both UVA and UVB.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor):
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a European index that indicates the level of protection of a sunscreen against UVB rays.
| SPF | Percentage of UVB blocked | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Approximately 93% | Low exposure |
| 30 | Approximately 97% | Moderate exposure |
| 50 | Approximately 98% | Strong exposure, fair skin |
| 50+ | More than 98% | Children, sensitive skin, high sun exposure areas |
To remember: SPF does not correspond to a duration of protection. Sunscreen must be reapplied every 2 hours, after swimming or if sweating. The mention "UVA surrounded by a circle" guarantees sufficient protection against UVA (at least 1/3 of the SPF).
2. How do sunscreens work?
There are two main types of UV filters:
Chemical (organic) filters
- Absorb UV rays and convert them into heat
- Some are suspected of being endocrine disruptors or harmful to the environment
Mineral (inorganic) filters
- Act like a mirror: reflect UV rays
- Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Better tolerated by sensitive skin
- Less harmful to marine ecosystems if not in nanoparticle form
3. How to choose the right sunscreen?
A. Ingredients to avoid
- Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3): suspected of disrupting the hormonal system
- Octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate): potentially toxic for fertility
- Octocrylene: can transform into benzophenone, a potentially carcinogenic substance
- Homosalate
- Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles: classified as possibly carcinogenic by inhalation
- Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles
Nanoparticles are also harmful to the oceans: they pollute corals, disrupt aquatic wildlife, and accumulate in living organisms.
B. The right criteria to look for
- Broad-spectrum protection: against UVA and UVB
- Non-nano mineral filters: "non-nano" mention on the label
- Free of controversial chemical filters
- Alcohol and fragrance-free: ideal for sensitive skin and children
- Prefer creams over sprays: to avoid accidental inhalation
Additional tips: Complement protection with covering clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Avoid exposure between 12 PM and 4 PM. Never expose babies and young children directly to the sun.
4. Protecting your skin from the inside: the often-forgotten step
Skin health also depends on what we consume. A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants supports skin elasticity and regeneration.
Antioxidant vitamins (C, E, A)
- Vitamin C: stimulates collagen, improves elasticity, reduces wrinkles
- Vitamin E: protects cells and reduces hyperpigmentation
- Vitamin A: promotes cell renewal and fights imperfections
B vitamins
- B3 (niacinamide): improves elasticity, strengthens the skin barrier
- B5 (pantothenic acid): regenerates and moisturizes
- B7 (biotin): essential for skin, hair, and nails
Collagen
Essential for strengthening skin structure, reducing signs of aging, and stimulating cell regeneration.
In conclusion
Taking care of your skin is not limited to applying sunscreen. It is a global, conscious, and preventive action that involves both choosing a product that respects health and the environment, and a holistic approach to beauty. By combining effective sun protection, reasonable sun exposure habits, and a diet rich in antioxidants and collagen, you give your skin every chance to stay young, healthy, and radiant.
Daily Energy® is 100% Arabica coffee, enriched with vitamins (C, E, A, B) and collagen to help you preserve your youthful capital naturally. Because beautiful skin also starts from within.
