UVA/UVB what are the differences?
When you buy sunscreen, you know that it protects against UVB and UVA rays. But do you really know the difference between the two?
Did you know that there are actually 3 types of UV? They are classified according to their wavelength, that is, their penetration into the skin.
- In first place, UVA rays which represent 95% of UV rays. Less visible in the short term, they are no less harmful because by passing through the clouds, they reach the dermis of your skin even when you don't think you are exposed. They are the ones that accelerate skin aging.
- UVB rays, on the other hand, represent only 5% of UV rays, but act in the short term. They do not pass through clouds or windows and they are what allow your skin to tan. But they are also the cause of the famous sunburn in the event of prolonged exposure.
- Finally, UVC, the latest, is less well known because it is filtered by the ozone layer and therefore does not reach your skin (hence the fact that we do not find protection against UVC in sun care products).
So you will have understood, UVA being stronger, they directly alter the cells of our skin and have an impact on its aging: wrinkles deepen, mark more quickly and, in the worst cases, are responsible for skin cancers. UVB, on the other hand, color the skin more or less (tanning and sunburn).
What do protection indices mean?
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) index
SPF is a measure of the level of protection against UVB rays. Sunscreens are grouped into 4 SPF levels:
The sun protection factor was defined by Schulze in 1956 as follows: "It is the ratio between the minimum erythemal dose (MED) on skin protected by a sunscreen product and the minimum erythemal dose on the same unprotected skin."
SPF = DME protected skin / DME unprotected skin
More clearly, if an individual gets sunburned after 5 minutes of exposure without protection, an SPF of 50 means that it will take 4 hours 15 minutes (50 x 5 = 250 minutes) to get an identical sunburn with this sunscreen. This shows that a sunscreen with an identical protection index can protect for more or less time depending on the person's phototype (skin tone).
The PA index
The PA defines UVA protection according to Asian legislation and requires the level of UVA protection to be given. This level is expressed in “+”, used from 1 to 4 to express the intensity.
More generally, according to European legislation you will find it under this logo, but be careful, there is no level of protection indicated:
What protection? For what skin types?
As we told you above, the degree of protection also depends on the type of skin you have. But we advise you to systematically choose the highest protection, i.e. the highest index, regardless of your skin type. Your tan will be even more beautiful and long-lasting because the skin will not have suffered any trauma during the first exposures.
We also advise you to reapply your cream after each swim and to avoid exposing yourself during the hottest hours, especially if you have fair skin.
My ideal routine
Every day, and all summer long, the
Cell Protector SPF 50+ & PA++++ daily care is ideal for moisturizing your skin and protecting it from UV rays, even in the city (remember: UVA rays pass through clouds!). This day care also acts as a global shield against free radicals (stress, pollution, etc.).
In case of exposure (lunch on the terrace, day at the beach, walk...), always have your
Touch & Protect SPF 50+ & PA++++ case. Applied in one gesture using its puff, it ensures maximum protection of the skin and brings a fresh boost to the complexion.
To prolong your beautiful tan and help your skin regenerate, it is important to moisturize it after exposure. To do this, you can use
a body moisturizer or an after-sun cream , both will be beneficial.
We also recommend that you
exfoliate every week to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin and revive your tan.
