UVA, UVB: how to protect your skin?
What are the differences between UVA and UVB?
UVB rays are responsible for tanning and sunburn ("B for burn"), as well as inflammation, and they promote skin aging and skin cancer. They remain in the superficial layers of the skin. The intensity of UVB rays varies depending on the season, time of day, and geographic location. It is therefore difficult to recommend periods and durations of exposure. UVB rays (like UVA light) are reflected in sand, water, and snow (80% of UVB rays are reflected by snow!). UVB rays also cause more damage at higher altitudes, which is why if you are vacationing in the mountains, you should wear sunscreen.
UVA rays are one of the main causes of photoaging (to remind you, we remember "A for age"). Unlike UVB rays, they are not dependent on the seasons. They are there all year round, all day long, even on cloudy days and when the weather is bad. UVA rays are responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are necessary for the proper structure and firmness of the skin. They contribute to the excess production of free radicals, which panic the skin and cause premature aging (wrinkles, spots, sagging). By reaching the deeper layers of the skin, UVA rays promote the development of skin cancer. Another difference is that UVA rays pass through glass, which UVB rays do not. Unless our office window or car windows are specially treated to filter UVA rays, our skin is exposed to them, which is why it is essential to wear sunscreen every day, even if we don't feel like we are.
How to choose your sun care?
Sun care products must contain at least one UVB and one UVA filter to be effective. UVB rays are the most harmful to the skin, as they are responsible for sunburn. UVA rays are the most harmful to health, as they are responsible for premature skin aging. To benefit from optimal protection against UVA and UVB rays, opt for a sunscreen with the "broad spectrum" label, which means that it has been able to obtain this label following the tests it has passed. The Cell Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ from the IOMA brand is a protective facial treatment, anti-UVA/UVB broad spectrum. The PA++++ index is one of the highest possible levels of UVA protection. It can be used alone or in addition to a day cream as soon as the UV index is higher than 3.
Cell Protector can be applied:
- in the morning, on bare skin or after your day cream, to be perfectly protected
- for touch-ups during the day for perfect protection.
- or simply on the skin at the beach
- It can also be applied to the décolleté and hands for more complete protection.
Moisturize your skin well
In summer, we continue our skin's beauty ritual by adapting it to our environment. We don't neglect skin hydration. by a specific cosmetic treatment, which we apply morning and evening. The more hydrated our skin is, the more it is prepared for sun exposure. The ultimate summer skin protection is obviously sunscreen. Every morning, after your usual skincare, we apply a sunscreen with an SPF adapted to our skin type. In summer, we don't forget the weekly beauty ritual of exfoliation and a hydrating mask, to first free the skin of its dead cells and to regenerate it.
Exfoliate your skin well
Exfoliation is the perfect way to achieve a radiant tan! Exfoliation is also highly recommended in the summer because it allows you to renew your skin before tanning: exfoliation stimulates cell renewal and eliminates impurities present on the skin. Exfoliation promotes a long-lasting tan, but be careful not to overdo it: exfoliating your skin more than twice a week can dry it out and make it vulnerable to the sun.
