Safe Sun Questions and Answers

We asked the most popular summer skincare questions to Clara LaBerre, Senior Research Chemist at Oriflame.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UVA- AND UVB-RAYS?

Sunlight is made up of different wavelengths and purity. UVA rays are long wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation. They are not as strong as UVB, but cause more harm, active in cloudy weather, can even pass through glass. UVA rays affect the appearance of signs of premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. As a rule, sunscreens have protection against both types of rays. 

UVB rays are short-wave, some of them are absorbed by clouds, some by the ozone layer, but the remaining percentage can cause sunburn and redness. In cloudy weather or through glass, such rays cannot act or penetrate. Depending on the season, location and time of day, UVB rays act differently, but both have the same peak activity: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Up to 80% of visible skin changes are a result of photoaging, so always use sunscreen! Plus, adequate UV protection can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

THERE IS A FEELING THAT TANNING SUITS ME. MY SKIN LOOKS GLOWING AND FRESH. DO I HAVE TO USE SUNSCREEN?

Yes, because 80% of skin aging is a lifestyle-related process. UV radiation affects in a bad way: lack of hydration and elasticity, loss of elasticity, pigmentation disorders and photo-aging of the skin. So be sure to use sunscreen and choose the right SPF and skin care products (here's how). 

WHAT IS SPF? IS SPF 6 ENOUGH IN THE CITY OR DO I NEED A LITTLE MORE PROTECTION?

let's find out! SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how effective a sunscreen product is at preventing the harmful UVB rays that cause skin damage. The number in the product's name indicates how long you can spend in the sun after applying it without skin damage. It's a simple formula: If you can be in the sun for 10 minutes without getting burnt, SPF 6 increases that time six-fold to 60 minutes. SPF 15 is 15 times that - 150 minutes. We recommend choosing products with SPF 15 or higher, whether you're in town or on vacation. Remember that SPF only slows the risk of damage, but does not prevent it. So use sunscreen every two hours if you're swimming or sweating, and protect your skin with clothes.

SANSCREEN OR VITAMIN B: CAN I USE IT TOGETHER?

Yes, of course! If you spend at least 15 minutes a day outside, you're getting the recommended dose of vitamin D. But not using sunscreen and exposing your skin to get enough vitamin D naturally isn't right. Plus, it doesn't have to be sunny outside; cloudy weather is fine. 

Editor's Tip

Europe has some of the strictest standards for sunscreen products. As a Swedish company, Oriflame in the