10 things you need to know for safe tanning

On the threshold of the vacation season, we have prepared material that will be useful for everyone.

1. Why protect your skin from the sun?

The sun is our friend. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays in the skin is synthesized vitamin D3, which we need to prevent heart disease, brittle bones and depression.

The sun is our enemy. Studies have confirmed that overexposure to the sun is directly linked to skin cancer. There are also less severe consequences, such as premature aging.

We are exposed to two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA (95% of the radiation that reaches the Earth) and UVB (5%). Type B rays are more dangerous; they are what some scientists believe to be one of the causes of skin cancer. Most budget products absorb or reflect only UVB-radiation, but there are also combined, protecting from the effects of both types of rays (for example, the products of the Ukrainian brand "BIOKON").

The formula for safe tanning is simple: limit the time spent in the sun and always use protective products. These rules are relevant for both children and adults.

2. Is a beautiful, risk-free tan realistic?

Yes. Make sure you follow these simple guidelines:

• Minimize sun exposure during the period of its maximum activity: from 11:00 to 16:00. And certainly do not fry on the beach during this time;
• properly select and always use a protective product. Apply it even in cloudy weather, renew the layer every 1.5-2 hours or after bathing (also relevant for waterproof cosmetics);
• after leaving the sea or river, dry the skin, as the remaining water droplets on it can provoke a burn.

3. How to choose a sunscreen?

Let's understand what the abbreviation SPF means and the number indicated next to it on the package. This is the sun protection factor, which shows how many times the allowable time spent in the sun will increase when using this product. For example, if usually your skin starts to blush after 5 minutes, a cream with SPF 10 will allow you to be on the beach without consequences for about 50 minutes. But remember: this recommended time is calculated under ideal conditions of laboratory testing of sunscreens. On the beach under the rays of the scorching sun, we recommend renewing your sunscreen once every 1.5-2 hours in any case.

The SPF level should be chosen according to your skin's phototype. There are 6 of them:

1. Celtic. People with very light skin (often with freckles), red or blond hair, blue eyes. They are contraindicated to be in direct sunlight, a short stay on the beach is allowed, provided that they use products with SPF 40 or higher;
2. Nordic (light-skinned European). People with light blonde or brown hair, blue, gray or green eyes. They do not tan well and burn easily, it is better to limit the stay in the sun. Products with SPF 25 and higher are recommended;
3. Middle European (dark European). People with brown or gray eyes, brown or dark blond hair, slightly swarthy skin. They do not experience difficulties with tanning, but with prolonged exposure to the sun can get burned. In the first days of beach vacation recommended products with SPF 15-25, starting from the 6th day is enough SPF 10;
4. Mediterranean or Southern European. People with swarthy olive-colored skin, brown eyes and brown hair who tan easily and rarely get sunburned. In the first days of beach vacation recommended products with SPF 15-25, then you can reduce the degree of protection;
5. Asian. It includes owners of yellow, brown or yellow-brown skin, dark hair and eyes, who quickly tan (against the background of natural pigmentation tanning is not noticeable) and rarely get burned. They can do without sunscreen, it is enough to moisturize the skin;
6. African. People with dark skin, black eyes and hair who are not afraid of the sun. There is no need to use sunscreen, just moisturize their skin.

4. What is the correct way to use sunscreen?

• Apply to dry, clean skin on all exposed areas of the body 15-20 minutes before going outdoors.
• Renew every 1.5-2 hours or after every bath (wiping the skin dry beforehand).
• Do not skimp: an adult needs 15-20 mg (about a tablespoon) of cream or foam per application for quality protection of the entire body surface. If you prefer a spray, up to 6 sprays on the back and abdomen, up to 3 sprays on arms, shoulders, décolletage and legs are recommended.

5. Do I need to use sunscreen in urban areas?

Yes, unless you are indoors from early morning to late afternoon. A day cream with UVA/UVB filters may not be enough, but during periods of high sun exposure, it is worth using products with SPF 15 or higher to protect your face, neck, and décolletage. This will help to avoid age spots and premature skin aging.

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Don't forget about your lips and hair, which are also affected by high temperatures. Choose care products with an SPF factor and apply them before leaving the house.

6. How to protect your child from sunburn?

Children's skin is more sensitive, so it needs special care. Here are some important rules on how to sunbathe children, following which will help avoid problems:

• Pediatricians do not recommend exposing children under 1 year of age to direct sunlight. If a family beach vacation is planned, the baby can be placed under a canopy or umbrella, it is also worth taking care of the cover on the stroller (or choose a stroller with a large hood);
• between 11:00 and 16:00, it is better for children of all ages, as well as adults, not to be in the sun;

• Most sunscreen manufacturers produce children's products with SPF 30 or higher. Read the instructions - some of them can only be used from the age of three;
• apply after-sun remedies (e.g. Panthenol foam) at least once a day to help relieve irritation and soften the skin.

7. Who needs high protection besides children?

• People with very fair skin who get sunburned quickly.
• Those who go on a beach vacation after certain cosmetic procedures (e.g. chemical peels, use of products with acids and retinol) that increase skin sensitivity.
• Patients undergoing treatment with antibiotics. In this case, it is better to consult with a doctor, it is possible that sun exposure is contraindicated.

8. How to restore the skin after sunbathing?

Sea water and sun rays with prolonged exposure can provoke skin dryness, peeling, loss of elasticity, appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To reduce the risk of such problems, we recommend using after-sun products. They relieve irritation and reduce the pain of burns, nourish and moisturize the skin, prevent premature aging, and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

It is desirable to apply such products every time after returning from the beach (if you visit it once a day, then in the evening, when the regeneration processes are most active). Beforehand, you should take a shower to remove sea salt, chlorine and sunscreen residues from the skin.

9. What is in the composition of sunscreen?

We are protected from harmful radiation by filters that may belong to one of the groups:

• Physical: titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They create a protective layer on the skin that reflects B rays.
• Chemical: avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), benzophenone and others. They absorb ultraviolet light.

The optimal option - a combination of physical and chemical filters, which allows you to achieve maximum protection from harmful radiation.

In addition to filters in the composition of sunscreens include auxiliary components, such as vegetable oils and extracts that prevent skin dryness and loss of elasticity: argan and olive oil, rosehip oil, aloe extract. D-Panthenol (provitamin B5) helps with burns, eliminates irritation, dryness and flaking of the skin, promotes its rapid recovery.

10. What are the most common mistakes made when using sunscreen?

Some people put on a thick layer of sunscreen with the maximum degree of protection, lose vigilance and end up getting burned anyway. Cream - not a panacea, even with its proper use to be on the beach during peak hours of sun activity is not worth it.

Many people use the means incorrectly, and then talk about their uselessness. Do not forget to periodically update the layer, adhering to the rules described in the article.

Sunscreen cosmetics "BIOKON" - high-quality, safe, affordable

In 1998, the company "BIOKON" presented the first series of sunscreen products on the domestic market. Soon it gained popularity and broke all sales records, and in 2015 it received the "Ukrainian People's Award".

This cosmetics is created by doctors based on accumulated knowledge and research results. It contains natural components, the environmental friendliness of which is confirmed by certificates.

The series is suitable for the whole family:

1. Sunscreens:

• Sunscreen (SPF 70);
• Cream for particularly sensitive areas of the face (SPF 50);
• Spray sunscreen (SPF 50+, SPF 40, SPF 35, SPF 25, SPF 15);
• Safe Tanning Cream (SPF 40, SPF 25);
• Anti-photo-aging cream-fluid for face and décolleté zone (SPF 35). 2.

2. After-sun revitalizing products:

• Cooling after-sun spray;
• Cream after tanning and sunburn;
• After-sun balm "Panthenol Active".

3. Baby products:

• Spray "Super Protection" (SPF 50);
• Spray for safe tanning for children and adults (SPF-35)
• Safe sunscreen (SPF 30);
• Panthenol Active foam.

4. Products for quick and intensive tanning:

• Intensive Tanning Oil (SPF 10);
• Oil SPF-8 spray, Two-phase for active tanning
• Tanning Activator Oil (SPF 6);
• Spray - auto-tanner for face and body;
• Autotanning cream for face, neck and décolletage area.

Choose a resort and pack your bags, and BIOKON cosmetics will provide protection from the sun!