How To Choose My Sunceam?

29 June 2022 Healthy skin, Tips

Summer is coming!

Hiking in the mountains and enjoying the beach!
To help you avoid sunburn and safely enjoy outdoor activities, we will give you a few tips that will help you choose the suncare product that is right for you.
The secret to preventing the negative effects of the sun is to use a suncare product made for your skin type and the type of sun exposure you are planning on.

First off, what’s SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It shows the level of protection provided by the suncare product against the adverse effects of the sun on your skin, and more precisely against the UVB rays that cause sunburn (click here to learn more!).

SPF is a level of security related to the effectiveness and duration of sun protection provided, so you can enjoy the sun with peace of mind. It is expressed as a numerical value (30, 50, 50+). The higher the value, the better the protection.

Some numbers…

A formula for the more scientifically-minded! Multiplying the time it takes to get sunburned without sunscreen by the SPF gives you the time you can spend outside without getting sunburned while wearing sunscreen.

You can think of it this way:

“If your skin normally gets red after 10 minutes outside, applying an SPF50 product will let you stay outside without getting sunburned for 500 minutes. That is to say, 50 times longer.”

However, you should not forget that in real life, other factors need to be taken into account. Indeed, the amount of cream applied (often less than the recommended amount), going in the water, perspiration… all reduce the effectiveness of the product. UV does not get weaker. That is why sunscreen must be applied every two hours, and each time you leave the water.

What SPF for Your Skin?

Everyone is different, and you should learn your Fitzpatrick skin type. This is defined by sensitivity to sunlight and skin color. There are six categories, ranging from sun-sensitive to those that never get sunburned (but should still protect themselves to prevent accelerated skin aging and pigmentation problems).

High SPF sunscreens are indicated for people with sensitive skin or for those that will be facing extreme UV conditions, for example in the tropics or at high altitudes where UV is intense and up to five times more abundant.

For your children, choose a high SPF. Using a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a t-shirt is highly recommended. Moreover, it is not recommended to expose children under the age of three to direct sunlight.

People with less sensitive skin types can use sunscreens with lesser SPF however, you are still at risk of sunburn if you do not put any on.

Laboratoires de Biarritz offers a variety of natural suncare products with high or very high SPF for optimal safety.

spray-sunscreen-family — Credit Rémi Bedora

What type of texture should you go for?

Creamy textures tend to provide good coverage of the skin while providing moisturizing benefits and a light feel. They are highly water- and perspiration-resistant. Our SPF30 and SPF50 Tinted Face Sun Cream with a cream texture also provides a mattifying effect while perfecting the skin. Something you can count on for all-day protection without risking turning bright red. Our products for children can have a whitening effect, which is an excellent way to see where they were applied as well as check staying power. Your kids are perfectly protected and you have peace of mind.

Sunscreen lotions have a feel between creams and sprays. Their rich texture suits all skin types, and particularly those that tend to dry. They leave a soft, light, and non-greasy finish. Lotions are in high demand by people on the run that do not want to skip out on protection!

Sprays have a fluid texture that is very easy to apply, even without propellant gas. They provide a light, shielding veil that covers the skin evenly. No body parts are left uncovered!

Sticks are solid sunscreens, that enable targeted application over sensitive areas of the face like the nose, cheekbones, or lips. Their easy-to-carry and discrete formate let you take them anywhere without a problem. It is also the ideal form of covering and reflective shielding for water sports, skiing, and high-altitude hiking. No more excuses.