SUNSCREENS: ARE YOU HAVE NOT YET SAID!

Last week, e-health you warned against a substance used in the formulation of some sunscreens , which may promote skin cancer, contrary to the desired effect. However there are many other useful things to know about the sunscreen ...

The index of the maximum protective sunscreen is 50!

The sunscreens claiming a protective index (IP or FSP for sun protection factor) of more than 50 have no additional protective effect.
Beyond an index 50 there is no evidence of additional protective effect. So needless to pay more for a higher rating than 50. This also means that the sunscreen does not exist (it never stops completely UV)!

Ingredients to avoid in sunscreens

- The retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A) which, under the effects of UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. Which is a shame for a sunscreen!
- The oxybenzone, which can cause allergies, it also possesses eostrogéniques (so as to avoid in children). 

Filters chemical or physical?

The ingredients in sunscreens act in two ways:
- Some are chemical sun filters, that is, they absorb sunlight. 
- Others are physical filters or screens inorganic (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), that is, they reflect both UVA and UVB. 

Time advantage for physical screens

Physical filters have the advantage of protecting the skin immediately upon application, while the chemical filters are 15 to 30 minutes before acting. After application, it must wait fifteen minutes to half an hour before the show.

What about the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

Once the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide showed no danger because they were not absorbed through the skin. And because its molecules are too large to penetrate skin. That is why the creams were difficult to apply and leaves white marks.
To counter these drawbacks, manufacturers have developed new molecules smaller. Thus, it is likely that the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide penetrate the skin and now are no longer so harmless!

No sunscreen before 6 months
No sunscreen is recommended for children under 6 months. Product safety is not proven, they can trigger allergies and we do not know exactly what their penetration into the skin. Never in the sun baby!

What are the most dangerous UV rays: UVA or UVB? 
UVB rays are strongest. They cause reddening of the skin (or even burn or sunburn) and make the surface layer most fragile. While UVA rays are less powerful but they cause damage deeper in the dermis at the level of collagen and elastin.

The IP or SPF only indicates protection against UVB. Thus, the best way to protect both UVA is to use a cream that also contains agents (Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide).