- Which sunscreen to choose
- How to apply sunscreen correctly
- Beauty products with sun protection
- Foods that protect the skin
The sun protection factor should preferably be 50, however, more brown people can use a lower index, because darker skin provides greater protection compared to those with lighter skin.
To guarantee the protection of the skin against ultraviolet rays, it is also important to apply the sunscreen correctly, applying a uniform layer, which must be reapplied every 2 hours of sun exposure or after contact with sea or pool water, for example. example. In addition, for greater skin protection, you can also use a drinkable sunscreen or take supplements with carotenes and anti-oxidants, which help, together with the sunscreen, to protect the skin from damage caused by the sun.
Despite protecting the skin against the harmful effects of the sun, the sunscreen reduces the production capacity of vitamin D. Thus, for an adequate production of vitamin D, it is advisable to sunbathe for at least 15 minutes before 10 am and after 4 pm, without using sunscreen. Here's how to ensure vitamin D in the body.
Which sunscreen to choose
Although it is advisable to use sunscreen with a protection index of 50, darker skins can safely use lower levels, as indicated in the table:
| Sunscreen factor | Skin type | Skin type description |
| SPF 50 |
Adults with clear and sensitive skin Children |
He has freckles on his face, his skin burns very easily and he never gets tanned, turning red. |
| SPF 30 |
Adults with brown skin |
The skin is light brown, dark brown or black hair that sometimes burns, but also tans. |
| SPF 20 |
Adducts with black skin |
The skin is very dark, rarely burns and tans a lot, even if the tan is not very visible. |
An important information that must be observed on the sunscreen label is the protection against type A and B ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB). UVB protection ensures protection against sunburn, while UVA protection ensures protection against premature aging and skin cancer.
How to apply sunscreen correctly
To use the sunscreen, care must be taken, such as applying the product even on cloudy and less hot days, being important:
- Apply sunscreen on dry skin, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure; Repeat sunscreen every 2 hours; Choose a specific sunscreen for your skin color; Also use lip balm and a sunscreen suitable for your face; Pass the protector throughout the body evenly, also covering the feet and ears; Avoid spending too much time directly in the sun and during the hottest hours.
Before using a sunscreen for the first time, a small test should be carried out to see if the body is allergic to the product. for that, you can spend a small amount behind the ear, leaving it to act for about 12 hours, to see if the skin reacts to the product. If there is no reaction, it means that it can be applied throughout the body.
See what are the symptoms of allergy to sunscreen and what to do.
Watch the following video on sun protection and check out these and other tips:
Other important tips to protect yourself from the sun are to stay under the parasol, wear sunglasses and a hat with wide brim and avoid sun exposure during hotter hours, between 10:00 and 16:00.
Beauty products with sun protection
Many beauty products, such as creams and makeup, have sun protection in their composition, helping with skin care. In addition, there are products that are also enriched with substances that prevent the appearance of wrinkles and spots on the skin, such as vitamins A, C, D and collagen.
If the products do not have sun protection or have a low index, you should apply a sunscreen before makeup, even if it also offers this type of protection.
Foods that protect the skin
Foods that help protect the skin are those rich in carotenoids, as they stimulate the production of melanin, a substance that gives color to the skin and provides protection against the sun's rays. In addition to helping the skin, carotenoids are antioxidants that also strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases such as cancer.
The main foods rich in carotenoids are: acerola, mango, melon, tomato, tomato sauce, guava, pumpkin, cabbage and papaya. These foods must be eaten daily to prolong the tan and protect the skin. See more foods rich in beta-carotene.
The following video provides tips to prolong the effect of tanning:
