Using sunscreen is important, yes. But... do you really know what you're protecting and what you're defending yourself against? Not all sun rays are the same or affect the skin in the same way. Some cause burns, others accelerate aging, and there are even radiations that affect you without being outdoors.
That's why understanding the differences between UVA, UVB, HEV (blue light) and IR (infrared radiation) is key to complete, real, and lasting skin care.
UVA vs UVB: which is which?
Both UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet radiation, but their effects on the skin are very different:
UVA Rays
- They represent 95% of the UV radiation that reaches Earth.
- They are present all day, all year round, even when it's cloudy.
- They penetrate deeply into the skin, reaching the dermis.
- They are primarily responsible for photoaging, dark spots, wrinkles, and long-term cell damage.
UVB Rays
- They represent only 5% of UV radiation.
- Their intensity varies depending on the time of day, season, and altitude.
- They primarily affect the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin.
- They are responsible for sunburns and damage to the DNA of skin cells.
What if you're indoors?
Being indoors does not guarantee protection. Although many people believe it, the skin remains exposed to radiation even in enclosed spaces:
- UVA rays pass through windows, meaning they continue to affect the skin even without direct sun exposure, leading to photoaging, dark spots, wrinkles, and cell damage.
- Blue light (HEV), emitted by mobile screens, computers, and LED lights, can penetrate the dermis and contribute to the formation of dark spots, premature aging, and loss of elasticity.
- Infrared radiation (IR), although invisible, causes oxidative stress in the skin and accelerates inflammatory processes that damage collagen and promote the appearance of wrinkles and sagging.
Therefore, protecting your skin from radiation is also necessary at home, in the office, or even on cloudy days.
How much sunscreen should you apply?
A common question is whether you are using the right amount. And the answer lies in a simple and effective trick: the two-finger rule. It involves applying a line of sunscreen along your index finger and another on your middle finger. That is the right amount to properly cover your face and neck.
What type of sunscreen to choose?
Not all sunscreens offer the same coverage. It is ideal to choose a broad-spectrum one that protects not only against UVA and UVB rays but also against blue light (HEV) and infrared radiation (IR).
All the sunscreen products you will find in the store guarantee this protection. Whether you prefer a Toskani sunscreen or a Mesoestetic sunscreen.
Protecting your skin is not optional. It is essential. Sun protection is not just an aesthetic matter; it is a fundamental part of skin health care. Understanding the types of radiation and how they affect you allows you to make more conscious and effective decisions.
Taking care of your skin is a daily habit, not seasonal. Protect your skin from the sun 365 days a year, indoors and outdoors, with products that truly block all factors: that is the path to healthy, luminous, and younger-looking skin for longer.
I'll write to you soon.
Mer 🖤
