Protective clothing against UV rays. An overview of sun protection contact lenses with UV filters
In summer, we spend more time outdoors, wear less clothes at the same time, and our skin is more exposed to solar radiation, which increases the risk of skin damage. Exposure to the skin of ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of development malignant neoplasms skin, the most malignant of which is melanoma. Over the past 10 years, the incidence of melanoma in Russia has increased from 4.5 to 6.1 per 100,000 population. Every year this tumor affects 8-9 thousand Russians.
It is not always possible to prevent melanoma, but we can significantly reduce the risks of developing this disease.
Protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation is necessary not only during a beach holiday. Protection is necessary in all situations where you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during the hours of maximum sun activity (from 10 to 16), for example, gardening, boating, different types sports, fishing, hiking, lawn mowing, walks in the city and in parks, cycling.
Protection against UV radiation.
A direct relationship has been proven between exposure to solar radiation and the incidence of malignant neoplasms, including melanoma. Now it is possible to accurately estimate the intensity of solar radiation and the danger of its damaging effects on the skin in a certain place at a certain time. To do this, they are guided by the values of the UV index (ultraviolet radiation index), which has values on a scale from 1 to 11+ and shows the strength of UV radiation in a particular place. The higher the UV index value, the more likely it is to sunburn, damage the skin and, ultimately, the appearance of various malignant tumors skin.
- Protecting the skin with clothing.
If you plan to be in the open sun for a long time, protect your skin with clothing. There is a widespread misconception that any clothing reliably protects the skin from contact with ultraviolet radiation. However, it is not; It is important to pay attention both to the style of clothing itself and to the characteristics of the fabric from which it is made.
Choose clothing that covers your body as much as possible: ankle-length trousers and skirts, T-shirts and long-sleeved blouses.
Dyed, especially with natural pigments (green, brown, beige), or dark clothing protects better from sunlight than white, however, it heats up more, increasing the thermal load on the body. Two-layer materials double their protective properties. Thick clothing is preferred.
Fabrics made of cotton, linen, hemp retain ultraviolet well, but fabrics made of natural silk do not protect against solar radiation. Polyester absorbs ultraviolet as much as possible.
Protect your scalp by wearing a headgear (hat, headscarf). Remember the skin of the ears, they will be protected by the shadow of a wide-brimmed hat. The skin of the neck especially needs protection, this is the least protected part of the body, choose clothes with a collar that can be turned up, or tie a scarf or scarf around your neck.
Remember that clothing cannot provide 100% protection, if light is visible through the fabric, it means that it transmits UV.
- Use of sunscreen for external use.
Use sun protection products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. It's a common misconception that sunscreen should only be used on the beach. However, the sun affects us all year round, and during the peak of seasonal activity, the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation are no less in the city than on the beach.
During the hours of maximum solar activity from 10.00 to 16.00), all exposed skin should be protected by applying a sunscreen. On the beach - on the whole body, in the city or on a walk - on the face, lips, ears, neck, hands. Most people use sunscreen incorrectly, using it too sparingly. The recommended amount of sunscreen per unit of skin surface is 2 mg SPF per cm of skin. For a single application of sunscreen to the skin of an adult, at least 30 ml of the product is required.
Wear sunscreen even on overcast days when the sun is hidden behind clouds, as clouds do not prevent UV radiation from penetrating.
Before applying sunscreen, be sure to read the instructions that come with it, which indicate how often you need to reapply it. On average, it is necessary to repeat the treatment of the skin every 2 hours of exposure to the sun. Many products are not moisture resistant and require reapplication after each immersion in water; increased sweating can also reduce the time of effective protection. Many fans of beach holidays find a certain pleasure in extremely long passive exposure to the sun, they diligently “sunbathe” for hours, in full confidence that they benefit their body, “recover themselves”. This is a very dangerous practice, especially loved by middle-aged and elderly people. Such vacationers need to remember that even competent use sunscreen does not guarantee absolute protection of the skin from damage, the time spent in the open sun should be strictly limited (no more than 2 hours.).
- Being in the shade during hours of active sun.
Limiting long exposure to the sun is another way to avoid harmful UV exposure. This is especially true in the middle of the day, from 10.00 to 16.00, when UV radiation is excessively active. A simple test helps to understand the intensity of solar radiation: if a person’s shadow is shorter than the height of the person himself, then the sun is active, and protective measures must be taken. Being in the shade of a beach umbrella is not a complete protection, since up to 84% of ultraviolet rays are reflected from the sand and reach the skin without hindrance.
- Usage sunglasses.
Paying attention to protecting the skin, do not forget about the eyes. Eye melanoma is less common than skin melanoma. You can reduce the risk of its development only by using special sunglasses. It is better to use large-diameter glasses, the glasses of which block at least 98% of ultraviolet rays. Buy glasses from specialized optical shops, make sure that their lenses absorb UV up to 400 nm, which means that the glasses block at least 98% of UV rays. In the absence of such instructions on the label, the glasses most likely will not provide sufficient protection for the eyes.
By protecting yourself from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, you prolong life.
Finally, the long-awaited summer has come and we are all in anticipation of clear days, hot weather and warm beaches. At this time of the year, the topic of choosing sun protection becomes especially relevant. As well as the composition of sunscreens, which would protect well from UV rays and do not harm the skin with the body. The range of such products in stores is extremely wide. There are also many pitfalls that await us when choosing sunscreens. We will analyze which protective equipment you need to buy, and which should remain on store shelves.
Almost everyone loves a bronze tan on their body and strives to get it at all costs. Solariums, various self-tanning creams, a long stay on the beach in direct sunlight. Of course, a tanned body looks beautiful, but is a tan really useful? The sun's rays can leave burns on the body. Everyone has been burned in the sun at least once in their lives and they know how painful it is. And when the burnt skin begins to peel off, it is extremely ugly. The sun contributes to skin aging. And also the appearance of age spots, various neoplasms. Sunscreens are designed to save us from all these evils, but they can also be harmful. Which? The trouble is that most manufacturers include harmful substances in sunscreens, such as preservatives, silicones, PEG, EDTA. As well as harmful chemical filters.
The composition of sunscreens
UV filters are worth talking about separately, since they are designed to protect our skin from the harm of sunlight.
Read also:
Such filters are divided into two types: chemical and physical. The purpose is the same, but the effect on the skin is different. The German Union for the Environment and Nature has proven that chemical filters can act like hormones and harm the human hormonal background. These filters absorb ultraviolet radiation. They provide good sun protection but have many disadvantages such as:
- manifestation of allergic reactions;
- accumulation in the body - chemical filters are harmful to pregnant women, as they can harm the development of the fetus, and to lactating women, as they accumulate in milk;
- harm to the ecosystem of water bodies (accumulate in the body of fish and plants);
- take an extremely long time to decompose, therefore toxic to the environment;
- do not stay on the skin for long and are destroyed by the sun (no matter how paradoxical it may sound);
- harm the hormonal balance of the body;
- do not begin to act immediately, but half an hour after application. During these half an hour you are absolutely not protected from the sun.
Chemical filters are added to sunscreens because they have a small price. And do not change the pleasant color and appearance cream.
As part of such filters, look under the following names:
| Avobenzone | Benzophenone | Octocrylene | Oxybenzone |
| Mexoryl | Tinosorb | Sulisobenzone | Dioxybenzone |
| Octinoxate | Padimate O | Octisalate | homosalate |
| Troamine salicylate | Ethylhexyl | Ensulizole | Uvinul |
Keep in mind, you do not need sunscreen with such substances.
In fact, when choosing a sun protection product, it is necessary to be guided primarily by its composition. Continuing the conversation about the hazards in sunscreens, let's take a look at the most dangerous chemical filters that should not be in natural organic cosmetics.
Benzophenone
Benzophenone, also encrypted in the names BP3, Uvinul M40, Eusolex 4360, Escalol 567. Does not provide complete protection, is akin to preservatives, is toxic and poses a danger to all inhabitants of water bodies. Studies of Americans regarding cancer factors influencing its development revealed that this substance slows down the development of the mammary glands in teenage girls. In addition, it has been proven negative influence on endocrine system human
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone - causes allergies, dries the skin and increases its sensitivity. And, as mentioned above, it negatively affects hormonal background person. And the worst thing is that oxybenzone is considered a potential mutagen. In this regard, it is strongly not recommended for use by pregnant women.
Octocrylene
Octocrylene is an extremely weak filter, which is almost never included in protective cosmetics. Not only does it not provide sufficient reliable protection against UV radiation, but also increases the sensitivity of the skin to it! May cause skin inflammation.
Ethylhexyl
Ethylhexyl, similar names to PABA, dimethyl para-aminobenzoic acid. Irritates the skin, can cause allergies, has the properties of a carcinogen. By the way, it is banned in sunscreens in Europe and the USA.
Watch the video Why sunscreens are dangerous for humans and the ecosystem (2 minutes)
As an alternative, choose sunscreens with physical filters. Such products are considered environmentally friendly and not harmful to health. They do not absorb, but, on the contrary, reflect the radiation of the sun, like a mirror. Most often, these filters are added in the form of a very fine powder, consisting of natural minerals. Anything natural is good. And because these substances should be part of the sun cream. Such filters do not penetrate the skin, remaining on its surface. Unlike chemical ones, they act from the moment of application and protect the skin for quite a long time.
Sunscreen - how to choose the right one
Usually, when choosing a sunscreen, we are guided only by the degree of protection, it is abbreviated as SPF (translated from English as sun protection factor). And it usually varies from 15 to 50 units, where 15 is the most low degree protection, and 50 is the highest. These numbers indicate the safe time for a person to be in the sun. You can calculate this time like this: minimum dose sun with sunscreen to the minimum sun exposure without it. For example, the cream has a protection level of 20, multiply this number by 5 and get 100 - this is the time at which it is safe to be in the sun. But all these calculations are rather conditional. In fact, a cream with SPF 20 and 50 is practically no different from each other and protect from the sun in almost the same way. Judge for yourself - a product with SPF 20 protects against UV rays by 96%, with SPF 30 - by 97.4%, with SPF 50 - by 97.6%. In general, the difference is rather small. But the higher the protection, the more expensive it is - this is what marketers and manufacturers use.
As mentioned above, a natural protective cream should contain physical filters. There are only two of them, and therefore it will not be difficult to remember: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Zinc oxide is hidden in the composition under the names CI 77947, nogenol, pigment white 4, zinc gelatin. It protects well from the sun, fights inflammation and oily skin. But pay attention, in the composition of zinc oxide should be in the first place, only in this way it will have the maximum effect.
Titanium dioxide in the composition can be encrypted as CI 77891, titanium peroxide, pigment white 6. Protects slightly worse than zinc oxide. But much better than all chemical filters. It is non-allergenic and does not irritate the skin. Look for the formula NOT nano-particles.
Natural sunscreens
The best natural sunscreens are those that contain only physical filters. And more components that not only do not harm humans and the ecosystem, but also benefit the skin. These products include organic and natural cosmetic Let's take a look at some of them.
Gynura
Contains natural UV filters such as propolis extract, Gynura Procumbens plants and royal jelly. The cream contains antioxidants, normalizes lipid metabolism, has an anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effect on the skin.
Siam Botanicals
Thai face cream from the range of cosmetics Siam Botanicals includes a mineral screen such as zinc oxide. Also from a lot of pleasant and healthy for the skin essential oils: lavender, lemon balm, neroli, rosemary and others; extracts of thyme, cinnamon bark, lemon peel, olive tree. Just a storehouse of useful and nutritious vitamins for the skin! It is so natural and safe that it is suitable even for children.
Lavera
Firm Lavera also produces natural sunscreens in the form of a spray and cream. Contains organic evening primrose flower oil that has a protective and soothing effect on the skin. Suitable for problem skin. Contains a mineral physical filter. And also there are no silicones and other harmful substances.
La saponaria
Italian biocosmetics. Sunscreen La saponaria has a great selection protection level - from 15 to 50 SPF. Sunscreen Crema Solare is waterproof, leaves no white marks, moisturizes. And, most importantly, it fights premature aging. The manufacturer added mineral natural filters, vitamin E, pomegranate juice, sunflower oil to the cream, which are designed to soothe and nourish the skin. Dermatologically tested and can be safely used by people with sensitive skin types.
Levrana
Russian firmboasts natural Calendula sunscreen. Contains both physical UV filters - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And, accordingly, it protects very well from ultraviolet radiation. From useful: floral water from calendula flowers, a whole range of useful oils, such as olive, sesame, almond, linseed. As well as safe vegetable glycerin. The company strives to include only naturally biodegradable ingredients in its products.
Eco Suncare
Polish balm from Eco Suncare – has a light weightless texture, it is well applied, does not stick and creates a pleasant feeling on the skin. Formulated with Titanium Dioxide, contains Noni Fruit Juice Extract to relieve skin fatigue and help prevent wrinkles. Also included is Castor oil, an extract from the flowers of Baikal skullcap. There are fragrances, but they are all natural and do not harm humans.
The Best Sunscreens for Kids
The choice of sunscreen for children should be treated with particular care, as the skin of babies is more susceptible to the sun's rays and various products applied to it. It is important not to damage or harm anything. Children under six months are generally not recommended to apply any sun cream, as their skin is especially delicate, thin and more susceptible to aggressive components. Such children need a shade, panama and light clothing covering the body. The best sunscreens for children from six months with a safe composition are as follows:
Coola Organic Suncare Collection
For the best protection of children's skin. Contains two UV filters - titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Also contains beeswax, organic shea butter, coconut, safflower, aloe barbadensis leaf extract. The cream is distinguished by its water resistance and is not washed off for 80 minutes.
Mommy Care
Israeli natural cosmetics. In sunscreen for kids M ommy Care included physical filters - titanium dioxide. As well as healthy oils to moisturize delicate baby skin and Dead Sea minerals. It absorbs perfectly and is suitable as a daily protection for babies from 0+. Although the SPF value is not so high - only 15 units - but the cream does a good job of protecting even at sea and in the mountains.
The composition of sunscreens - summing up
As you can see from the list, natural and organic, and most importantly safe creams for UV protection are not so few. And for both adults and children. But often with good creams There are some bad ones in the store. Such protective products as Naratay (Siberian Health), Avene, La Rocher Posay, Garnier, Chistaya Liniya sunscreens, Clarins and even Krya-Krya children's cream distinguished themselves by the harmfulness and unnatural composition. Which is already out of the ordinary. As you can see from the list, which also includes quite expensive brands, a rather high price of a product does not always mean its quality. And even unscrupulous manufacturers manage to add harmful substances to baby cream. All these products contain certain ingredients that are critical for humans - silicones, chemical filters, toxic components, parabens, SLS, allergenic substances.
We hope that this article will resolve all questions regarding the choice of sunscreen. good remedy not the one that has the highest level of protection, but the one in which the most natural ingredients. Which not only do not harm the skin and the health of the body, but also care for it. An important factor when choosing such a product should be its safety for the ecosystem, flora and fauna of water bodies. about nature and environment taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of yourself. We figured out the compositions of sunscreens, armed ourselves with knowledge. Now the main thing is that the summer weather does not let us down and endows us with many sunny and hot days.
You cannot see, hear, or feel ultraviolet radiation, but you can actually feel its effects on your body, including your eyes.
You probably know that excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of cancer. skin diseases, and try to use protective creams. What do you know about protecting your eyes from UV radiation?
Many publications in professional journals are devoted to the study of the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the eye, and from them, in particular, it follows that prolonged exposure to it can cause a number of diseases. In the context of a decrease in the ozone layer of the atmosphere, the need for the correct selection of means of protecting the organs of vision from excessive solar radiation, including its ultraviolet component, is extremely relevant.
What is ultraviolet?
Ultraviolet radiation is electromagnetic radiation invisible to the eye, occupying the spectral region between visible and X-rays within wavelengths of 100-380 nanometers. The entire region of ultraviolet radiation (or UV) is conditionally divided into near (l = 200-380 nm) and far, or vacuum (l = 100-200 nm); moreover, the latter name is due to the fact that the radiation of this area is strongly absorbed by air and its study is carried out using vacuum spectral instruments.
Rice. 1. Full electromagnetic spectrum of solar radiation
The main source of ultraviolet radiation is the Sun, although some sources of artificial lighting also have an ultraviolet component in their spectrum, in addition, it also occurs during gas welding. The near range of UV rays, in turn, is divided into three components - UVA, UVB and UVC, which differ in their effect on the human body.
When exposed to living organisms, ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the upper layers of plant tissues or the skin of humans and animals. Its biological action is based on chemical changes in biopolymer molecules caused both by their direct absorption of radiation quanta and, to a lesser extent, by interaction with water and other low molecular weight compounds formed during irradiation.
UVC is the shortest wavelength and highest energy ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength range of 200 to 280 nm. The regular impact of this radiation on living tissues can be quite destructive, but, fortunately, it is absorbed by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. It should be taken into account that it is this radiation that is generated by bactericidal ultraviolet radiation sources and occurs during welding.
UVB covers the wavelength range from 280 to 315 nm and is a medium energy radiation that poses a danger to the human eye. It is UVB rays that contribute to the occurrence of sunburn, photokeratitis, and in extreme cases - cause a number of skin diseases. UVB radiation is almost completely absorbed by the cornea, but part of it, in the range of 300-315 nm, can penetrate into the internal structures of the eye.
UVA is the longest wavelength and least energetic component of UV radiation with l = 315-380 nm. The cornea absorbs some UVA radiation, but most of it is absorbed by the lens. This component should be considered first of all by ophthalmologists and optometrists, because it is it that penetrates deeper than others into the eye and has a potential danger.
The eyes are exposed to the entire sufficiently wide UV range of radiation. Its short-wavelength part is absorbed by the cornea, which can be damaged when long-term exposure radiation waves with l = 290-310 nm. With increasing wavelengths of ultraviolet, the depth of its penetration into the eye increases, and the lens absorbs most of this radiation.
The lens of the human eye is a magnificent filter created by nature to protect the internal structures of the eye. It absorbs UV radiation in the range of 300 to 400 nm, protecting the retina from exposure to potentially harmful wavelengths. However, with long-term regular exposure to ultraviolet radiation, damage to the lens itself develops, over the years it becomes yellow-brown, cloudy and generally unsuitable for its intended function (that is, a cataract is formed). In this case, cataract surgery is indicated.
Light transmission of spectacle lens materials in the UV range.
Protection of the organs of vision is traditionally made with the use of sunglasses, clip-on earrings, shields, hats with visors. The ability of spectacle lenses to filter out the potentially dangerous component of the solar spectrum is associated with the phenomena of absorption, polarization or reflection of the radiation flux. Special organic or inorganic materials are introduced into the composition of the material of spectacle lenses or applied to their surface in the form of coatings. The degree of protection of spectacle lenses in the UV region cannot be visually determined based on the shade or color of the spectacle lens.
Rice. 2. Ultraviolet spectrum
Although the spectral properties of spectacle lens materials are regularly discussed in professional publications, including Veko magazine, there are still persistent misconceptions about their transparency in the UV range. These misjudgments and ideas find their expression in the opinions of some ophthalmologists and even splash out on the pages of mass publications. So, in the article “Sunglasses can provoke aggressiveness” by ophthalmologist-consultant Galina Orlova, published in the newspaper “St. Therefore, any glasses with glass spectacle lenses will protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. It should be noted that this is absolutely wrong, since quartz is one of the most transparent materials in the UV range, and quartz cuvettes are widely used to study the spectral properties of substances in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. In the same place: “Not all plastic spectacle lenses protect from ultraviolet radiation. Here we can agree with this statement.
In order to finally clarify this issue, let us consider the light transmission of the main optical materials in the ultraviolet region. It is known that the optical properties of substances in the UV region of the spectrum differ significantly from those in the visible region. characteristic feature is a decrease in transparency with decreasing wavelength, that is, an increase in the absorption coefficient of most materials that are transparent in the visible region. For example, ordinary (non-spectacle) mineral glass is transparent at wavelengths above 320 nm, while materials such as uviol glass, sapphire, magnesium fluoride, quartz, fluorite, lithium fluoride are transparent in the shorter wavelength region [TSB].
Rice. 3. Light transmission of spectacle lenses made of various materials
1 - crown glass; 2, 4 - polycarbonate; 3 - CR-39 with light stabilizer; 5 - CR-39 with UV absorber in bulk polymer
In order to understand the effectiveness of UV protection of various optical materials, let us turn to the spectral light transmission curves of some of them. On fig. light transmission in the wavelength range from 200 to 400 nm of five spectacle lenses made of various materials: mineral (crown) glass, CR-39 and polycarbonate is presented. As can be seen from the graph (curve 1), most mineral spectacle lenses made of crown glass, depending on the thickness in the center, begin to transmit ultraviolet from wavelengths of 280-295 nm, reaching 80-90% light transmission at a wavelength of 340 nm. At the border of the UV range (380 nm), the light absorption of mineral spectacle lenses is only 9% (see table).
|
Material |
Index |
Absorption |
| CR-39 - traditional plastics | ||
| CR-39 - with UV absorber | ||
| crown glass | ||
| Trivex | ||
| Spectralite | ||
| Polyurethane | ||
| Polycarbonate | ||
| Hyper 1.60 | ||
| Hyper 1.66 |
This means that mineral spectacle lenses made from ordinary crown glass are unsuitable for reliable protection against UV radiation, unless special additives are added to the mixture for glass production. Crown glass spectacle lenses can only be used as sunscreens after quality vacuum coatings have been applied.
The light transmission of CR-39 (curve 3) corresponds to the characteristics of traditional plastics that have been used for many years in the production of eyeglass lenses. Such spectacle lenses contain a small amount of a light stabilizer that prevents photodegradation of the polymer under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and atmospheric oxygen. Traditional spectacle lenses made of CR-39 are transparent to UV radiation from 350 nm (curve 3), and their light absorption at the border of the UV range is 55% (see table).
We draw the attention of our readers to how much better traditional plastics are compared to mineral glass in terms of UV protection.
If a special UV absorber is added to the reaction mixture, then the spectacle lens transmits radiation with a wavelength of 400 nm and is an excellent means of UV protection (curve 5). Spectacle lenses made of polycarbonate have high physical and mechanical properties, but in the absence of UV absorbers they begin to transmit ultraviolet at 290 nm (that is, similar to crown glass), reaching 86% light transmission at the border of the UV region (curve 2), which makes them unsuitable for use as a UV protection agent. With the introduction of a UV absorber, spectacle lenses cut off ultraviolet radiation up to 380 nm (curve 4). In table. Table 1 also shows the light transmission values of modern organic spectacle lenses made of various materials - highly refractive and with average refractive index values. All of these spectacle lenses transmit light radiation starting only from the border of the UV range - 380 nm, and reach 90% light transmission at 400 nm.
It should be taken into account that a number of characteristics of spectacle lenses and design features of frames affect the effectiveness of their use as means of UV protection. The degree of protection increases with an increase in the area of spectacle lenses - for example, a 13 cm2 spectacle lens provides 60-65% protection, and a 20 cm2 lens provides 96% or even more. This is due to the reduction of side illumination and the possibility of UV radiation entering the eye due to diffraction at the edges of spectacle lenses. The presence of side shields and wide temples, as well as the choice of a more curved shape of the frame, corresponding to the curvature of the face, also contribute to the increase in the protective properties of glasses. You should be aware that the degree of protection decreases with increasing vertex distance, since the possibility of rays penetrating under the frame and, accordingly, getting into the eyes increases.
Cut off limit
If the boundary of the ultraviolet region corresponds to a wavelength of 380 nm (that is, light transmission at this wavelength is no more than 1%), then why are cutoffs up to 400 nm indicated on many branded sunglasses and spectacle lenses? Some experts argue that this is a marketing technique, since buyers like to provide protection beyond the minimum requirements, besides, the “round” number 400 is remembered better than 380. At the same time, data have appeared in the literature about the potentially harmful effects of blue light in the visible region. spectrum on the eye, so some manufacturers have set a slightly larger limit of 400 nm. However, you can be sure that 380nm-blocking protection will provide you with sufficient UV protection by today's standards.
I would like to believe that we have finally convinced everyone that ordinary mineral spectacle lenses, and even more so quartz glass, are significantly inferior to organic lenses in terms of UV cutting efficiency.
Prepared by Olga Shcherbakova, Veko 7/2002
How does sun protection work?
The term "sun protection clothing" first appeared in 1996, when Australian companies, concerned about the high incidence of skin cancer on the continent, began developing specialized clothing with an additional level of UPF filters. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it should protect against ultraviolet rays of groups A and B (unlike conventional cosmetic sunscreens, which resist only UVB radiation), minimizing them. Negative influence on the skin. The level of UPF protection of such clothes usually varies from 15 to 50 - often this is achieved by processing the fabric with a special chemical composition(such as titanium dioxide) or a UV-blocking dye that helps absorb or reflect solar radiation. In addition, there are various laundry additives - powders, gels - that promise to turn any wardrobe item into sun-protective clothing, giving it an extra UPF level.
Who needs it?
By and large, everyone. Even if you are not inclined to allergic reaction in the sun and do not plan to spend a holiday near the equator, additional protection of the skin from harmful radiation will not hurt. But for most of us, ordinary clothes are still enough, but specialized clothes with a UPF factor are more likely for people with hypersensitivity skin and for those who have to stay in extreme conditions under the scorching sun. In addition, many experts urge children to choose clothes with additional UPF protection for obvious reasons.
Jason Briscoe/Unsplash
What if regular clothes don't work?
As already mentioned, most people do not really think about clothes with special UPF filters, limiting themselves to the usual sunscreens and basic principles like “cover your shoulders on the beach”. For example, a regular cotton T-shirt has an average UPF of 5-8, meaning it lets through about one-fifth of the UV rays. We repeat: if you do not have a critical need for serious measures, it is not necessary to update your wardrobe with things marked UPF block.
Any clothing serves as additional protection for us from solar radiation, so just remember a few basic rules. So, the denser the fibers of the fabric, the higher the level of protection: for example, artificial lycra, polyester, nylon or acrylic cope with this task better than thin natural cotton or weightless linen, but they are also less comfortable for hot weather. A simple test: the more the fabric shows through, the weaker its UPF function. Therefore, if you are not ready to wear synthetics in the heat (although some of its modern representatives are quite suitable for such conditions), choose unbleached cotton and linen with the most dense arrangement of threads.
By the way, one more important point- almost all fabrics lose their UPF properties by an average of 50% when wet (with the exception of silk and viscose, the situation is reversed here). The color of the item also plays a role - dark-colored clothing absorbs UV radiation more efficiently, the same applies to bright, saturated colors in comparison, for example, with pastels. And finally, the most obvious: the larger the area covered by clothing, the higher the degree of protection, so an ideal option for walking under the scorching sun would be, say, a suit of a long-sleeved tunic and loose-fitting trousers. And a wide-brimmed hat, of course.
Where to buy "clothing from the sun"?
Despite the fact that the world has been using sunscreens for several decades, the numbers on the packaging of sunscreens are still interpreted by many in their own way. What SPF and PA values will definitely protect you from the sun? And do you know how to use sunscreen correctly?
Products with UV filters have a different composition and different principle actions. According to the principle of action, they can be divided into physical (reflecting) and chemical (absorbing).
Very small particles are applied to the skin, which reflect the sun's rays. In such products, two active ingredients are used - titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, while the rest of the active sunscreen substances can be attributed to the chemical type. Physical sunscreens reflect UVA, UVB rays, and can also reflect infrared radiation. They almost do not cause irritation and are suitable even for delicate infant and children's skin.
The downside is that the higher the content of active ingredients (and the higher the SPF factor, respectively), the greater the discomfort from their use: white marks on the skin, clogged pores, a sticky feeling. With a low content of active ingredients (SPF below 30), the sensations of use are more comfortable, but protection from UVA rays (PA +, PA ++) is insufficient.
Of the two filters mentioned above: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, zinc oxide protects against UVA and UVB radiation. Titanium dioxide is more effective in protecting against shortwave UVA and UVB rays. So, when shopping for physical sunscreens, it's best to choose a product that contains both or only zinc oxide, not one that contains only titanium dioxide.
The chemical principle of the UV filter (absorbing)
Filters of this principle of action absorb UV radiation and annihilate it, converting it into energy that is safe for the skin. Chemical UV filters include cinnamate, octocrylene, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane (avobenzone), benzophenone-2 (oxybenzone) and others.
They have many advantages: they leave a feeling of lightness and freshness on the skin after use, they have various forms release (for example, gel), but effectively protect only from UVA rays, and even products with a low SPF factor (below 20) do a good job with this function.
The disadvantage of these active substances is that each of them blocks only part of the radiation, and when used separately, they are not very light stable. Therefore, it is necessary to use products containing several types of chemical filters. Also, products with chemical filters can cause burning, itching of the skin, eye irritation.
The best sun protection. What to choose?
There is a lot of writing on the Internet that chemical products are harmful to the skin, as they contain carcinogenic components, and therefore it is worth choosing sunscreens with physical filters. Such statements have no scientific confirmation and are based on rumors. Both physical and chemical filters have strengths and weaknesses.
There are three types of sunscreens on the market: only with physical filters, only with chemical and mixed. The latter are the most common, as they have all the advantages of their components and at the same time compensate for their disadvantages. Such products are the most right choice for those who are not used to using sunscreen.
Creams with UV filters not only save from sunburn, they also protect the skin from aging and oncological diseases. When buying a sunscreen, it is very important to make sure that it provides good protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Most the right way to find out the effectiveness of a sun cream is to read its composition. For the convenience of consumers, two indicators are used (SPF and PA), which indicate the degree of protection of a particular product. But until now, many do not know what these indicators mean.
What is SPF (Sun Protection Factor)?
This is an indicator of the degree of protection against UVB rays. These rays are especially strong in summer and can cause burns and reddening of the skin. Previously, it was possible to find products with SPF 60 and even 100 on sale, but recently in Korea, if the SPF indicator exceeds 50, they simply put the mark 50+ (the situation is similar in Russia).
For reasons that are not clear, many believe that these figures indicate how long sunscreen lasts after application. This, of course, is not true; It is correct to perceive SPF as a quantitative indicator of the degree of protection against UVB rays.
SPF is a measure of UV blocking
SPF 15 = 14/15 = 93% UV blocking. Penetration of rays into the skin 1/15 (7%).
SPF 30 = 29/30 = 97% UV blocking. Penetration of rays into the skin 1/30 (3%).
SPF 50 = 49/50 = 98% UV blocking. Penetration of rays into the skin 1/50 (2%).
SPF 90 = 89/90 = 98.8% UV blocking. Penetration of rays into the skin 1/90 (1.2%).
We can see that the blocking ability of SPF 15 is as much as 5% lower than that of SPF 50, while the difference between SPF 50 and SPF 90 is not so great at only 0.8%. After SPF 50, there is little to no increase in sun blocking ability, and buyers often think that SPF 100 is twice as powerful as SPF 50. To avoid such mistakes, in Asian countries, as well as in the United States, anything above 50 units became mark as SPF 50+. This ended the mindless digital race between products with an SPF above 50.
What is PA (Protection Grade of UVA)?
The PA index is used in Asian countries, primarily in Korea and Japan, as an indicator of the degree of UVA protection. This indicator is higher, the more "+" signs after the letters "PA". UVA radiation is about 20 times stronger than UVB radiation and, penetrating deep into the skin, can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and freckles.
To understand what PA is, you need to understand PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening). This index is used in Europe (primarily in France) to indicate the degree of protection against UVA. PPD has a numerical value, and the higher it is, the stronger the protection. It can be said that PA +, PA ++, PA +++ are redefined indicators of PPD (weak, medium, strong).
PA+ corresponds to PPD 2–4.
PA++ complies with PPD 4-8.
PA+++ corresponds to PPD 8-16 (in Korea PA+++ is the maximum degree of protection).
PA++++ complies with PPD 16-32 (used in Japan since 2013).
How effective is my sunscreen against UVA?
According to European standards, in order for the product to effectively protect against both types of UV rays, it is necessary that the PPD value be at least a third of the SPF value. That is, if the SPF is 30, then the PPD must be at least 10 (PA++++), and if the SPF is 50+, then the PPD must exceed 16 (PA++++).
You can also check the composition and amount of substances contained in the product. On American products, the manufacturer is required to indicate the amount of active ingredients, which include UV filters. One of the most effective UV filters is avobenzone with its content in the composition of at least 3%, and if, in addition to it, the photostable elements octocrylene and oxybenzone are also indicated in the composition, you can be sure that this product is effective remedy protection from UVA radiation.
What rules must be followed in order for your sunscreen to work perfectly?
To check the degree of SPF protection, it is necessary to apply the product to the skin at the rate of 2 mg per 1 cm2 and expose this area of the skin to the sun's rays. By whether redness appeared on the skin after such a check, the necessary degree of protection is determined.
However, in general, buyers do not use even a third of the required volume. About 0.8 g of the product should be applied to the face, in terms of volume this corresponds to the amount that will fill the depression in the center with a folded cup of the palm.
If you apply funds more than the required amount, then this can increase its original SPF. But keep in mind that if you apply half the required amount of funds with an SPF index of 50 units, then its effectiveness will drop not to 25 units, as it might seem, but to 7.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out
This is necessary so that it has time to absorb into the skin, and is necessary not only for chemical filters, but also for physical ones. After applying a product with physical filters, the skin first becomes oily or slippery, and it is better not to leave the house until it becomes matte.
Update tool every 2-3 hours
All currently available sunscreens, be they SPF 30 or 50, need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours in order for them to continue to work effectively according to their SPF index. The fact is that the components of these funds gradually decompose under the influence of secretions of the sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as ultraviolet radiation.
Renew your sunscreen after swimming
If you get any part of your body wet, pat it dry and reapply sunscreen. Even if your sunscreen is considered waterproof, it's still a good idea to reapply after bathing.
And if you sweat profusely, dry your body with a towel and reapply sunscreen. If you apply the product on wet skin, it will be diluted in water and will not work properly, so you should only use it on dry skin.
Avoid being in the sun
UV radiation is strongest in summer between 10 am and 3 pm. If you need to go outside at this time, reapply sunscreen before going out. Do not be frivolous, do not think that "nothing will happen if you jump out into the street for a short while, for 10 minutes." The harmful effects of sunlight on the skin has a cumulative effect and is the cause of photoaging. We spend huge sums on brightening and anti-aging serums, but the effect of their use can be easily spoiled by being in the sun for only 10 minutes.
Don't rely on sunscreen alone
Applying the right amount of sunscreen regularly, every 2-3 hours, is harder than it might seem. In order for your sunscreen to work properly, use accessories such as a wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses, which themselves can become UV filters.
In the summer at sea, you can see people who do not apply sunscreen to their bodies, but instead wear thin T-shirts or sweaters, but thin fabrics have a UV protection degree of only 5-7 units. So, they almost do not save from UVA radiation, which leads to skin aging. In addition, clothes, when wet in water, lose most of their protective function, up to 2-3 units.
