The sun protection factor varies according to the skin tone: for lighter skins, it is advisable to use a sunscreen with a higher SPF, while for darker skins, the SPF may be smaller.
However, to ensure the protection of the skin against ultraviolet rays, it is also important to apply the sunscreen correctly, making a uniform layer, which must be reapplied every 2 hours of sun exposure or after contact with sea water or pool, for example. In addition, for greater protection of the skin can also opt for drinkable sunscreen, which protects the skin from sun damage. Learn more on How the Sunscreen Works for Drinking.
Although protecting the skin against the harmful effects of the sun, sunscreen reduces the ability to produce vitamin D. Thus, for an adequate production of vitamin D, it is advised to sunbathe for at least 15 minutes before 10 o'clock in the morning and after 16 hours without sunscreen. Here's how to ensure vitamin D in the body in: Foods rich in vitamin D.
| Factor of sunscreen | Type of skin | Description of skin type |
| FPS between 30 and 60 |
White and very white skin | It has freckles on the face, the skin burns very easily and never gets tanned, turning red. |
| FPS between 20 and 30 | Light brown skin to the mulatto | The skin is light brown, the dark brown or black hair that sometimes burns, however, also browns. |
| FPS between 6 and 20 | Black skin | The skin is very dark, rarely burns and tans very much, even if the tan is not very visible. |
Important information that must be observed on the sunscreen label is protection for type A and B ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB). UVB protection ensures protection against sunburn, while UVA protection ensures protection against premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly
To use the sunscreen one must take care, such as applying the product even on cloudy and less hot days, being important:
- Put sunscreen on dry skin at least 1 hour before sun exposure;
- Transfer the sunscreen every 2 hours;
- Use a sunscreen specific to your skin color;
- In addition to sunscreen, you should also use the lip balm and a sunscreen suitable for the face;
- Pass the protector throughout the body evenly, covering even the feet and ears;
- Avoid getting too much of 1 directly exposed to the sun.
- Pass sunscreen behind the ear, letting it act for 12 hours before passing through the body.
Taking a small test to know if you have allergy to sunscreen, whenever you change the sunscreen brand or whenever you spend too much time unused, it is another very important care that helps prevent allergy reactions in the body. See the sunscreen allergy symptoms at Learn how to identify sunscreen allergy and what you should do.
Other important tips to protect yourself from the sun are to stay under the umbrella and wear a sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Beauty products with sun protection
Many beauty products, such as creams and makeup, have sunscreen in their composition, aiding in skin care. In addition, there are products that are also enriched with substances that prevent the appearance of wrinkles and skin blemishes, such as vitamins A, C, D and collagen.
You should use products that contain at least SPF 15 and it is best to use sunscreen before putting on the makeup, even if it also offers this kind of protection. If the woman does not go to the water or does not sweat a lot, she can retouch the sunscreen with just the makeup, using the powder, for example. Otherwise it is necessary to wash the entire face and restart the application process of the products.
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 from 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 should be ingested daily to prolong the tan and protect the skin. See a complete list of Foods rich in beta-carotene.
The following video provides tips to prolong the tan effect.
