How to choose sunscreen. What phototype are you?

Choosing sunscreen is not easy because it depends a lot on how we want to expose ourselves to the sun and on our skin phototype. What is the phototype ? The phototype is a dermatological classification based on the quality and quantity of melanin present in the epidermis without sun exposure. It also indicates the skin's reactions to exposure to UV rays (i.e. the predisposition to develop erythema or not) and what degree of tanning is possible.

Sonia Olivieri has created a line of sunscreens suitable for every skin type that comply with the requirements set by the European Community to shield the skin from both UVB and UVA rays . Rapidly absorbed formulations and anti-sand action with a powerful nourishing and anti-oxidant effect .

But how many phototypes exist ? Here is the answer to your questions:
Phototype 1 characterizes people with very sensitive skin and very pale complexion, often covered with freckles . People with phototype 1 have blond or red hair and light eyes.
The skin reacts very strongly to sun exposure and the risk of sunburn and even permanent damage is very high. This phototype almost always suffers from sunburn and needs maximum protection.
Develops a very light and short-lasting tan, or becomes red but does not tan. For phototype 1, the advice is to use high protection sunscreens such as Sonia Olivieri high protection face-body sunscreen , to be applied half an hour before sun exposure. It is also necessary to repeat the application several times during the day and wear clothing during part of the sun exposure.

Phototype 2 characterizes people with delicate skin, always with a light complexion and the presence of freckles . People with phototype 2 have hair ranging from light blonde to dark blonde/light brown, their eyes are generally blue/green. When exposed to the sun's rays, the skin reacts with easy sunburn. It requires protection, but is less delicate than phototype 1. Phototype 2 often develops sunburn . Children's skin also belongs to this phototype. With continuous exposure to the sun and strong protection, phototype II reaches a golden color but does not become dark. Even for phototype 2, the advice is to use sunscreens with a high protection factor such as the Sonia Olivieri high protection face-body sunscreen , to be applied half an hour before sun exposure. It is also necessary to repeat the application several times during the day.

Phototype 3 characterizes people with fairly light skin. Phototype 3 is the most common in the Western population , and is usually associated with brown hair and dark blue/dark green eyes.
It burns only with intense exposure to ultraviolet rays. Sometimes, it develops sunburn. It tans easily and reaches an intense color after about a month of exposure. For phototype 3, the advice is to use high protection sunscreens , only for the first exposures, such as the Sonia Olivieri high protection face and body sunscreen , to be applied half an hour before sun exposure. After the first week, it will be possible to switch to medium protection sunscreens such as the Sonia Olivieri medium protection face and body sunscreen . Although the cream is water resistant, it is necessary to repeat the application several times during the day.

Phototype 4 characterizes people with non-delicate skin with dark/olive complexion, brown eyes, light brown/dark brown hair . It is a skin that tolerates the sun very well and is unlikely to develop sunburn, even with intense exposure to ultraviolet rays. It always tans very intensely after about a week, reaching a brown, almost chocolate color.

For phototype 4, the advice is to use low protection sunscreens such as Sonia Olivieri low protection face and body sunscreen . Although the cream is water resistant, it is necessary to repeat the application during the day.

Phototype 5 characterizes people with non-sensitive skin, dark complexion (more intense than type 4), brown eyes, black hair . This type of skin never develops reactions to sun exposure and achieves a very intense and dark tan in two/three days.

Even for phototype 5, the advice is to use low protection sunscreens such as the Sonia Olivieri low protection face-body sunscreen . It is also advisable to apply sunscreen before each exposure, even when the skin is already tanned, as it has a beneficial hydrating and antioxidant action.

Phototype 6 characterizes people with very dark/black skin, it is not sensitive to exposure to ultraviolet rays . People with this phototype have black hair and dark eyes. The skin does not react to sun exposure, it does not change color intensity, even with prolonged exposure to the sun.

For phototype 6, the advice is to use Sonia Olivieri Shea butter , which has a natural antioxidant and photoprotective action.

Different individuals may have intermediate characteristics between one phototype and another; in these cases it is always preferable to consider it as the lowest phototype.