What are UV rays? Know them for a safe and long-lasting tan.
In this post we will try to answer these most frequently asked questions about tanning but, if you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact us at our address info@soniaolivieri.com .
For proper skin protection, Sonia Olivieri has created a line of "broad spectrum" sunscreens that comply with the guidelines of the American Academy of Dermatology and 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 antioxidant effect .
1. What are UV rays and what are their effects on the skin ?
Sunlight is composed of several radiations that are distinguished by their wavelength. Those to be monitored are ultraviolet radiation or UV rays.
UV rays are not visible to the human eye and are divided into UVA, UVB and UVC, which have increasing energy.
UVA rays are about 90% of the radiation that comes from the sun. They are less energetic than UVB rays but more penetrating, in fact they also pass through cloudy skies and, reaching the deepest layers of the skin, they are the main cause of photo-aging and the greatest risk factor for skin cancer. They are not responsible for tanning or sunburn, while the real creators of the tan are UVB rays , which represent about 5% of solar radiation, they have a high energy charge but fortunately their effects are exerted at the superficial level of the epidermis. They are therefore responsible for both tanning (which therefore represents a defense mechanism of the skin) and, unfortunately, for sunburn, erythema and sunburn. They are also important for health because they fix calcium in the bones.
Finally, UVC rays are not supposed to reach Earth, although recent ozone depletion is exposing us to their harmful effects.
Exposure to sunlight also causes an inflammatory state with the production of free radicals.
For this reason, gradual exposure to the sun is essential, avoiding the hottest hours of the day and above all using adequate sun creams .
2. How do sunscreens protect us ?
Sunscreens work in two ways: physical filters literally reflect UV radiation, while chemical filters absorb UV radiation, which then no longer hits the deeper layers of the skin. Chemical filters can also be photo-unstable, meaning they can be altered by exposure to the sun, no longer providing adequate protection (which is like exposing yourself to the sun while protected by a handkerchief with holes in it), or photo-stable, meaning they do not suffer such damage.
3. Why choose Sonia Olivieri sunscreens ?
Sonia Olivieri sunscreens contain both chemical filters and natural physical filters , both photo-stable. Sonia Olivieri sunscreens contain vitamin E , shea butter and jojoba oil , which have both a powerful antioxidant effect , reducing the formation of free radicals that are normally produced when exposed to the sun, and a photo-protective action. Vitamin E is a natural UVB filter and is stable because the molecule hit by the rays does not break and does not give rise to harmful substances. Shea butter has emollient and nourishing properties, keeping the skin soft and hydrated during sun exposure, and also creates a physical screen against the rays. Finally, jojoba oil has a particular chemical structure that makes it stable at high temperatures and is capable of maintaining or restoring the physiological state of the skin as it helps the skin retain water without performing an occlusive action.
4. Is it true that if I put on sunscreen I won't get a tan ?
Absolutely not! Without sunscreen, the skin does not tan, in fact, rapidly exposed to the action of UV rays, it does not have time to "protect" itself through the production of melanin and it burns. With sunburn, therefore, the normal mechanisms of stimulation of melanin production are not activated, but the inflammatory mechanisms are activated; if instead we use sunscreen, most of the UV rays are blocked and inflammation does not occur, but the small percentage that passes manages to stimulate the synthesis of melanin which is responsible for the color of the tan. This will therefore allow you to have a long-lasting tan , and you will have to wait for the time of exfoliation of the skin that takes away the superficial layers of the epidermis to lose our beloved tan.
5. Is it true that once opened sunscreen should be thrown away the following year?
Sonia Olivieri sunscreen should be thrown away only if the yellow color has disappeared and a red color has appeared , this is an indication of degradation of the filters . The sunscreens contained in Sonia Olivieri sunscreens are extremely stable; internal tests at our company have in fact demonstrated that, after 4 years, if well preserved, Sonia Olivieri sunscreens maintain the same protective factors intact . The filters used by Sonia Olivieri do not bleach the coral reef, respecting the environment.
