Spf and ppd – key sun protection indicators. how to choose and use sunscreens?

Continuous exposure to sunlight on the skin can lead to serious dermatological problems, including burns, premature skin aging and even the development of skin cancer. That is why it is so important to use appropriate sun protection. In this article, you will learn how sunscreens work, what their types are, what the SPF factor is, the PPD and IPD factors, and what you should remember when using products with a protective filter.

How do sunscreens work? what are their types?

Sunscreens are substances or mixtures of substances applied to the skin that help protect it against harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun. UV radiation consists of two main types: UVA and UVB. Sunscreens can work in different ways, depending on their type.

The most popular types of sunscreens are:

• Chemical filters that absorb UV radiation and transform it into harmless heat.
• Mineral filters that reflect and scatter UV radiation, acting as a physical barrier on the skin.

What is the spf factor?

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is one of the most important indicators that help determine how effectively a protective product protects the skin against UVB radiation. The higher the SPF factor, the longer you can stay in the sun without the risk of sunburn. However, it is worth remembering that no filter is absolutely perfect, so regular re-lubrication is crucial, especially after swimming in water or sweating.

What are ppd and ipd factors?

PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) and IPD (Immediate Pigment Darkening) are indicators used to evaluate the effectiveness of sunscreen products in protecting against UVA radiation. UVA is responsible for premature skin aging and may lead to the formation of wrinkles and pigmentation spots.

PPD measures a product’s ability to protect the skin from long-term exposure to UVA radiation, which leads to permanent skin darkening. IPD, in turn, rates how quickly a product prevents skin from immediately darkening after exposure to UVA radiation.

What should you remember when using a protective filter?

To effectively protect your skin against harmful solar radiation, you should remember a few key rules:

• Choose broad-spectrum products that protect against both UVB and UVA rays.
• Use the appropriate amount of product, and regardless of the SPF factor, apply it every 2 hours or after swimming in water.
• Avoid exposure to the sun during peak sun exposure hours, i.e. from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Always wear a sun mask, sunglasses and protective clothing when you are in the sun.

Your suggestions

It is also worth paying attention to the individual needs of the skin. People with fair skin who are prone to sunburn should choose products with a higher SPF, while people with darker skin still need sun protection but can choose products with a lower SPF.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in learning more about sun protection, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Effective sun protection – step by step” – A practical guide in choosing and using sunscreen products.
• “Skin and UV radiation: Long-term effects and how to avoid them” – Article about the impact of UV radiation on skin health and how to effectively defend yourself against it.

Maintaining healthy skin requires care and proper sun protection. By properly using sunscreen products and understanding the SPF, PPD and IPD factors, we can enjoy the sun without risking our skin health.