To choose the right sun care products, you must first understand their ingredients! In a previous article, we discussed the subject of SPFs and how to protect yourself properly, but how do you choose the right sun care products?
1. How do sunscreens work?
When looking for a sunscreen, you will often find two types of UV filters:
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Organic filters
Organic filters in sunscreens are made of molecules that absorb UV rays instead of the skin. When UV rays reach the skin, they are absorbed by the filters. The organic filters convert the energy from the UV rays into heat, which is then dissipated.
The most commonly used organic filters in sunscreens are avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate, oxybenzone, and homosalate. These filters are often combined in sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
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Mineral filters
Mineral filters, also known as physical filters, are natural mineral particles found in nature. Mineral filters act as a shield by reflecting harmful UV rays away from the skin.
The two mineral filters commonly used in sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
2. Organic and mineral filters: their differences
Most commonly, you will find organic filters in your sun care products. Known for their effectiveness in protecting the skin against UVA and UVB, they are also appreciated for their complete transparency upon application. Without white residue or a greasy effect, these filters penetrate the skin very well.
However, one must be careful not to use controversial chemical UV filters. Indeed, some are suspected of having an irritating and easily allergenic effect on sensitive skin, or of having a negative impact on marine biodiversity. The organic filters mentioned just above, for example, should be avoided.
Mineral filters have the advantage of offering immediate protection against UV; they remain on the skin's surface and have a lower risk of being absorbed by the skin. They possess good heat stability: they do not lose their effectiveness when exposed to high temperatures.
However, the particle size of mineral filters is often reduced to minimize the whitening effect. These filters then take the form of nanoparticles: a size that encourages deep infiltration into your body but is also very polluting to the seabed.
3. How to make the right choice?
The creation of next-generation filters has revolutionized sun care products. Organic filters that are ocean-friendly do exist! Here are examples of non-controversial next-generation organic filters:
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
- Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
- Ethylhexyl triazone
- Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
They are particularly appreciated for:
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Their light texture and zero white cast
They have the advantage of being formulated in textures that are easy to apply, which facilitates the penetration of the sunscreen. For an ultra-fluid texture, a no-white-cast and non-greasy finish effect—mission accomplished!
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Their effective protection
Organic filters often offer better protection against UVA rays than mineral filters, which tend to offer stronger protection against UVB rays. They provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they can protect you from sunburn, premature skin aging, and other risks associated with sun exposure. They can also be coupled with moisturizing and soothing agents such as aloe vera, probiotics, or provitamin B5.
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Algae & Corals: some of the most eco-friendly UV filters on the market.
Next-generation organic UV filters are recognized as being among the most respectful on the market for algae & corals. It has been recognized that coral cell viability was much higher for next-generation organic filters than for mineral filters.
4. Les Petits Prödiges sunscreen
We have therefore imagined a high-protection sun product that combines the many advantages offered by next-generation filters. Les Petits Prödiges Sunscreen is suitable for the body and face with an SPF50+. Our sunscreen has undergone strict ecotoxicity tests, showing that our UV filter complex has a lower impact on coral cell viability compared to other filters on the market. It is suitable for children from three years old, non-irritating, and water-resistant. It is the no-compromise sun protection to have this summer 😊
