Using sunscreen is essential to protect our skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays:

• UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn because they penetrate the upper layer of the skin;
• UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin. These can cause permanent damage to your skin: premature aging, dark spots, skin diseases, etc.

Using sun protection all year round is essential to avoid the harmful effects of the sun and, more specifically, to protect your skin from actinic aging: premature skin aging caused by the sun.

But which SPF to choose? We explain everything:

1. What is SPF?

On sunscreens, we always see an SPF preceded by a number, but without truly understanding what it means. First, the term SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor". The index measures the amount of UVB rays blocked by the sunscreen. Thus, the higher the SPF, the more UVB rays the sunscreen will filter. However, SPF does not measure a sunscreen's ability to protect your skin from UVA rays. It is therefore recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

2. SPF 50 vs. 30: which to choose?

A cream with SPF50 blocks more UVB rays than a cream with SPF30: SPF50 will block approximately 98% of UVB rays, while SPF30 blocks approximately 95-96% of UVB rays. Therefore, it is better to choose the highest protection factor. At Les Petits Prödiges, we only offer SPF50+!

Also, with a protection factor higher than 50, you are also much better protected from UVA rays. In Europe, when the UVA logo is encircled, it means that your cream will also protect you from UVA rays. But even then, it is better to opt for high protection: the sun protection factor for UVA is 20 for SPF50+, while it is 10 for SPF30.

Finally, it is important to protect your skin, regardless of skin tone! Having olive/dark skin is linked to a higher melanin level. By acting as a natural barrier, it provides better protection against UVB rays. However, even if having a tanned complexion reduces the likelihood of sunburn, UVA rays are not filtered. Therefore, all skin types need sun protection.

3. The importance of proper cream application

However, simply choosing a high SPF sunscreen is not enough; to achieve the SPF indicated on your cream, you must follow other recommendations:

• Apply sunscreen before going outside

It is recommended to apply sunscreen approximately 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow for maximum absorption by the skin. The sunscreen will adhere to the skin's surface, creating a protective film. This process is called "de-emulsification," and it also optimizes water and sweat resistance.

• Apply enough sunscreen

To achieve the SPF of your sunscreen, it is recommended to apply approximately 2mg per cm2 over the entire body, which is equivalent to half a teaspoon of sunscreen for the face and neck, and approximately 30 ml for the body. Therefore, it is not enough to apply sunscreen with a high SPF, but also to apply a sufficient amount of cream. This dose is rarely respected, which is why many people tan despite using SPF50+ cream.

• Apply the cream frequently and everywhere!

It is recommended to apply the cream every two hours, even if your sun product is water-resistant, as it can lose effectiveness with perspiration and after swimming. Furthermore, we sometimes tend to forget certain areas, such as around the eyes, but it is one of the most delicate areas, with very thin skin: it must be protected. On sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and ears, be sure to cover them with a generous amount of cream.

• Apply sunscreen even when there is no sun

Clouds do not block all UV rays emitted by the sun; they are invisible and can penetrate clouds to reach your skin. This applies to UVB rays and also to UVA rays, which are very harmful as we saw earlier.

4. Which sun protection to choose?

Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning one that protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

Moreover, like all the products you apply, it is important to choose the most natural composition possible: for you and also for the oceans. When we swim, some of the sunscreen can be washed away by the water and end up in the seabed. This contamination can have a negative impact on the marine environment when the sun product contains substances toxic to marine biodiversity. This is the case, for example, with oxybenzone, octinoxate, butylparaben, and octocrylene. They have been identified as toxic to corals, algae, and other marine organisms. These ingredients can contribute to their discoloration and reduction in their ability to regenerate.

We designed a SPF 50+ Face and Body Sun Cream with organic UV filters that are among the most respectful of algae & corals. Following strict ecotoxicity tests performed on a species of coral found in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and English Channel (Anemonia Viridis), our UV filter complex showed a lesser impact on coral cell viability compared to other tested creams (SPF50+ sunscreens based on inorganic filters: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). These new generation filters effectively protect against UVA and UVB rays without leaving a greasy, sticky, or whitening effect! Its packaging is ultra-practical: an aluminum tube and applicable with a pump. Find it in its 100ml and 50ml formats to be equipped in any situation! It's THE no-compromise sunscreen for this summer!