You give me cream, I give you cream

Like any self-respecting cosmetics brand, with summer comes our typical article on sunscreens. Since talking about "safe sun exposure recommendations" would have been a real bore... we've decided to dedicate this post to debunking the most common myths you can find online. 😜

Before we begin: the basics of the sun.

The sun is great, it's cool and it helps your body and mind if you get some sun. 10-20 minutes, 3 times a weekBut if your mother smeared you with that stuff when you were little so you slipped on the float, it was for a reason.

Along with all the delicious things he brings, Lorenzo has two types of rays that… no like:

• UVA – A stands for aging; that is, they make you look older than you are

• UVB – B for burn; meaning you get burned like a churro stick

Myth 1: If the cream says SPF, I'm protected from the sun

Fake.

SPF refers to protection against UVB rays, but does NOT refer to UVA rays.

To get UVA protection, you need to look for the words 'broad spectrum protection' on your cream

Myth 2: SPF 15 is for when you want to get a tan and SPF 50 is for when you have very fair skin

Fake.

The number next to the word SPF indicates… How much 'extra' time does it take to get sunburned if you use sunscreen vs. if you don't? It is a way to measure protection, INDEPENDENT of skin type.

An example will make it clearer:

• Yes, 'without putting anything on', you can last about 5 minutes before getting burned, with an SPF30 you would last 5x30 = 150 minutes without getting burned.

• Yes, if you can last 30 minutes without sunscreen, with SPF30 you would last 30x30 = 900 minutes without getting burned.

If you are Korean (and, it goes without saying, aware of skin care and protection) 😅), you'll put on SPF50 without thinking about your skin tone (not that I know many Koreans with very dark skin, but you get the idea, right?).

If you're a dermatologist, you definitely don't recommend anything less than SPF 30 to everyone, as a general rule (never less). If you're just an average person... well, you can adjust it depending on what works for you.

Myth 3: Natural filters are more environmentally friendly

Fake.

To protect yourself from the sun, so-called 'filters' are used, which can be of two types:

• PhysicistsOrganic or 'natural' filters are powdered minerals. They create a barrier or 'wall' that blocks sunlight. Generally, they leave a white cast and a pasty residue. To avoid this white cast and paste-like effect, some brands incorporate 'nanoparticles' into their physical filters… and fish and plankton don't like that at all.

• Chemicals or manufactured in a laboratory. They produce a chemical reaction that transforms light into heat. They don't leave a white cast and are less sticky… but on the other hand, they tend to irritate sensitive skin more. Some of these, such as oxybenzone or octinoxate, have been banned in places like Hawaii since 2018.

Conclusion:

• There are some 'natural' and chemical filters that are bad for the environment.

• There are other 'natural' and chemical filters that are respectful and good.

Myth 4: If I put on SPF 50, I can forget about it and relax.

Half...

So, let's add a little bit of drama to the matter, because we like a good one. beef. It turns out that since 2020, some people have taken to 'reviewing' the sun protection tests submitted by certain brands… and have lowered their scores. There are tons of examples of international (and domestic) sunscreens that had to be withdrawn from the market because it turned out they offered less protection than advertised.

Have we been deceived? It's not that either...

To have SPF 50 or 50+ on a bottle, you have to pay for a study done by an independent laboratory (it's not entirely 'believable' for you to claim your product is amazing). So there are some...auditors' in between.

If you choose a different 'auditor'... it's like changing the teacher who grades the exam... the score is sure to change (up or down).

Did those brands try to deceive you? Not necessarily. Have the recent price reductions by some brands instilled a sense of unease in us? Perhaps...

Thanks to MDMA I now have a permanent job (oh, I'm getting carried away...)

The fact is, there's still a LOT of progress to be made regarding sunscreens, and, as with contraceptive methods... it's not enough to just trust the products that brands make; you have to put a little thought and learning into the subject. avoid doing crazy things in the sun.

If, as with any poison, you consume it 'responsibly' and use protection when necessary, you won't have any problems and you'll be happier than a clam.

Wedge: our Handsomefyer Sun has a SPF50 broad spectrum It combines physical and chemical filters to achieve that protection, but without leaving your face looking like your grandma's living room with textured walls. And we haven't included any of the filters that harm fish or coral.

We do cool right,

Siwon