Sun protection & SPF in more detail
Sun protection is achieved through the use of compounds that absorb or reflect ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreen products contain natural filters, organic filters or a mixture of the two, so as to achieve a wide range of protection. Sunscreen filters that absorb UV radiation need 20-30 minutes to deliver the protection desired; this is why it is recommended that sun screening protection should always be applied half an hour before we go out into the sun.
When we buy a sun cream, we usually select it according to the SPF we want, which ranges from 15 to 50+ (this number indicates protection from UVB and not UVA radiation). In other words, a sunscreen with:
- SPF 15 absorbs/reflects 93% of UVB radiation;
- SPF 30 absorbs/reflects 97% of UVB radiation;
- SPF 50+ absorbs/reflects 98% of UVB radiation.
As shown in the diagrams, the use of an SPF 50+ sun screen, offers a mere 1% higher protection compared to an SPF 30 product, while it ‘burdens’ your skin with additional sun screening filters.
Sources: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety, http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH/PH709_Sun/PH709_Sun5.html (Boston University School of Public Health)
We in ZЄLIA Herbal Holistic Cosmetics, have consciously made the decision to produce the sun cream HELIATOR with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.
When exposed to the sun, the skin is subjected to oxidation shock, it becomes dehydrated and becomes worn out. This is why we enriched the HELIATOR sun cream with antioxidant, dehydrating and restoring ingredients approved by ECOCERT.
Our sun cream is suitable for all skin types and children!
Triglycerides: They are excellent emollients and vitamin and other ingredient solvents that tolerate oxidation well. They create a film on the skin surface, which reduces trans-epidermal water loss.
Plant emollient made from sugar & coconut. We selected this because we refuse to use synthetic silicones for our sun screen.
Sunflower oil: Rich in mineral trace elements and antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, it protects the skin from free radicals and solar radiation.
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF): It is a completely natural ingredient made from plant sugar and starch fermentation. This is one of the basic components of human skin. What it does is bind humidity within skin cells.
Aloe: Our own favourite! For its hydrating, emollient, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; for the generous protection from free radicals it offers due to the flavones it contains; for its mild anti-histamine properties, its vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Vitamin C: This is the youth vitamin, since it helps collagen formation, it fights free radicals, it provides mild protection from UVA radiation and enhances skin elasticity and radiance.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract: A true gem! It protects the skin from the redness & inflammation caused by exposure to UVA/UVB; a strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory that also improves microcirculation and activates cellular metabolism. It delays skin ageing by inhibiting collagen degradation and hyaluronic acid metabolism.
Green tea extract: Anti-inflammatory and rich in anti-oxidants, it protects your skin from the devastating effects of free radicals, by preventing collagen breakdown caused by UV radiation. The xanthines green tea contains, stimulate skin microcirculation and improve the tone and radiance of your complexion.
Lavender essential oil: Anti-inflammatory; protects from sun burns.
Bisabolol: It is a component of Matricaria chamomilla Essential Oil. Its anti-inflammatory, hydrating and healing action protects skin collagen.
Vanilla extract: A source of B complex vitamins (niacin, thiamine, B6, pantothenic acid), which play a vital role in keeping the skin healthy. Its anti-oxidant properties protect the skin from lesions caused by environmental pollution and toxins.
Find our recommendations here.