When summer arrives, the desire to enjoy the sun becomes irresistible. But if the sun is a source of well-being, protecting yourself with unsuitable creams can be harmful to both your skin and the environment.

At Santi-shop, we believe it's essential to inform in order to protect. That's why today we're offering you a complete overview of sun protection: from the types of UV rays to their effects, not forgetting protection factors, the ecological impact of conventional creams and the reasons for choosing an organic sun cream.

The different types of UV rays and their effects on the skin

There are three main types of ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun: UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVA rays are the most abundant and penetrate deep into the skin. They are responsible for premature skin aging, loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

UVBs, on the other hand, act more on the surface. They cause sunburnBut they are also involved in the cell mutations that can lead to certain skin cancers. 

Finally, UVC is the most dangerous, but fortunately it is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth's surface.

So it's essential to understand that even if the sun is invisible and sometimes veiled by clouds, its rays continue to act silently on our skin...

What SPF means and how to choose the right factor for your skin

The SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures the level of protection against UVB rays. The higher the number, the more effective the cream. For example, SPF 15 blocks around 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 around 98%. Although the difference between indices may seem minimal, it does matter, depending on your skin type, phototype and length of exposure.

People with very fair, sensitive or sunburn-prone skin should therefore opt for SPF 50+. Children, whose skin is particularly fragile, also need a high level of protection.

On the other hand, dark-skinned people can opt for SPF 30, provided they avoid prolonged exposure and reapply regularly. It's also important to note that acne-prone skin or with specific skin problems should turn to appropriate non-comedogenic formulas.

The dangers of the sun: between benefits and risks

The sun is essential to our well-being. In fact, it promotes the production of vitamin D, essential for our bones and our morale. However, uncontrolled exposure to the sun can have deleterious effects:

• In the short term, sunburn weakens the skin and causes inflammation.

• In the long term, chronic UV exposure promotes premature aging of the skin, the formation of brown spots, loss of tone and, above all, considerably increases the risk of developing skin cancer, such as melanoma.

So it's important to expose yourself wisely, avoiding the hottest hours of the day, wearing covering clothing and applying sun protection suited to your skin type.

Sunscreens and the environment: an underestimated threat

Sunscreens may protect our skin, but some can unfortunately harm the environment. Many conventional formulas contain chemical filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene. Once released into the water during swimming, these molecules have catastrophic effects on marine ecosystems.

In particular, they contribute to coral bleaching, disrupt the hormonal systems of aquatic species and accumulate in living organisms. Even a small quantity of cream is enough to pollute a vast volume of water. This phenomenon, long ignored, is now recognized by several countries, which have banned certain ingredients from their protected coastal zones.

Why choose organic sun protection?

Faced with these health and environmental challenges, organic sunscreens are emerging as a responsible alternative. They are based on mineral filters of natural origin, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect UV rays like a mirror.

Unlike chemical filters, they do not penetrate the epidermis, making them safer for your health. What's more, they are biodegradable and have no harmful effects on coral or marine fauna. Organic sun creams are often enriched with soothing and nourishing plant ingredients, such as shea butteraloe vera or virgin vegetable oils. 

Finally, they are generally formulated without nanoparticles, synthetic fragrances or controversial preservatives, making them particularly suitable for sensitive skin and children.

Opt for natural, conscious sun protection

Choosing a sun cream is not a trivial act. It's a gesture of care, prevention and respect for our environment. By opting for organic sun protection, you are choosing an effective, healthy, ethical and ecological product. You protect your skin while preserving the planet.

We invite you to discover our complete range of natural and organic sun protection products on our Santi-shop online store. Give your skin the best protection, with a clear conscience!