June 11, 2022

What is SPF and why use sunscreen?

The sun is coming out, and with it the desire to take full advantage of it. But did you know what exactly is meant by SPF? Let's take a look at sun protection, which is of capital importance in the summer.

What is SPF?

SPF is the abbreviation for Sunburn Protection Factor . It is used to reflect the level of protection offered by a product against UVB rays : it can be low (6 to 10), medium (15 to 25), high (30 to 50) or very high (50+).

While it's true that people with pale, sensitive or even allergic skin should opt for high to very high protection, everyone else should actually also turn to sunscreen - no, it won't stop you from tanning !

To learn how to properly prepare your skin for sun exposure (and tanning), click here .

UVA and UVB rays: significant and irreversible damage

But why wage such a fight against UVA and UVB? Because the consequences of unprotected exposure can be serious: they range from premature skin aging to skin cancer (such as melanoma), including changes in texture and pigmentation spots.

Please note: this does not just mean protecting your face, but the entire surface of your skin that is likely to receive rays.

Choose effective and natural sun protection!

We often hear about natural sunscreens and chemical filters. How do they work? What are they worth? We explain to you exactly what they are!

What is the difference between chemical filters and mineral filters?

Mineral screens provide protection across the entire spectrum of UV rays by forming a protective layer that acts as a barrier between the sun and the skin. Mineral screens are also called physical filters due to their covering power. These filters, without nanoparticles, are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

As for chemical filters , they have a protective action with and on the skin: they penetrate the epidermis and create a filtering layer that absorbs UV rays. They are active and effective between 20 and 30 minutes after application. Not all chemical filters are equal and the choice of these filters is essential in a clean beauty approach for the respect of consumers and the environment.

At Mahalo, we have opted for different ranges:

Biarritz Laboratories : with 100% natural filters. It contains mineral screens, which respect humans and the seabed . These come in the form of a white powder which, when deposited on the surface of the skin, reflects the rays.
To cover the entire UVA and UVB spectrum , the brand uses two mineral filters that do not block the same wavelengths: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide . Safety guaranteed!

SeventyOne Percent : from 80% to 100% natural. The latest addition to our range, the SeventyOne Percent brand has combined performance and sensoriality. This French range has chosen a modern approach, without cosmetophobia. The brand always favors ingredients of natural origin or organic active ingredients but has decided in a reasoned manner not to ignore safe synthetic alternatives when they present a real advantage. For example, easier application, or leaving no white marks. The brand makes its choice of sun filters in a reasoned manner: if mineral filters are often preferred, it does not exclude the use of certain chemical filters identified as clean and which offer a different spectrum of protection or a sensoriality more adapted to the product function. SeventyOne bans from all its compositions oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene filters as well as endocrine disruptors, silicones and parabens. 0% undesirable! Result? Products with unparalleled sensoriality, Made in France and respectful of Hawaiian law and Palauan measures!
Madara : This skincare range also offers various ultra-effective sun care products for the face and body. Tinted and untinted, the brand offers a wide choice of treatments with advanced formulas, based on natural filters.
Pai : the English range expert in sensitive skin also offers a sun care product: British Summer Time . The perfect treatment for sensitive skin!
Facial care + sun protection: often tinted, these treatments are your best daily ally to protect your skin, even when you are not at the beach. We will particularly remember:

Evolve's stunning Climate Veil Tinted SPF20 , enriched with hyaluronic acid. Ideal for dry skin.
Madara's iconic Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution City CC : also enriched with hyaluronic acid, it beautifies and corrects, including dull, tired complexions, redness and dark spots.
My Pretty Skin Protection SPF50 from Omum: specially developed for pregnant women to prevent hyperpigmentation spots, including pregnancy mask.

For babies, Carelia SPF50 Sun Protection : with its light, non-greasy texture, it can be applied to both the body and the face.

Enjoy the well-being that the sun brings, while being perfectly protected!

What is SPF?

UVA and UVB rays: significant and irreversible damage

Choose effective and natural sun protection!

What is the difference between chemical filters and mineral filters?

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