|
PHOTOTYPES
Identifying your specific skin phototype is the key to safer, more intelligent exposure to the sun.
Phototypes are expressed as numbers and are used to indicate individual sensitivity to exposure to the sun. In practical terms, they are measurements of the extent to which your skin can protect itself. This auto-protection factor can be defined as the sum of differing individual characteristics that determine how the skin reacts to light. There are six internationally recognised Phototypes.
As you can see from the table, the differing phototypes are grouped in relation to complexion, eye and hair colour and how your skin reacts to exposure.
|
|
MED AND PROTECTION FACTORS
The most obvious damage to the skin is burning or sun-induced erythema. Sun-induced erythema is an acute inflammation of the skin that appears as reddening, swelling, oedema and peeling. Irritation of the skin caused by exposure to UVB light is measured in MEDs (minimum erythema dose) that vary in line with skin phototype.
The SPF or Sun Protection Factor is the relationship between the MED with no sun product applied and the time it takes for your skin to redden when you have a sun filter.
|
|
HOW TO CHOOSE A PROTECTION FACTOR
Once you have identified your skin phototype, the next step is to choose the sun product best suited to your type of skin and your specific protection/tanning needs. These too can vary depending upon whether this is one of your first days in the sun or one of the following ones.
Example: If your minimum reddening time is 10 minutes (phototype 2), using a cream with an SPF of 6 means that your skin will begin to redden after 60 minutes (6x10). With a factor 8 cream, you will have 80 minutes and so on.
In choosing the protection factor, children up to the age of 10 are considered Phototype 1. Labo Suncare Products have been studied to provide adequate protection, even when the UV index is at the highest.
It should be kept in mind that the sun is also involved in the processes of skin ageing and the formation of wrinkles and brown spots. These as well are excellent reasons for sunbathing with an adequate SPF and for using sun creams for the face having specific anti-wrinkle active ingredients, like the Labo Sunare creams containing the exclusive patented RB160 anti-wrinkle active ingredient.
|
