Although sunlight comes as a source of vital Vitamin D, everyone knows that it also causes multiple side effects, such as dehydration and premature skin aging. The older we become, the more visible the signs of the sun's impact become. People suffer from pigmentation, premature fine lines, and skin dryness. Thus, it is important to take care of the skin and help it withstand the negative impact of sun radiation.
Proper epidermis protection against sunlight is required, regardless of your skin type. The only difference is the degree of the required protection. Thicker and oily skin better withstands sun radiation, while the pale thin epidermis is easily damaged by the sun. Thus, they distinguish sun sensitivity.
What is Sun Sensitivity?
The phenomenon of sun (photo) sensitivity is the increased sensitivity of the body to the action of ultraviolet or visible radiation. The symptoms of exposure of sensitive skin to the sun include urticaria after a short exposure to sunlight. Within a few hours, people have a rash. Further, blisters appear.
Note that although the sun comes as the most frequent cause of sensitivity, it is not the only reason. Pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals can also cause photo-sensitivity. Thus, it is vital to know how to avoid this problem and eliminate its signs.
How Does the Sun Negatively Influence Skin Cells?
Sunlight is ultraviolet (or electromagnetic) radiation. UV radiation penetrates the epidermis (top layer of the skin), which triggers the production of new cells and keratin. It results in the skin getting tougher and rougher. But, the sun’s rays also penetrate the deep layer of the skin – the dermis. There, it destroys collagen (elastic fibers that give the skin elasticity), that is, the skin becomes thicker, and its texture is worse. The negative impacts include:
- it speeds up the aging process. Penetrating the genetic apparatus of skin cells, UV rays contribute to the activation of free radicals, which cause aging. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays, collagen and elastin are destroyed. Regular exposure to the open sun leads to the so-called photoaging, the skin is dehydrated and flaky; wrinkles and age spots appear.
- it increases the risk of developing skin and breast cancer;
- it increases the risk of heat or sunstroke;
- it provokes the development of allergic reactions.
This is why it is essential to use sufficient sun protection for sensitive skin since it is most exposed to all sorts of environmental aggressors.
How to Take Care of the Skin under the Sun?
In spring and summer, our skin is exposed to the active influence of solar radiation, wind, dirt, and dust. Such factors negatively affect the main protective barriers of our skin – the hydrolipid mantle and the lipid layer.
A daily skincare strategy implied cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. However, when the sun is dangerous, one more step is crucial. In addition to a daily skincare routine, you should apply sunscreen products.
Note that cells require protection both before and after sunbathing. Thus, before you plan to spend time under an active sun, apply 50+ sunscreen to create a reliable protective barrier. Make sure to apply a light-texture toner, lotion, or cosmetic milk after the sun for sensitive skin. This step is vital since, after exposure to the sun, cells are dehydrated and need moisturizing.
The application of sunscreen products before going under the sun protects cells, while the use of cosmetics after the sun hydrates cells and boosts renovation processes.
Tips on How to Prepare the Skin for Sun Exposure to Eliminate the Negative Effect
If you have sensitive skin, keep in mind the following tricks to make your stay under the sun safe and pleasant:
- When choosing care products, you need to give preference to light mousses, foams, tonics, micellar water, and milk.
- Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before you go under the sun.
- Leave deep-action peeling, laser resurfacing, and other aggressive procedures for autumn or winter. In summer, avoid aggressive influences on the epidermis.
- A sun cream for sensitive skin should be light-textures. Quickly absorbed products are preferable. Do not use products with fruit acids since they can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light.
- Deep cleaning is carried out no more than twice a week. Apply a white clay mask.
How to Choose Sun Protection Products for Sensitive Skin?
When selecting the best products to protect sensitive skin in the sun, pay particular attention to the list of components. Avoid products with alcohol, retinol, and acids. Alcohol dries out already suffering skin, while retinol and acids increase sensitivity and can lead to burns and pigmentation. Give preference to products with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, tea tree, Aloe Vera juice, Vitamin C, etc.
Another important criterion is the brand. Study its reputation and certificates. Read customer feedback about its products.
Finally, consider the price. Select products according to your wallet size and remember that it is possible to find high-quality products even among budget lines. High quality does not always mean a high cost.
TOP Products to Protect the Epidermis from UV Radiation
Now, let’s consider the most popular products for sun protection for sensitive skin on the UK market.
- Fluid Cream SPF 50+ is the best sun cream for sensitive skin in the UK. The product has a light gel texture; it is quickly absorbed. Its active ingredients penetrate cells deeply, creating a reliable shield against all sorts of radiation. Fernblock FC, Vitamins C and E, Ferulic and Caffeic acids help reinforce the natural skin’s barrier and prevent premature photo aging.
- Pediatrics Mineral Sunscreen is the best sun screen for sensitive skin designed for babies and children. Its formula is developed to take care of the gentle skin of children and create a reliable barrier. Fernblock, Niacinamide, Green Tea extract, and Vitamins create a powerful blend that withstands all sorts of external impacts. Chemical filters provide the highest level of protection from radiation.
- Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF50+ is the best sun cream for sensitive skin. The treatment does not form a film on the sin surface. It prevents hyperpigmentation and age spots. The product is effective against all sorts of radiation, including HEV, UVA, UVB, and infrared. A super-charged blend of vitamins and acids provides reliable sunscreen to prevent free radicals from penetrating cells.
- K Ceutic is the best after-sun lotion for sensitive skin. The product is designed for post-treatment. It nourishes cells deeply, causing a favorable effect after all sorts of procedures on the surface. It has a high level of UV protection (50+). Vitamins C and E, Glycoprotein, Hyaluronic Acid, and Bisabolol soothe cells, boost regeneration processes, and cause an antioxidant effect.
- Airgel SPF50+ is a powerful sun lotion for sensitive skin. The product is targeted at the creation of a reliable shield that does not let free radicals and other aggressors penetrate cells. It has an aerosol form for comfortable application; it dries and is absorbed quickly without leaving a film on the skin surface. Vitamins and extracts nourish cells, boosting cellular processes.
- Skin Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 is the best sun cream sensitive skin. The treatment uses anti-aging ingredients and antioxidants to balance the hydro-lipid level and protect cells from negative environmental influences. Acting deeply, components stimulate skin rejuvenation and come as powerful protectors. The product is REEF-friendly certified.
- Protect SPF30 is an effective sun protection cream for sensitive skin. It is a mineral-based product that has powerful anti-radiation properties. Due to the use of an ultra-sheer formula with Zinc Oxide, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Phytic acid, the treatment provides a high level of protection and retains environmental aggressors before they enter the epidermis. The product is applicable to all skin types.
The Role of Antioxidants for Skin Protection against the Sun
Antioxidants are needed in order to neutralize the very free radicals that destroy skin cells and lead to photoaging due to UV rays. Antioxidants are minerals and vitamins that enter the body with food or in the form of ready-made complexes. For this purpose, lycopene, Beta-carotene, selenium, and vitamins C and E are best suited.
- Lycopene is a powerful plant antioxidant that protects the skin from UV radiation. It protects elastin and collagen fibers from free radical damage, slowing down aging and blemishes. Lycopene improves intracellular metabolism and even helps reduce the risk of sunburn.
- Beta-carotene. It destroys the most dangerous oxygen radicals and polyunsaturated fatty acids and activates the body’s own protective barrier against sunlight.
- Vitamins C and E. Without them, the process of healing and regeneration of the skin is impossible, and vitamin E additionally helps rejuvenation. Selenium causes the same effect.
The best sun protection for sensitive skin is a complex strategy of daily care that includes the application of several products before and after sun exposure. Make sure to use sunscreen and hydrating products to help cells withstand the negative effect of UV radiation and create a reliable barrier on the skin surface. Moreover, the modern market offers a wide assortment of products to satisfy the demands of all customers.
