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April 24, 2026
April 24, 2026
Bodyguard in a Tube: Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen
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Planning a summer wedding? "What could be more beautiful than an outdoor ceremony?" you might ask. "Only a romantic honeymoon on a sunny coast!" we'd answer. Perhaps you'll even decide to combine both events by organizing a wedding on the ocean shore, in Cuba for example. However, amid the pre-celebration hustle, it's important not to forget that the summer sun can become not only a bright backdrop for your wedding photoshoots but also a source of problems if you don't take proper care of your skin.
Table of Contents
Sunburns, premature aging, and even the risk of developing melanoma — these are problems you definitely don't want to think about on your wedding day. That's why we decided to tell you a bit about products that will help you enjoy every moment of your celebration and subsequent honeymoon without worrying about harmful UV exposure. Let's figure out exactly why you need sunscreen, what's the difference between UVA and UVB rays, and also: what all those letters and numbers on sunscreen bottles and tubes mean.
UVA • UVB • UVC
Ultraviolet rays differ in wavelength and their effect on the skin. There are three ranges: A, B, and C. Range C is completely absorbed by the atmosphere and doesn't reach the Earth's surface.
Range A waves (UVA) are longer. They penetrate deep layers of the skin (down to the dermis) and cause:
- premature wrinkles;
- skin aging and sagging;
- appearance of age spots.
They can also suppress the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections. They are a risk factor for developing skin cancer. Important to remember: these rays penetrate even through dense clouds and glass.
Range B waves (UVB) are shorter and affect the outer layer of skin (epidermis). These are what lead to sunburns, which manifest as:
- redness;
- itching or pain;
- peeling.
Peak UVB intensity is from 10 AM to 4 PM. UVB helps synthesize vitamin D, necessary for teeth and bones. Our immunity and good mood also depend on rays in this range. So you need to find a balance between getting benefits for your body and protecting your skin from harmful effects.
Once again, we draw your attention: even the most overcast weather doesn't block UVA radiation. Additionally, UV rays reflect off clouds, water, snow, and sand, increasing their impact. By the way, the UV index in your smartphone's weather apps shows only UVB strength, not UVA. From all of the above, it follows that in summer we all need sun protection, especially if we plan to be in it longer than the safe 10 minutes. What can help us with this? Special cosmetics with special markings.
Photo: products from the Eau Thermale Avène sun protection line
SPF • PPD • PA
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the protection factor against ultraviolet radiation. The two-digit SPF index we see on a sunscreen bottle shows that we'll be protected from UVB rays and the time during which we can stay in the sun without significant harm to our body.
We're talking about an average person with normal skin, without pathologies, and ideal application conditions: the cream is applied correctly, in the right amount, and so on.
Let's say it's safe for you to be in direct sunlight for 10 minutes — this means that using a cream with SPF 30, you can extend your safe period from 10 to 300 minutes (30 × 10 = 300, approximately 5 hours). These calculations are approximate, since we all belong to different phototypes and have other individual characteristics.
Photo: Uriage Bariesun Crème Hydratante Moisturizing Cream SPF 50+
There's another index — PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening). This is how cosmetics with UVA protection are marked. The higher the PPD, the greater the protection. The maximum possible PPD is around 40. An index of 8 and above is considered safe.
But the main thing in a product remains the ratio between SPF and PPD (meaning the presence of protection from both UVB and UVA). If the ratio approaches 3, then you'll see the broad spectrum marking on the package. Why do you need such products? First — skin cancer prevention. Second — protection from premature aging.
To distinguish such cosmetics from regular ones, also pay attention to the PA rating, adopted in Japan. It's now widely used throughout the Asian market. And again, we're talking about the time during which you can safely stay in the sun:
- PA+ light protection;
- PA++ moderate protection;
- PA+++ high protection;
- PA++++ maximum protection.
Photo: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ / Sunscreen with probiotics
COMPOSITION • FORMS • APPLICATION
Composition
Inorganic substances: minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide reflect sun rays.
Organic substances: oxybenzone, avobenzone, and their derivatives. They convert UV into heat, and then our body dissipates this heat naturally.
Modern filters have complex combined formulas, for example: Uvinul A+ and Tinosorb S. If you find these names in the composition of a product you've purchased, consider yourself effectively protected.
Photo: AJUSTE UV Spray Sun Protect SPF 50+, NON FRAGRANCE A / Sunscreen spray for face, fragrance-free
Form
Sprays: easier to apply, take up less space, and don't make a mess, but can ignite under heat exposure (that's if you set them on fire over an open flame or on red-hot metal — the sun won't be enough, don't worry). Additionally, they may contain substances harmful to inhale. The angle of application is important.
Creams: provide more coverage, used the same way as regular face and body creams, require time to absorb, and leave white marks if not rubbed in thoroughly.
Lotions: suitable for sensitive and dry skin. Sometimes they have a nice bonus — the formula includes moisturizing ingredients (shea butter and so on). Require more time to apply.
Photo: Mixit Back to Sun Protection Body Cream SPF 50 / Sunscreen body cream SPF 50
Application
- Sunscreen should be applied approximately 20 minutes before going outside.
- Distribute the product evenly on exposed skin areas, paying special attention to forehead, knees, and shoulders.
- All sun products need to be reapplied every few hours, regardless of the protection index (level).
- Products should have SPF, PA, or PPD markings.
In addition to cream or spray, use covering clothing, sunglasses, and a hat. After sunbathing, don't forget about regular moisturizers from your beauty routine.
TOP 5 MISTAKES
- Not rubbing in spray after application.
- Applying spray at the wrong angle.
- Using spray in a windy location — the aerosol doesn't reach the skin.
- Not spraying long enough.
- Applying product only once before going out in the sun — reapplication is necessary, especially if frequent contact with water is expected.