UVA, UVB, and HEV: differences and why use a broad spectrum sunscreen

Sunlight is made up of three types of rays that reach the earth and damage the skin: UVA rays, UVB rays, and HEV rays:

• UVA rays (Ultraviolet A) can pass through the windows, and their damage is such that they accelerate the aging of the skin, causing wrinkles and spots. 
• UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays are the ones that cause redness and burns on the skin when we are exposed to the sun.
• HEV rays (High-Energy Visible Light) are also known as “blue light” and, in addition to being emitted by the sun, they are also shot by the screens of cell phones, televisions, computers, and tablets. In excess, they are harmful to the eyes and skin because they can penetrate their deeper layers.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the sun protection factor only refers to UVB rays and that, to be truly protected against the effects of the sun, it is much better to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects us from both UVA and UVA rays.

What kind of sunscreen do I need?

The best sunscreen is the one you use constantly; whatever it is, look for it to have these three key characteristics:

• High protection (SPF 30 or more)
• Broad Spectrum Protection
• Waterproof

After that, choose the texture you prefer based on your skin type:

• Cream for normal and dry skin
• Gel for oily and combination skin

Spray sunscreens are an easy option but you should be sure to use a sufficient amount, as they can leave patches of skin unprotected. Stick sunscreen is also becoming popular.

In what order does sunscreen go in my skincare routine?

Sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine, right after your face cream, and if you combine it with an antioxidant serum with Vitamin C, it works better. This union maximizes protection against the effects of the sun on the skin and protects it much better against oxidative stress. 

Can I use the same sunscreen for my face and body?

Yes, you can use the same sunscreen you use for your body on your face, but it depends on your skin type. If your skin is sensitive, mature, or has any particular needs, it is better to choose a facial sunscreen.

Also, body protectors tend to be thicker and can make your face look shiny or oilier if your skin type is combination or oily.

Do I have to use sunscreen every day, even if I don’t go out?

Definitely, yes. You should wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days or when you spend a large part of the day indoors, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of your computer or cell phone screen. It is common to think that we should only use it on sunny days or if we will be outdoors for a long time.

The mistake here is that, even if we don’t realize it, the sun’s damage to our skin when we don’t protect it properly accumulates over the years. This invariably happens no matter how much time we spend outside or living in a different place where it is regularly cloudy.

Conclusion

You can buy all kinds of sunscreen from our reputable online vendor website. At Tanri, our sunscreens are the perfect products to protect you from all kinds of rays that may affect your body and health.