The Sunscreen Guide

Tanning is the skin’s natural defence mechanism against UV damage, particularly UVB radiation. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, is produced by melanocytes to absorb UVB energy, acting as a natural filter to protect skin cells from excessive sun exposure.

The ability to tan and the level of protection that the tan provides vary from person to person, depending on genetics. Solar radiation stimulates melanocytes, but these cells have a limit to the amount of melanin they can produce; therefore, it is not possible to force the skin to exceed this limit.

The primary short-term effect of UV exposure, particularly UVB, is tanning, which results from melanin production.

However, prolonged and unprotected exposure to UVB radiation leads to sunburn, particularly in individuals with fair skin.

Although UV-induced cellular changes are usually temporary, and the skin typically recovers within one to two weeks, acute UV radiation exposure can cause DNA damage, which, if left unrepaired, may lead to genetic mutations.

Chronic, unprotected exposure to UVA radiation results in the gradual deterioration of skin structure and function, leading to various skin conditions.

- Collagen and elastin degradation causes premature ageing (photo-ageing), characterised by deep wrinkles, loss of skin firmness, thinning of the dermis, and the appearance of persistent dark spots.
- Cumulative DNA damage from acute and recurrent exposure can lead to genetic mutations and the development of cancerous lesions, including melanoma and other skin cancers (such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma).

According to WHO estimates, 65,161 people worldwide die annually due to unprotected sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading environmental cause of skin cancer.

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer caused by the malignant transformation of melanocytes. The primary environmental risk factor for melanoma is excessive, unprotected, and repeated exposure to UV radiation.

Although mortality rates have declined, global incidence has risen sharply over the past 50 years. Melanoma is rare before puberty but is most commonly diagnosed in individuals aged 30 to 60 years.

In Italy, melanoma is the third most common cancer in individuals under 50, with an estimated 12,700 new cases in 2023 (7,000 in men and 5,700 in women).

Protecting yourself from UV radiation is essential to safeguard your health and prevent short- and long-term damage.

The most effective methods include:
- Wearing protective clothing, including UV-resistant fabrics, especially during outdoor activities.
- Using sunscreens containing UV filters.

According to EU Regulation No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, UV filters are substances intended primarily to protect the skin from UV radiation through absorption, reflection, or dispersion.

Sunscreen should be reapplied consistently, typically every two hours. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10:00–16:00).

UV filters are compounds that protect the skin from UV-induced damage. They are classified into two categories:
1. Chemical filters – organic molecules that absorb UV radiation and convert it into harmless energy (heat).
2. Physical filters – mineral-based compounds that act as a shield, reflecting and/or dispersing UV radiation.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures a product’s ability to protect the skin from UVB radiation and sunburn.

SPF is calculated by comparing the time a person can remain in the sun without burning when using sunscreen versus without sunscreen.

For example, a sunscreen with SPF 30 allows you to stay in the sun 30 times longer without getting
sunburned. However, be aware that the duration of an SPF is influenced by other factors such as sweat, water, or friction. Therefore, it is recommended to reapply every two hours.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) can be measured both in vitro and in vivo.
Sunscreen products are categorised into different SPF classes:

• Low SPF (6-10)
• Medium SPF (15-20)
• High SPF (25-30-50)
• Very High SPF (50+)

As a reference, SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Since 2006, the term "total sunblock" has been removed from product labelling as it was considered misleading.

The recommended amount of sunscreen is approximately 2 milligrams per square centimetre of exposed skin. Unfortunately, studies have shown that, on average, consumers apply far less when deliberately exposing themselves to the sun—about 0.5 mg/cm², which significantly reduces the effectiveness of protection.
For example, applying half the recommended dose of an SPF 30 sunscreen does not result in SPF 15 protection, but rather the square root of 30, which is approximately SPF 5. If only a quarter of the recommended amount is applied, the effective SPF would be just over 2.

Yes. Sunscreen effectiveness diminishes over time due to factors such as sweating, water exposure, and friction from clothing. Regular reapplication, particularly after swimming or heavy sweating, helps maintain effective protection against sun damage.

Yes, even more so! It is recommended to choose sunscreens specifically formulated for sensitive skin and to check the ingredients list to avoid formulations containing fragrances, essential oils, or other potential irritants.

Yes, it is important to continue using sunscreen even if you are already tanned. A tan does not provide complete protection against UV radiation and its short- and long-term consequences.

No, sunscreen should also be applied on cloudy days, as UVA rays can penetrate clouds and still cause skin damage.

Yes, it is important to apply sunscreen even if you have dark skin and don't burn easily. Although people with dark skin have greater natural protection against UV damage (thanks to the higher amount of melanin), they are not immune to the damage caused by the sun's rays.

Yes! Engaging in outdoor sports exposes individuals to high levels of UV radiation, increasing the risk of both short- and long-term damage, such as sunburn, premature ageing, and even the development of skin cancer. Using sunscreen is essential to mitigate these risks.

Recent studies show that most athletes are aware of the risks associated with UV radiation, yet they do not use sunscreen consistently or adequately.

Raising awareness about sun protection could help improve athletes' habits, reducing the incidence of skin cancer and precancerous lesions in this group.

A sports sunscreen provides better comfort and user experience for athletes, offering enhanced resistance to sweat and water while ensuring broad-spectrum UV protection.

Its formula is specially developed to avoid interfering with physical performance and maintain proper skin breathability.

All SUNO formulations meet these criteria, ensuring fast absorption, a residue-free dry-touch feel, and long-lasting protection. Additionally, our formulas allow the skin to breathe naturally and do not break down into a white cast due to excessive sweating.

Yes, even more so! Intense physical activity and heavy sweating can reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen, so it is important to reapply SPF after sweating to maintain optimal protection.

SUNO products feature a Wet Skin Resistant formula, providing better resistance to water and sweat. However, regular reapplication is still recommended to ensure maximum protection.

Yes, certain sunscreens, particularly older-generation formulas, can impact the skin’s ability to regulate perspiration properly, potentially affecting athletic performance.

SUNO products are specifically formulated to support the skin’s natural breathability and ensure they do not interfere with performance.

Yes, altitude and the presence of snow significantly increase sun exposure risks and the intensity of UV radiation.

The increase in UVA radiation at higher altitudes occurs due to the reduction in atmospheric density as elevation rises. The higher you go, the less atmosphere there is to filter UV rays, meaning that UVA radiation reaches the Earth’s surface with greater intensity.

While the exact increase may vary, it is generally estimated that for every 300-metre rise in altitude, UVA radiation intensity increases by approximately 4-5%. This means that at higher elevations, UVA exposure is significantly greater than at lower altitudes.

Yes, different sports require different types of sunscreen, depending on factors such as application needs, comfort, durability, water resistance, and friction resistance.

Choosing the right sunscreen for your specific activity ensures optimal protection and performance.