Sun glossary
A guide to safe sunbathing and the new Laboratori Hur sunscreen collection
Sun is important to us, at Hur we know it well. And, as with all things in life, it is a matter of balance: we cannot do without it, but there some fundamental factors we need to consider before sunbathing, such as graduality, preparation, protection. Besides a rich collection of pre and post-sunbathing products with new additions every year, we would like to share some information about sun exposure, terms and behaviours which we repeat every spring, but we often do not know thoroughly.
Here is our small guide:
UV Rays ( UVB and UVA ): UVB rays ( which are mainly absorbed by the horny layer and, thus, do not penetrate the skin deep), are responsible for sunburn, skin reddening and sun-rash, caused by prolonged sun exposure. UVB rays also play a key role in developing skin cancer.
UVA rays are less energetic, but they penetrate deeper into the epidermis, reaching the dermis and causing photoaging, photosensitization, photodermatosis. And there is also growing evidence that they are carcinogenic.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor): it is the amount of UV radiation required to cause sunburn on skin with the sunscreen on, relative to the amount required without the sunscreen. The higher the SPF number, the better the protection from UVB ultraviolet radiation.
According to the current regulations, the products that can be described as sunscreen must contain a SPF within the following range:
SPF 6-10 (low sun protection)
SPF 15, 20 or 25 (medium sun protection)
SPF 30-50 ( high sun protection )
SPF 50+ (very high sun protection)
Until some time ago, products with SPF 50 showed the following description: " total shield" or " complete protection". At present, these descriptions are not displayed anymore because no sunscreen product can ensure 100% protection from ultraviolet radiation.
UVA protection factor: the SPF number refers to the protection from UVB rays and not from UVA rays. Sunscreen products, however, must contain filters that protect the skin from UVA rays too. The UVA symbol means that the sunscreen's UVA protection is at least a third of the protection from UVB rays.
Filters
Physical filters: also called inorganic filters ( composed of inorganic particles such as zinc oxide and titanium bioxide), they form a protective shield reflecting off or refracting ultraviolet rays. The incident rays are partly relflected off and partly absorbed.
Chemical filters: molecules that absorb ultraviolet rays selectively. Chemical filters absorb sunlight and convert it into heat or fluorescence.
This summer, Laboratori Hur- which divides safe sunbathing into three stages: Preparation, Exposure and After-Sun- has created 7 new products which complete and improve the Sunscreen Line.
Protection
Bio Reflex 6 Solar: An organic product with low sun protection, SPF 6, suitable as a non-reflective product in spring and summer. It protects the skin from sunlight leaving it more even and firmer.
Carota d'acqua 15 solar: sun lotion with medium sun protection, SPF 15, based on Polignano Carrot, Extravirgin Olive Oil and Italian saffron, very rich in beta-carotene, vitamins and trace elements. Ideal for protecting the skin from sunlight and keeping it moisturized and fresh.
Ananas Sativa 30: Facial-body sun lotion with high sun protection, SPF 30. A light cream rich in fresh fruit and vitamins to be used as sunscreen and suitable for all skin types. It keeps the skin moisturized and the complexion even and bright.
Rosa Marina 30 + Solar: A lifting repair serum with high sun protection filter, SPF 30, based on Borage Oil, Avocado and reconstituted Snail Slime. Ideal for evening out your skin tone and making it bright, along with a repair and lifting action.
Lumaca di Mare 50+ Solar: A sun lotion with high sun protection, SPF 50, based on reconstituted Snail Slime. An innovative product providing protection and lightness to the skin, it is easily absorbed and leaves the skin bright and moisturized from the very first application.
Preparation and after-sun lotion
Fragolino Spray Solar: an oleosome phytoextract spray, suitable as daily moisturizing body lotion for the preparation to sun exposure, to be used about 10 days prior to sunbathing to stimulate tanning, and as an after-sun lotion to lighten up the tan and provide an even skin color.
Sos Elicrisio Solar: an after-sun lotion, providing an immediate soothing effect, based on helichrysum and camel milk. An ideal after-bath serum, refreshing and soothing, suitable for highly sensitive and reddened skin: it eases irritation and itching.
