Introduction
Choosing the right sun protection is of crucial importance. How do you navigate essential parameters such as phototype according to the Fitzpatrick classification, geolocation, UV index, daily activity, and family history of skin cancer? Explore these key elements for personalized and effective sun defense.
What is your phototype and what is the appropriate sun protection?
Table of Phototypes according to Fitzpatrick:
Discover your Phototype and the appropriate sun protection with the Fitzpatrick Phototype table. Identify your Phototype from the descriptions below, accompanied by protection recommendations for the city, at the beach in summer, or in the mountains/tropics.
|
Phototype |
Description |
Reaction to the Sun |
Urban City |
Beach |
Mountains/Tropics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I |
Very fair, red/blond hair, light eyes |
Always burns, never tans |
SPF25-50 PA+++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+) Pollution |
SPF50+ PA++++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+) |
SPF50+ PA++++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+) |
|
II |
Fair skin, blond/light brown hair, light/brown eyes |
Always burns, tans slightly |
SPF15-20-25 PA++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+) Pollution |
SPF30-50 PA+++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+) |
SPF50+ PA++++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+) |
|
III |
Intermediate skin, light brown/brown hair, brown eyes |
Burns moderately, tans gradually |
SPF6-10 PA+ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF++) Pollution |
SPF15-20-25 PA++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF++) |
SPF30-50 PA+++ (>1/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF++) |
|
IV |
Olive skin, brown/black hair, brown/black eyes |
Burns very little, always tans well |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) Pollution |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) |
SPF15-20-25 PA+++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) |
|
V |
Dark brown skin, black hair, black eyes |
Rarely burns, tans intensely |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) Pollution |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) |
SPF15-20-25 PA+++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) |
|
VI |
Black skin, black hair, black eyes |
Never burns, tans very intensely |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) Pollution |
SPF6-10 PA++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) |
SPF15-20-25 PA+++ (>2/3 SPF) HEV/BL (VL/PF+++) |
For a global understanding, here are our recommendations for fair phototypes (I and II) and dark phototypes (> III) for effective protection based on your skin type.
Fair Phototypes (I-II):
- Cancer: Choose maximum protection with SPF50+ during prolonged exposure at the beach to prevent skin cancer. In the city, opt for an SPF15-20-25 PA++ (at least 1/3 of the SPF) and reapply regularly throughout the day. Do not protect yourself against infrared rays, which actually have a beneficial effect on the skin.
- Melasma: Protect yourself against high-energy visible light, including blue light (BL HEV), by choosing appropriate protection.
- Photoaging: Prevent photoaging by ensuring complete protection against UVB, UVA, Blue Light (High Energy Visible), and atmospheric pollution. Incorporate antioxidant products into your routine to strengthen your skin's defenses.
Dark Phototypes (>III):
- Melasma / Lichen planus pigmentosus: Opt for extended protection against UVB, UVA, UVA1, as well as blue light (HEV). Choose non-tinted creams to encourage regular compliance. Do not protect yourself against infrared rays, which have a beneficial effect on the skin.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Protect your skin from UVB, UVA, UVA1, and blue light (BL) with non-tinted creams containing antioxidants to attenuate post-inflammatory pigmentation.
- Cancer: Ensure complete sun protection with a shield against UVB and UVA, avoiding blocking infrared rays.
The UV Index
Deciding whether or not to apply sunscreen based solely on the appearance of the sky is a mistake. The UV index does not depend simply on the presence of clouds, but is the result of a complex equation including solar angle, altitude, cloud cover, stratospheric ozone, albedo, and shade. Do not be fooled: UVA rays persist, passing through clouds, glass, and even your epidermis.
Contrary to popular belief, clouds do not effectively protect against sun rays. A light cloud cover only blocks 5 to 10% of rays, and can even increase solar risk. To effectively counter photoaging, always opt for complete sun protection, regardless of weather appearances.
Impact of activities on sun protection
Digital:
Blue light emitted by screens, especially for fair skin, contributes to skin aging by generating oxidative stress and free radicals (ROS) in synergy with UVA. For dark skin, it can lead to hyperpigmentation and the appearance of dark spots. Thus, indoor and outdoor protection is crucial to prevent these harmful effects, regardless of phototype.
Indoor/outdoor activities:
Daily activities, such as working on a screen near a window or cycling to work, significantly influence exposure to light. These situations require appropriate protection to counter the harmful effects of invisible and visible light, highlighting the importance of a diversified sun protection strategy.
Family history of skin cancer
In the presence of a family history of skin cancer, vigilance is increased, implying regular consultations and the rigorous application of protective measures, even for dark phototypes. Applying rigorous daily sun protection becomes an unavoidable necessity to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
TRUE FILTER™: sun protection adapted to all phototypes
TRUE FILTER™ stands out as an exceptional sun protection, perfectly adapted to all phototypes, including sensitive skin. Its patented formula offers complete defense with its SPF25 PA+++ HEV / BL (blue light), while ensuring effective protection against atmospheric pollution, filtering up to 96% of UV rays.
Far from conventional sunscreens, TRUE FILTER™ exceeds expectations. By eliminating nearly 90% of reactive oxygen species (ROS) linked to atmospheric pollution and visible light, this mist goes beyond simple protection. Integrated antioxidants further strengthen the defense against oxidative stress, thus offering a complete barrier against external aggressions.
Thanks to its ingenious format, the TRUE FILTER™ mist meets the needs for reapplication throughout the day. It is easily applied alone or over makeup, with a simple no-contact spray. Without leaving greasy or white residues, it sets a new standard for sun protection, adapted even to the darkest skin.
Discover the protective urban mist TRUE FILTER™, the ideal UV protection for your phototype.
Conclusion:
Optimal sun protection depends on phototype, real-time UV index (geolocation), daily activities, and family history of skin cancer. An informed choice guarantees effective defense against the harmful effects of the sun and other environmental aggressions.
Bibliography
- T. Passeron, H. W. Lim, C-L. Goh, H. Y. Kang, F. Ly, A. Morita, J. Ocampo Candiani, S. Puig, S. Schalka, L. Wei, B. Dréno, J. Krutmann, “Photoprotection according to skin phototype and dermatoses: practical recommendations from an expert panel” J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Jul;35(7):1460-1469 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33764577/
- T. Passeron, C. Regazetti, L. Sormani, D. Debayle, et al. “Melanocytes Sense Blue Light and Regulate Pigmentation through Opsin-3” J Invest Dermatol. 2018 Jan;138(1):171-178. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28842328/
- D. Barolet, F. Christiaens, M. R. Hamblin, “Infrared and skin: Friend or foe” J Photochem Photobiol B. 2016 Feb:155:785. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26745730/
- French Society of Dermatology (SFD). https://www.sfdermato.org/upload/scores/fitzaptrick-07c01cd700377584cb403f9135752e97.pdf
