Test: The cheapest sunscreens are the best

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Test: The cheapest sunscreens are the best
Test: The cheapest sunscreens are the best
Anonim

Now that spring is gone and we're suddenly faced with 30 degrees and bright sunshine, we looked at the best sun protection creams, oils or sprays. We are not dealing with home-made creams, we are only presenting the store range.

How much is that much?

The German magazine Test, in consultation with a dermatologist, recommends choosing a cream with at least factor 30 for Central European skin types, at least at the beginning of the season. You need three tablespoons of an average cream, which is not a very economical solution considering the application several times a day, because a 1.80-tall person needs about 40ml of sunscreen each time. If we only apply it twice a day, then a 250ml bottle will be enough for 3 days.

If you apply it properly, sunscreen is not cheap
If you apply it properly, sunscreen is not cheap

The good news is that all of the top-ranked products came from either discount stores or private label products from drugstore chains. Lidl's Cien sunscreen and Müller's Lavozon are especially good value for money, they cost less than 2 euros per 100 milliliters. Compared to this, the most expensive product in the test, Lancaster's napola, costs ten times as much, the positive of which is that it at least achieved a good rating, unlike the other extremely expensive products.

The most important question during the test was, of course, how does the light protection work with these products? It has been tested for protection against both UVA and UVB rays (UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and skin cancer). All of the products are protected against UVB rays by at least factor 30, but two products (Eco Sonnencreme and Avon's New Solar Advance Sunscreen Body Mist) do not adequately protect against UVA rays.

The factor number shows how long you can stay in the sun with the product without getting sunburned: the higher the factor number of the cream, the better the protection. If someone e.g. without cream you would burn in 10 minutes, then with a factor 30 cream you can stay in the sun for 30 times as long without burning. According to dermatologists, despite this, you should not spend so much time in the sun (you know, and not by chance between 12 and 3 p.m.), it is better to go into the shade.

It also doesn't matter how effective a product protects against UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for wrinkling. The only disadvantage of products with a UVA filter is that they can leave a yellow stain on the fabric.

Most of the creams, oils and sprays are sold in the 30-50 factor range, these are high protection products. If you're worried that you'll come back from your vacation white by using them, don't worry: you'll tan the same way, but more slowly. Of course, not everyone needs such protection, those with tanner skin should choose a product with a lower factor number.

Sound sub titles

Protection at the DNA or cellular level: All sunscreens protect cells if used correctly. Studies have not confirmed that this could be strengthened with plant extracts.

Infrared protection: Experts have conflicting opinions on whether protection against infrared-A is necessary at all.

Paraben-free: This label is based on the fear that parabens pose a danger to humans. They have been used in the cosmetics industry for decades, the skin tolerates them well.

Dermatologically tested: They advertise what is completely self-evident. All serious manufacturers check their products. However, no one knows what the criteria and results of the tests are.

Paraffin-free product: Paraffin is a petroleum derivative. Softens the skin, protects against water loss. It is usually used as part of fatty ingredients. Its production is cheap, durable, does not turn rancid, does not cause allergies or blackheads. Manufacturers of natural cosmetics often claim that paraffin prevents the skin from breathing. On the other hand, according to chemists and dermatologists (and of course manufacturers of traditional products), paraffin has no harmful effects on the skin.

This is how they tested

The aspects

UVB protection: 30%

UVA protection 15%

Usage: 10%

Water resistance: 15%

Microbiology: 5%

Instructions for use: 10%

Removability: 10%

Evaluation criteria: If the UVA protection was not adequate, the product could only receive an inadequate rating. If the microbiological quality was objectionable, one point was deducted from the final result. They also investigated whether the efficiency of the products changes if they are stored at -5 degrees or +40 degrees for 24 hours, but they also paid attention to whether the packaging does not suggest a larger amount than what it actually contains. Detailed testing methods can be found in the 7/2012 issue of Test magazine.

It is also worth looking at what chemist Dr. Viktória Torma wrote about these products in our last year's article, who analyzed the composition of the creams and ranked the products based on that.

Results

They were placed in a very good category

1. Sundance Transparent Sonnenspray (Drogerie Markt) - factor 30 200ml HUF 1599

2. Cien Sonnenmilch Classic (Lidl) 30 factors 250ml - HUF 1399

3. Lavozon Sonnen Milch (Müller) - 30 factors 200ml - HUF 1090

4. Sun Ozon Sonnenlotion Soft and Light (Rossman) 30 factor 200ml - 1499 Ft

Good category

1. Biotherm Lait Solaire 30 factor 200ml - HUF 5890

2. Nivea Sun Light Feeling Sun Lotion 30 factor 200ml - HUF 3270

3. Nivea Sun Protect and Bronze Sun Lotion 30 factor 200ml - HUF 3690

4. Garnier Ambre Solaire oil 30 factor 150 ml - HUF 2390

5. Lancaster Sun Beauty Satin Sheen oil 30 factor 150 ml

Satisfactory

1. Vichy Sonnenschutz Milch 30 factor 300 ml - HUF 4359

2. Annamarie Börlind Sun Care Sonnen-milch 30 factor 125ml - HUF 4470

3. La Roche Posay Anthelios Milch 30 factor 50ml - HUF 4590

4. Alverde Sonnenmilch Schisandra (DM) 30 factor 200 ml - HUF 1599

Incomplete/not recommended

1. New Solar Advance Sunscreen Body Mist (Avon) 30 factor 150ml - n.a.

2. eco Sonnencreme mit Sanddorn und Olive 30 factor 75ml - HUF 3900

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