Sunscreens: Understanding UVA and UVB Rays and Choosing the Right Protection for Your Skin

Learn how UVA and UVB sun filters work, what sets them apart, and how to choose the right protection for your skin to prevent premature aging and effectively protect your skin every day.

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential for preventing skin aging, dark spots, and cellular damage.

But with so many different formulas available, one question often comes up: how do you choose the right sunscreen?

In this article, learn everything you need to know about UVA and UVB sunscreens, how they differ, and how to incorporate effective protection into your daily routine.

UVA & UVB: What’s the Difference?

UV rays fall into two main categories:

UVB (280 to 320 nm) : Sunburn and surface skin damage

• Causes sunburn
• Acts on the skin’s surface
• Most intense in summer 

UVA (320 to 400 nm) : Skin aging and long-term damage

• Penetrate deeper into the skin
• Causes skin aging
• Present year-round, even on cloudy days 

? Good sun protection must therefore cover both UVA and UVB rays: this is known as broad-spectrum protection.

Different types of sunscreens

Mineral Sunscreens (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide)

Mineral filters, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, act like a mirror by reflecting UV rays.

However, they can have some drawbacks, such as leaving white streaks on the skin, and certain “nano”-sized particles may penetrate the skin barrier.

Organic Sunscreens (Chemical UV Filters)

Organic filters, also known as chemical filters, such as DHHB, DBT, or BEMT, absorb UV rays.  They safely penetrate the upper layers of the skin.

They offer numerous advantages, which is why we chose them:

• Do not leave white marks on the skin
• Allow for the formulation of lightweight, invisible textures
• Suitable for all skin tones 
• More water-resistant

Why choose next-generation sunscreens with organic filters?

Sunscreens have evolved to offer more effective and gentler protection.

New-generation filters provide:

• Broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection
• Extended coverage across 120 wavelengths
• Better skin tolerance
• More sensorial textures 

? They combine effectiveness, comfort, and skin-friendliness.

Complete UV protection

Effective sun protection covers:

• UVB: 280 to 320 nm
• UVA: 320 to 400 nm 

This range ensures comprehensive protection against the visible and invisible effects of the sun.

How to Apply Sunscreen Properly?

A good formula isn’t enough: proper application is essential.

• Apply as the final step in your skincare routine
• Use a sufficient amount
• Reapply every 2 hours
• Don’t forget sensitive areas (neck, ears, etc.) 

Algologie’s Solution: Soleil Marin Protect

To meet the demands for effective and gentle sun protection, Algologie has developed the Soleil Marin Protect line.

Formulated with a combination of next-generation sun filters, these products offer broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection, while ensuring high tolerance and innovative, ultra-sensory textures for the whole family.

A Complete Sun Care Routine with Soleil Marin Protect

The Soleil Marin Protect line easily fits into your daily routine thanks to products tailored to every need:

Face Sun Protection

• Illuminating Sun Serum SPF50 → protects, hydrates, and brightens the complexion
• Dark-Spot Prevention Sun Fluid SPF50 → prevents dark spots, antioxidant, water-resistant 

For the face and body

• High Protection Sun Lotion SPF50 → for the whole family, antioxidant, water-resistant 
• Silky Sun Oil SPF30 → nourishes the skin and enhances the tan
• Bronze & Glow Sun Gel SPF50+ → enhances your tan, beautifies and illuminates 

After sun exposure

• Soothing After-Sun Gel → calms redness, soothes and refreshes  

A complete routine to protect, beautify, and repair the skin.

Golden seaweed: Algologie’s Signature Ingredient

At the heart of every Soleil Marin Protect product, Golden seaweed acts as a powerful shield:

• Soothes and reduces redness caused by sun exposure
• Inhibits the formation of “sunburned cells” caused by UVB rays
• Protects DNA from UV-induced damage

Make Soleil Marin Protect a habit

Incorporating an Algologie sun care product into your daily routine means choosing expert protection inspired by the sea, suitable for all skin types.

1. BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE. 2. DIETHYLHEXYL BUTAMIDO TRIAZONE. 3 . DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE