SUN PROTECTION
Sunbathing without sunscreen can cause permanent sun damage, sunburn, allergies, pigmentation changes and, in the worst case, increase the risk of skin cancer. The sun protection factor (SPF) allows you to stay out in the sun longer than you could without protection on your skin. The number indicates how long the cream provides adequate protection against harmful UV rays.
This is what UV radiation does to your skin
There are two different types of UV radiation that reach the Earth's surface: UVA and UVB radiation. The main difference between UVA and UVB rays is how deeply they penetrate the skin. Over time, both types of radiation can cause permanent sun damage and, in the worst cases, cancer. It is the effects and damage from UVB rays that are immediately visible on the skin in the form of tanning or sunburn.
UVA rays: A for ageing/allergy
These penetrate deep into the skin and can cause permanent sun damage such as wrinkles, pigmentation disorders, allergies and, in the worst case, skin cancer. UVA rays account for 95 % of the UV radiation from the sun that reaches the earth. The damage caused by UVA radiation does not appear on the skin until many years after the damage has occurred.
UVB rays: B for burnt skin
It is UVB rays that make you tan or sunburned when you are in the sun, but they can also cause damage such as allergies and skin cancer. Although UVB radiation accounts for only 5 % of the UV rays that reach the earth, these are much stronger than UVA radiation and therefore more important to protect yourself against.
Buy sunscreen that protects against UVA radiation
The sun protection factor (SPF) indicated on sunscreen products refers to protection against UVB radiation. When buying sunscreen, look for products labelled with UVA protection to ensure you have the right level of protection. Sunscreen with a UVA label typically provides UVA protection equivalent to one third of the sun protection factor indicated on the bottle. You can be confident that all sunscreens you purchase from us provide the recommended protection against UVA rays.
Choose a higher sun protection factor for children
For adults, the Cancer Society recommends using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. In southern and sunny countries, the recommendation is to use SPF 30 or higher. Children's skin is particularly sensitive to harmful sun rays. Therefore, children's skin should be protected with sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. Children must use a minimum sun protection factor of 30, or 50 where the sun is stronger. It is recommended to use sunscreen specially adapted for children's skin, as this also contains a physical UV filter that forms a protective layer on the skin. In addition, children's sunscreen is often less allergenic than sunscreen for adults, which mainly protects using a chemical UV filter that is absorbed into the skin.
Does sunscreen provide 100 % protection against the sun?
Regardless of which sun protection factor you choose, no sunscreen provides complete protection against the sun's rays. Protect yourself with shade from a parasol, clothing, sunglasses and a sun hat, and take breaks from the sun during the day. The sun is often strongest in the middle of the day between noon and 3 p.m. It is therefore a good idea to have lunch in the shade. Children in particular should take breaks from the sun and be covered with physical sun protection such as clothing and shade. Children under the age of 1 should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all.
Sunscreen is just as important in the mountains as it is on the beach
It is easy to forget that sunny spring days, for example in the mountains at Easter, can also be harmful to the skin. A good rule of thumb is to remember to use sunscreen on days with good weather and sunshine when you are going to be outdoors a lot – regardless of the season. If you are unsure whether the season and weather require protection from sunscreen, you can check the UV warning where you live. If the forecast is 3 (moderate strength), it may be wise to protect yourself with sunscreen.
Use a higher sun protection factor if you are on birth control
If you are on birth control, you should be extra careful with sunscreen. The hormones in birth control pills can make you more sensitive to light and more prone to hyperpigmentation. This means that you are more likely to develop pigment spots and generally tolerate less sun than usual. Many day creams and foundations contain sunscreen, so you have protection throughout the year.
Always use enough sunscreen
If you use too little sunscreen when applying it, you will not achieve the sun protection factor stated on the bottle. Use a generous handful on your body and a teaspoon-sized amount on your face and neck. Use a generous handful when applying sunscreen to a child's body to ensure that the layer is thick enough to provide adequate protection for sensitive children's skin.
Reapply every two hours and after swimming
Regardless of whether you choose a waterproof sunscreen, you should reapply it regularly throughout the day – especially if you are swimming a lot or engaging in high levels of activity. A good rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen every two hours. UV filters in sunscreen break down when exposed to heat and sunlight, so it is important to reapply sunscreen regardless of whether you are using extra water-resistant sunscreen or you are not swimming at all.
Separate protection for the face and lips
The face and lips are particularly exposed to UV radiation, so it may be wise to choose a sunscreen with an extra high sun protection factor (30 or 50) for the face. A sun stick with SPF 50 can provide better protection for extra exposed skin, such as on the lips and nose. Feel free to use a sunscreen that is specially adapted to the skin on your face. Sunscreen for the body is often thicker, which can make the skin shiny and contribute to clogged pores.
How to store sunscreen correctly
Sunscreen should be stored at room temperature (preferably below 25 degrees). Storage in hot bathrooms or places with a lot of sun can shorten the shelf life of the sunscreen. For example, do not leave the sunscreen lying in the sun on the beach for too long.
Can you use old sunscreen?
If you store your sunscreen correctly, you should be able to use it within the expiry date marked on the packaging. The expiry date applies from the first time the bottle is opened. Always check old sunscreen by looking at it, feeling it and smelling it before using it. If it smells strange, has a strange consistency or has changed colour, you should probably throw it away.
Keep this in mind when spending a lot of time in the sun:
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Take breaks from the sun (preferably in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest).
- Wear a cap or sun hat. This will also protect your scalp.
- Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.
- Use a generous amount of sunscreen when applying.
- Reapply every two hours.
- Reapply if you go swimming or are sweating.
- Use sunscreen daily – all year round.
- Apply to your lips regularly and every time you eat or drink.