10 tips for responsible sunbathing

2023-05-26 Angela Ursem

The sun on your skin feels wonderful, but it's really important to protect your skin well to avoid sunburn. Sun is one of the main causes of skin aging, so it's important to protect yourself not only from sunburn (UVB), but also from skin aging and the risk of skin cancer (UVA). Want to know more about how sunscreen works? Or the difference between chemical and natural/mineral/physical filters? Then read this blog.

How quickly can you get sunburned?

How quickly you can get sunburned really depends on two things:

Your skin type - see below
The UV index - found in apps like 'weather' on an iPhone (scale 1-10)

Skin type 1 (67 minutes/UV index)
People with skin type 1 burn very quickly and do not tan. They have very fair skin, often many freckles, red or light blonde hair, and blue eyes.

Skin type 2 (100 minutes/UV index)
If you have this skin type, you tan slowly. Characteristics include: light skin, blonde hair, and gray, green, or light brown eyes. Your skin tans slowly and you burn quite quickly.

Skin type 3 (200 minutes/UV index)
Dark blonde to brown hair and (dark) brown eyes? Then you have skin type 3. Your skin is probably (lightly) tanned and you tan more easily and burn less quickly.

Skin type 4 (300 minutes/UV index)
You have dark skin, dark hair, and dark brown eyes. Your skin tans quickly and you rarely to never burn.

Then use the following calculation:

Behind the skin types there is a number of minutes. Divide this by the UV index at that moment and you will know how long you can theoretically stay in the sun without burning. Do the math, it will be shorter than you think! Because you usually only see it when it's already too late.

10 tips for sensible sun exposure

1. Responsible sunscreen

If you are uncovered in the sun for a longer period, it is important to apply enough sunscreen, such as Food for Skin's SPF30. Skimping on application does not provide enough coverage. How long does sunscreen work? The SPF indicates the factor of the sunscreen and thus how often you should reapply. Want to know more about what SPF actually is and how it works? You can read about it here.

2. Avoid the sun

Completely avoid the sun between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. The sun is strongest then.

3. Parasol, shade, clothing

Food for Skin actually advises always enjoying the sun under a parasol or in the shade. Even then, 50% of UV rays still reach your skin, and you get that beautiful golden tan without burning or damaging your skin. So, even in the shade, apply sunscreen! Also consider a hat and protective clothing if you do go out in the sun.

4. Sunscreen shelf life

Pay attention to the packaging for how long your sunscreen and thus the factor remain effective after opening. The factor decreases once it has come into contact with oxygen. For Food for Skin SPF30, this is 12 months. So plan your usage well, because the factor really diminishes after 12 months.

5. Apply before and after swimming

UV rays penetrate water to a depth of approximately 30cm. So always apply sunscreen before and after swimming. After swimming, it is also very important (even if it says water repellent) because you quickly remove your sun protection with your towel. UV radiation can also cause skin aging behind glass (car, windows). 50% can pass through glass, so protect yourself even behind glass.

6. How long does sunscreen need to absorb?

A synthetic filter should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, as it only becomes effective after being absorbed into the skin. A physical/mineral filter (like those in Food for Skin) creates a reflective layer on the skin and works immediately. Tips on how to recognize good, natural sunscreen with a mineral filter? Read this blog.

7. Be careful with exfoliation and scrubbing

Be careful when removing dead skin cells through exfoliation with fruit acids, BHA, AHA or glycol, scrubbing, and peeling. These dead skin cells act as a natural protective layer against UV radiation. Your skin looks like a baby's skin after exfoliation, and that is precisely the problem: the rosy new skin is very susceptible to UV radiation and thus accelerates hyperpigmentation and age spots. In summer, limit exfoliation to twice a week and do this in the evening. Use a mild peeling to avoid excessively affecting the skin barrier.

8. Care for dry skin from the sun

Care for your skin after sun exposure by, in particular, not doing a few things. Do not use aggressive make-up removers, drying soaps in the shower, or exfoliants. What you should do: care for your skin with super mild products that maintain the moisture balance in the skin, such as Food for Skin's Cucumber Serum or a gentle shower oil without fragrance.

9. Pregnancy sun & pregnancy mask

Be very careful during pregnancy and when using medication. There is a risk of hyperpigmentation (melasma, age spots). The contraceptive pill can also cause this. Carefully check the package inserts.

10. No perfume in the sun

Do not use perfume when going into the sun, as this can cause pigmentation spots. Some perfumes are specifically made for sun exposure, but always check this carefully.

Frequently asked questions about responsible sunbathing

What are the best sunscreens for responsible sun exposure?

Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF30 that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and that you can easily and regularly apply. The Food for Skin SPF30 is a mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide, without perfume, and suitable for face and body. Apply generously and reapply at least every two hours and after swimming, towel drying, or heavy sweating.

Which apps help me sunbathe responsibly and provide UV advice?

The KNMI app is useful for checking the current and expected UV index daily. Apple's standard Weather app also shows the UV index for your location. From a UV index of 3, it is important to protect your skin and eyes well against UV radiation. This way, you can easily adjust your sun protection to the UV index of that day.

What sunscreen does a dermatologist recommend?

Dermatologists generally recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation, with at least SPF30. In addition, it remains important to avoid the strong sun and wear protective clothing. Our sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with mineral non-nano zinc oxide and is fragrance-free.

Which is better, SPF30 or SPF50 sunscreen?

SPF50 protects slightly more against UVB radiation than SPF30: approximately 98% versus 97%. So the difference is very small. More important is that you use enough sunscreen and reapply it regularly. SPF50 can be especially beneficial for very fair or sun-sensitive skin or when the UV index is high. For daily use, a properly applied SPF30 already offers high protection. It is also very important to reapply frequently with both factors so that you have sufficient protection throughout the day.

How long can you keep sunscreen?

Always look for the opened-jar symbol on the packaging. Most sunscreens are good for about 12 months after opening. Heat and direct sunlight can reduce their effectiveness more quickly, so ideally store sunscreen in a cool, dark place. Our sunscreen is good for 32 months after production, and 12 months after opening.

What are the symptoms of sun-damaged skin?

Acute sun damage is usually recognized as sunburn: the skin becomes red, warm, sensitive or painful, and with more severe burns, it can swell or blister. In the long term, damage from UV radiation can also manifest as pigmentation spots and premature skin aging. Regular sun protection helps to limit this UV damage.

I got sunburnt anyway, what can I do now?

Immediately get out of the sun and give your skin a few days of rest from direct UV radiation. Cool the skin with a lukewarm to cool shower or a damp cloth and use a mild, hydrating skin care product. Avoid scrubbing, peels, and strongly perfumed products until the skin has recovered. A mild product like the Cucumber Serum can help nourish the skin. In case of severe blistering, intense pain, or signs of illness, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

About the author

Written by Angela Ursem, co-founder of Food for Skin.

From Food for Skin, I write about natural skincare, ingredients, and transparency in cosmetics. Not to make it sound better than it is, but to better explain what you're actually looking at when you buy a product.