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)
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.
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.
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.
You have dark skin, dark hair, and dark brown eyes. Your skin tans quickly and you rarely to never burn.
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.
