The sun on your skin feels wonderful, but it is really important to protect your skin well. The sun is one of the causes of skin aging and it is therefore important to protect yourself not only against sunburn (UVB), but also against skin aging and the risk of skin cancer (UVA). Would you like to know more about how sunscreen works? Or the difference between chemical and natural/mineral/physical filters? Then read this blog.
Safe sunbathing
You can read 10 tips for sunbathing wisely here.
1. Responsible sunscreen
Apply plenty of sunscreen to your skin, such as SPF30 from Food for Skin . Sprinkling sparingly does not provide enough coverage. How long does sunscreen work? The SPF indicates the factor of the sunscreen and therefore how often you should apply it. Want to know more about what SPF actually is and how it works? You can read that here .
2. Avoid the sun
Avoid the sun completely between noon and 3 p.m. The sun is then strongest.
3. Safe tanning
Food for Skin actually advises to always enjoy the sun under a parasol or in the shade. Then 50% of the UV rays still reach your skin and you get that beautiful golden complexion without burning or damaging your skin. So apply as well in the shade!
4. Shelf life of sunscreen
Pay attention to the packaging on how long your sunscreen lasts and therefore the factor is still good after opening. The factor decreases when it comes into contact with oxygen. With Food for Skin SPF30 this is 6 months. So choose your use carefully, because the factor really decreases after 6 months. If you have any left over, you can use the remainder as a body lotion.
5. Apply sunscreen before and after swimming
UV rays penetrate to a depth of approximately 30cm in the water. So always apply sunscreen before and after swimming. It is also very important after swimming (even if there is water repellent on it), because you can then quickly remove your sun protection with your towel. UV radiation can also cause skin aging behind glass (car, windows). 50% can come through glass, so protect yourself behind glass too.
6. How long should sunscreen be absorbed?
You should really apply a chemical filter 30 minutes before going into the sun, because it only takes effect after it has been absorbed into the skin. A physical/mineral filter (such as with Food for Skin) places 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 exfoliating and scrubbing
Be careful when exfoliating. Be careful when removing dead skin cells by exfoliating 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 exfoliating, and that is precisely the problem: the pinkish new skin is very susceptible to UV radiation and therefore accelerates hyperpigmentation and age spots. In the summer, limit exfoliating to once a week and do this in the evening or on a cloudy day.
8. Take care of dry skin due to sun
Take care of the skin after sunbathing by not doing a number of things. Do not use aggressive make-up removers, drying soap in the shower or exfoliation. What you should do: take care of your skin with super mild products that maintain the moisture balance in the skin, such as the Cucumber Serum from Food for Skin or a body oil without perfume.
9. Pregnancy sun & pregnancy mask
Be very careful during pregnancy and when using medication. There is a risk of hyperpigmentation (pregnancy mask, age spots). The contraceptive pill can also cause this. Check the package leaflets carefully.
10. No perfume in the sun
Do not use perfume when you go out in the sun, as this can cause pigment spots. Some perfumes are specifically made for the sun, but check this carefully.
