Whether you like lying on the beach, gardening or walking. You can't avoid it in the summer: sunburn. Sunlight is both good and bad for us. Good for a good dose of vitamin D. Less good because of the UV radiation. Fortunately, you can buy sunscreen at every drugstore and supermarket. But which one should you buy? This article answers 7 questions about sunburn.
Which factor should I lubricate?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. In other words, the sun protection factor. A high factor means longer protection. A low factor therefore protects for less time than a high one. SPF 20 means you can be in the sun 20 times longer than someone without cream.
Are you normally someone who burns in 10 minutes? Then you can sit in the sun for 200 minutes with SPF 20. Factor 50 therefore protects just as well as factor 20, only a little longer. In reality, however, you will have to re-lubricate every 2 hours for proper operation. We move, sweat or swim. Factors affecting operation.
The same goes for water-resistant sunscreen. You will also have to keep lubricating them again. A sunscreen may have this label if it is still 50% on your skin after swimming. And note: this was tested on people who were not very active in the water. If you are going to play or actively swim, there will only be less than 50% on your skin.
You can also choose which sunscreen you want based on how much UV radiation there is in a day. The higher the radiation on a day, the higher the SPS required. You can consult a UV radiation index for this.
Is an expensive sunscreen better?
The price difference between different types of sunscreen is large. A bottle of a well-known brand is much more expensive than the bottle of a private label. However, the price says nothing at all about how good or bad the protection is. Only the factor says something about that. A bottle of factor 30 of 20 euros protects just as well as a bottle of 6 euros. That is stipulated by law!
The price difference is in the other ingredients and the marketing around them. An expensive sunscreen may feel better, may smear just a bit better or smell better because of the perfume it contains. None of these factors make the sunburn better!
How long does sunscreen keep?
A sunscreen can last up to two years. Yes really! You must then close it properly and store it in a dry, cool and dark place. And that can be a bit difficult if you are out for a day. The protection factor does decrease slowly. The label of a sunscreen often has an icon of a jar with a number on it. This shows how many months the sunscreen can be kept.
Natural vs. chemical protection: which is better?
A sunscreen consists of substances that should protect your skin. They work like a filter. They filter ultraviolet radiation (UV). There are two types of protection that provide protection in different ways.
Chemical filters
Chemical filters absorb the sun's rays. They spread well and easily over your skin and do not leave white stripes. The chemicals it may contain are: octisalate, oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and octocrylene.
All store-bought sunscreens are safe under normal use. But the substances are not as harmless as they seem. Almost all fabrics have been doubted at some point. As a result, regulations were amended or further research was required.
In addition, it not only affects us as humans, but possibly also the environment. We apply sunscreen and then go for a swim in the sea. Research shows that UV filters are present in all the water in the world. And they are difficult to get out of.
Mineral filters
Natural or mineral filters reflect the UV rays. The sunscreen must therefore remain on your skin. As a result, your skin keeps a white haze after applying. Mineral substances are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. If there is also 'nano' on the packaging, then the skin will not turn white, because these substances are colorless.
These substances have also been extensively researched. A recurring conclusion is that the substances are safe, but that they must be handled with care and caution. That is why there are rules for how much of a certain substance can be in a bottle. For example, titanium dioxide (nano) may not be in sprays, because it may be harmful to inhale it.
Other substances found in sunscreens are fragrances, preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, pigments and moisturizing agents.
Oil, cream, spray or gel?
The short answer is that any shape protects equally well. You just have to look at the factor. Lotions and gels contain more water, making them less greasy and easy to spread. Creams contain more fats, which is good for dry skin.
In winter it is best to use a greasy cream. It doesn't have to be a special sunscreen for winter sports. A normal cream is sufficient. A greasy cream does not freeze.
For all other products it is about what you like. Some people like the shine of an oil. Others don't like it when the sand sticks to the skin. One finds a spray useful, the other prefers to lubricate. Choose a sunscreen that protects well, take a look at the ingredients and thank what's practical.
Does an after sun help?
Aftersun is sold with words like 'soothing', 'soothing' and even 'healing'. We see it as a remedy that helps against sunburned skin. However, it doesn't. All an aftersun does is hydrate. And that's what every body lotion does.
The special ingredients, such as aloe vera, also have little added value. There is so little aloe vera in such a bottle that it has virtually no effect. Sometimes an after sun can even do more harm if it is full of perfume, alcohol or menthol.
Can you make your own sunscreen?
Of course! You can get started yourself with just four ingredients. You need: 100 grams of coconut oil, 90 grams of shea butter, 10 grams of jojoba oil and an SPF. The following applies to the SPHF: 20% zinc oxide per 100 grams, makes SPF 20. Slowly melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a bain-marie. Then add the other ingredients and mix. Store the mixture in a jar with a lid.
There are also other means that work well against the sun. Where no fabrics with difficult names are used. Wear hats, caps and stay in the shade for the most part. Some sun is possible, but preferably not when the sun is at its strongest.
What is your favorite sunscreen? Let us know!
