Everything you need to know about SPF: Choose the right sun protection
Everything you need to know about SPF: Choose the right sun protection
SPF is an essential part of an effective skincare routine. By using a broad spectrum* SPF (*that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation) daily, you can protect your skin from skin cancer, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, sunburn and other harmful effects of sun exposure. Invest in a high-quality SPF and make it a daily habit to protect and care for your skin. In the end, your skin will thank you for the care you give it.
What is SPF (Sun Protection Filter)?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and indicates how long a sunscreen provides protection from UV rays. The higher the SPF, the longer the protection lasts.
The SPF number indicates how many times longer you can stay in the sun before you burn compared to not using sunscreen. For example, if you can normally be in the sun for 10 minutes without burning, sunscreen with SPF 10 extends this time to 100 minutes.
It is important to remember that this is only an approximation, as your burn time can vary depending on various factors, such as the season, weather and even your location.
Why should you use an SPF?
The sun is beautiful and vitalizing, but it can certainly be harmful to our skin. That's why using SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a crucial part of a healthy skin care routine. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why SPF is so important and how it can help protect your skin.
When should you apply ?
Determining sun strength, also known as the UV index, provides valuable insights into when it becomes necessary to use sunscreen. This index, which measures the intensity of solar radiation, is influenced by the position of the sun. When the sun is higher in the sky, the radiation intensity increases, causing the UV index to rise. This index fluctuates not only from day to day, but also during the day depending on the position of the sun. It indicates how long skin can be exposed to UV radiation without protection without getting burned.
To best protect your skin, it is ideal to use sunscreen daily throughout the year. This is because UVA rays are always present, even in winter and cloudy weather.
Tip: Using sun protection is also hugely important during cold days. During winter sports, you are outside for long days, you are closer to the sun, and you can burn faster because the UV rays reflect off the snow. To prevent burning, you can use a sunscreen or a moisturizing day cream with SPF.
Hoe weet je of een serum geschikt is voor jouw huid?
Het kiezen van het juiste serum voor jouw huid is een belangrijke stap voor je huidverzorgingsroutine. Hier zijn enkele stappen die je kunnen helpen om het meest geschikte serum te selecteren:
- Ken jouw huidtype:
Beoordeel of je een droge, vette, gecombineerde, gevoelige, rijpe of hypergepigmenteerde huid hebt. Dit helpt je om gericht te zoeken naar serums die passen bij jouw specifieke behoeften. - Bepaal je huidproblemen:
Maak een lijst van de specifieke huidproblemen waarmee je te maken hebt, zoals fijne lijntjes, donkere vlekken, droogheid of onzuiverheden. Dit zal je helpen bij het selecteren van een serum met de juiste actieve ingrediënten. - Lees de ingrediëntenlijst:
Bestudeer de ingrediëntenlijst van het serum. Zoek naar actieve ingrediënten die bekend staan om het aanpakken van jouw specifieke huidproblemen. - Let op de concentraties:
Kijk naar de concentratie van de actieve ingrediënten. Sommige serums hebben hogere concentraties dan andere. Als je nieuw bent met een bepaald ingrediënt, begin dan met een lagere concentratie om eventuele irritaties te voorkomen. - Test het op een klein gebied:
Doe altijd een patchtest voordat je een nieuw serum op je hele gezicht aanbrengt. Breng een kleine hoeveelheid aan op een discrete plek, zoals je pols, om te controleren of er geen allergische reactie of irritatie optreedt. - Consistentie in je routine:
Kies een serum dat past bij je levensstijl en consistent in je dagelijkse huidverzorgingsroutine past. Het is belangrijk om geduldig te zijn en het serum regelmatig en op de juiste manier te gebruiken om resultaten te zien.
Which SPF for the face?
SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks about 97% and SPF 50 blocks about 98%. While the 1% difference may seem small at first glance, in practice it can make a significant difference, especially for those with sensitive skin or an increased risk of skin cancer.
The SPF value indicates how long you are protected from sunburn compared to no protection. For example, if you normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 15 would theoretically protect you 15 times longer, SPF 30 would protect you 30 times longer, and SPF 50 would protect you 50 times longer. However, this does not mean you are protected all day. The actual length of protection depends on several factors such as your skin type, the intensity of the sun and how often you sweat or swim
It is essential to reapply both SPF15, SPF 30 and SPF 50 regularly, every two hours, or more often if you swim or sweat. The effectiveness of sunscreen depends greatly on how carefully and frequently you reapply it.
- For shorter periods of sun exposure, such as daily activities with minimal time outside, SPF 15 may provide adequate protection, especially if your skin does not burn easily.
- For daily activities where you are outside for a short time, SPF 30 provides adequate protection.
- For intense sun exposure, such as a day at the beach or outdoor sports, SPF 50 is the better choice. This is especially true for those with fair or sensitive skin.
PA++++
PA++++ is a designation used to indicate the degree of protection from UVA rays in sunscreen and skin care products. It complements the SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which primarily indicates protection against UVB rays.
The term PA is followed by a number of pluses, ranging from one plus (PA+) to four pluses (PA++++). The more pluses, the higher the protection against UVA rays. This is important because UVA rays play a role in premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and pigmentation, as well as skin cancer.
Sunscreen products with a PA++++ thus provide excellent protection against UVA rays, which helps protect the skin from sun damage and prevent premature aging. It is important to look not only at the SPF but also at the PA designation when choosing a sunscreen to ensure broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
How do you use the Sun Protection Face Cream?
This keeps you optimally protected from harmful UV rays and allows you to enjoy the sun carefree.
Shake the tube before use
Apply the sunscreen evenly to dry skin
Reapply after swimming and sweating
Repeat the application every 2 hours
Some tips!
There are some important points to keep in mind to make sure your sunscreen is working optimally. Below are the most important tips:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Remind yourself to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, even if the packaging says it is water-resistant.
- Even on cloudy days or in winter, UV rays can damage your skin, so make it a habit to use SPF daily.
- Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you go outside so that it can be properly absorbed.
- Using too little sunscreen reduces its effectiveness. Make sure you apply enough. Remember to apply to all exposed areas of your skin, such as your ears, neck and feet. Even the smallest forgotten areas can burn.
- Sunscreen has a shelf life of 12 months after opening. It is important to note that all sunscreen products become less effective when exposed to heat and light. It is therefore wise to buy a new SPF cream every year.
