Sun tips: 7 important tips for enjoying the sun safely

Safely enjoying the sun

Preventing skin cancer starts with conscious sun protection. By now it is clear to everyone that it is really necessary to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. But how do you do that effectively? And what misunderstandings still exist about the sun and sunburn?

Dr. Jetske Ultee, research physician in cosmetic dermatology and author of the "Skin Book," debunks some common myths:

• Myth 1: Sunbathing does no harm.
• Myth 2: If you don't burn easily, you don't need to lubricate.
• Myth 3: Greasing is not necessary when it is cloudy.

The next step is to find out how to choose the right sunscreen. Which SPF offers the best protection? And what about the shelf life of sunscreen? Read on and best protect your skin.

Preventing skin cancer: 7 tips

1. Protection from UVA and UVB rays in the sun
   
   Most people know that sunburn is bad for you. But did you know that you can also damage your skin without getting sunburned? Even when sitting behind a window in the sun. This is due to what are known as UVA and UVB rays. UVB is the radiation that makes you tan, but also causes you to burn. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and damages it there. For example, this UVA radiation also causes wrinkles in your skin. So, burning is caused by UVB radiation and skin aging by UVA. It is therefore important to buy a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB, as this is an effective way to prevent skin cancer.
   If you normally burn after 20 minutes, with SPF 30 you will only burn after 20 x 30 = 600 minutes. Provided you use 2mg per cm² and reapply the same sunscreen every 2 hours.
   Please note: Everyone is different, and the most suitable SPF varies depending on skin type. Consult an expert if you want to be sure which SPF is best for you. This not only helps prevent sunburn, but also supports your efforts to prevent skin cancer.
2. Which factor (SPF) should you choose?
   
   There are many creams available, ranging from factor 6 to factor 50+. The protective factor is usually indicated by the term SPF (Sun Protection Factor). A high SPF offers more protection than a low one. However, there is little difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. In any case, it is good to use a cream with a protection factor of at least 30. You should not use a cream with a low SPF, as these offer too little protection. For children, it is recommended to use SPF 50+. That says it all, right? The SPF indicates the amount of time you would burn without sunscreen. However, the SPF is based on an applied layer thickness of 2mg/cm². Most people apply half to a third of this amount.

The factor represents the time you would burn without sunburn. However, the SPF is based on an applied layer thickness of 2mg/cm². Most people apply half to a third of this.

If you normally burn after 20 minutes, with factor 30 you will only burn after 20 x 30 = 600 minutes. Provided you use 2mg per cm² and then apply the same sunscreen every 2 hours.

Note: Everyone is different, and each skin type varies which factor is most appropriate. Consult with an expert if you want to be sure which SPF is best to apply. This not only helps prevent sunburn, but also supports your efforts to prevent skin cancer.

3. Keep applying sunscreen
   
   We should always protect ourselves from the sun, especially to prevent skin cancer. The best advice is to reapply sunscreen 5 minutes after you first apply it. This will ensure that you have applied it evenly everywhere. And don't forget to reapply it regularly. It is best to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
4. How waterproof/water-resistant is waterproof cream really?
   
   When sunscreen is labeled as waterproof or water-resistant, this means that the cream also protects you in the water. However, it does not stay on while you are swimming. So even after swimming, it is important to reapply the cream—even if it is water-resistant.
5. Difference between cheap and expensive cream
   
   Sunscreen in the Netherlands always has the factor it promises. So factor (SPF) 30 is really SPF 30. There are small differences, though. In some cases, more expensive creams have better filters, which protect you better. But that's not always the case. This website from the Consumers' Association lists the best-tested sunscreen of 2024. The most important thing is to buy a cream that you enjoy applying. This often means you will do it more often!
6. Check the date
   
   Sunscreen has a shelf life of approximately two years if the packaging has not been opened. Once opened, the cream can usually be used for up to 12 months.
7. Protect yourself every day!
   
   Skin cancer most commonly occurs on the face, which is not surprising since this part of our body is most exposed to the sun. That is why it is essential to protect your face (and head) every day, even in winter. Use a cream with a sun protection factor every day. SPF 15 is now included in many day creams. A lower factor does not offer sufficient protection, and men should also pay attention to this every day. What's more, this has an additional benefit: it works as the best anti-wrinkle cream.

Enjoy the summer!

Source : https://radar.avrotros.nl/uitzendingen/achtergrondartikelen/detail/7-adviezen-over-zonnebrandcreme/

Also read our 5 most important tips on healthy living