According to meteorologist Raymond Klaassen of Weerplaza, it is a good idea to apply sunscreen this month as well. “Although the sun strength in September is already a lot lower than in the middle of summer, the sun is still quite strong.” You run a risk of sunburn, especially between twelve and three o’clock in the afternoon.
In late summer there is usually sun force 5, even on cool and cloudy days. “Sun power has nothing to do with temperature. What matters is how long the path of the sun’s rays to Earth is.”
The sun contains various radiations that can cause damage to the skin, says Crijns. “You have UVB and UVA radiation. UVB radiation causes you to burn if you do not apply sunscreen. This causes DNA damage which can cause skin cancer in the long term. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and causes skin aging. UVA can also contribute to the development of skin cancer.”
When you buy sunscreen you should therefore pay close attention to the UVB and UVA factor . Crijns: “For the UVB factor, it is advisable not to go lower than factor 30 during a sun holiday. For daily use you can opt for factor 15, but people with the lightest skin type (skin type 1) should always use at least factor 30. smear.
All creams in the Netherlands have been tested and meet the CE quality mark, which means that the cream contains both UVB and UVA protection. The UVB factor is always indicated on the front of the bottle and the UVA value can be found on the label in the Netherlands. This must be at least one third of the UVB factor, so at least 10.
When buying sunscreen abroad, it is important to look at the back of the bottle. This is where UVA protection is often lacking, meaning your skin is not protected against skin aging. When there is a circle around the word UVA, it is approved.”
When should you apply sunscreen?
First of all, it is very important that you are well protected from the sun from an early age. “Of course you should always avoid getting sunburned, but before the age of 16 this is extra harmful. Your cells contain DNA and too much radiation causes a temporary error to occur in this DNA. Initially, your body can repair this, but if you are frequently exposed to too much sunlight at a young age, the wrong cells can develop and multiply, causing skin cancer. However, you often only notice this twenty years later.”
According to Crijns, it is also important that you realize that applying the cream does not only start during your Spanish summer holiday. “You should actually always apply sunscreen when you go out into the sun. This will not really be necessary in the Netherlands during the winter months, but from the end of March it is really advisable to use sunscreen again.”
According to meteorologist Raymond Klaassen of Weerplaza, it is a good idea to apply sunscreen this month as well. “Although the sun strength in September is already a lot lower than in the middle of summer, the sun is still quite strong.” You run a risk of sunburn, especially between twelve and three o’clock in the afternoon. In late summer there is usually sun force 5, even on cool and cloudy days. “Sun power has nothing to do with temperature. What matters is how long the path of the sun’s rays to Earth is.”
What other forms of sun protection are there?
Many stores are full of UV-resistant shirts this summer. Brands such as Decathlon, HEMA, C&A and H&M have them in their range. The UV shirts protect against the sun and can also be worn while swimming. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness after about two hours, but a UV shirt protects against the sun all day long. Not everyone applies oil often enough, so a shirt like this could be a solution for these people. It is important that you apply the uncovered areas thoroughly.
What should you pay attention to when using sunscreen?
Do you want to ensure that you are always fully protected from the sun? Then pay attention to these points.
- Are you going into the sun? Then apply the cream at least half an hour in advance.
- Don’t miss a spot! So don’t forget to lubricate your ears, lips and feet.
- Apply generously: three tablespoons of sunscreen for your face and eight for the body.
- Purchase a new bottle of sunscreen every year. The cream can age, causing it to work less well.
- Don’t forget to protect your eyes. Excessive sun exposure can also cause uveal melanoma. Therefore, choose good sunglasses with UV protection.
- Seek shade between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. The sun’s power is then strongest.
- Apply every two hours during a beach day, especially when you get out of the water.
- Protect your children well. Babies under one year old should not be in the sun at all, but small children should certainly be well protected. So moisturize them frequently, let them play in the shade and wear protective clothing.
Which sunscreen is exactly the best?
According to Crijns, in the Netherlands it does not matter much which sunscreen you purchase. It is especially important that you keep an eye on your skin and apply enough and good lubricant. “In the Netherlands, all sunscreen brands in stores have the CE mark, which means that the product complies with the applicable rules. So they all protect and are safe to use according to the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. People have been claiming that on social media in recent days sunscreens are carcinogenic could be, but this has never been scientifically proven by a good study. It has been clearly shown that unprotected sunbathing is extremely carcinogenic, so please apply sunscreen.”