The first Spring sun: protect your skin

Spring officially has started this week, time for a dance of joy! Maybe you already know this, but I love Spring and Summer like nothing else. Sunshine on my face makes me instantly happy. Obviously I don’t have to tell you that being in the sun has its advantages and disadvantages. So I’ll be answering all of your sun-related questions this week!

What are the benefits of the sun?

Sunlight is good for us, it’s crucial in our production of vitamin. But in our small country a lot of people have to deal with a vitamin D deficiency, as we’re underexposed to natural sunlight. You should get around 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight each day to produce enough vitamin D. In the period between October and March the intensity of UV rays is so low, we barely produce any vitamin D.

Are you suffering a deficiency? That doesn’t mean you have to go lie in the sun all day for several hours. A deficiency is depended on your age, skin type and genetics. Vitamin D is also gained from a healthy diet, in short it’s a combination of getting enough sunlight and a balanced lifestyle.

The sun is good for me, does that mean I have to sunbath every day?

No, absolutely not, the sun has some unwanted consequences as well. In 2016 up to 68.216 new cases of (skin)cancer have been registered in Belgium according the Foundation Against Cancer. We want to enjoy the sun and choose sunny destinations. That can cause a rise in the registered number of cases.

Besides skin cancer, the sun can also cause skin aging, wrinkles, pigmentation and a weakened skin.

During sunbathing

Because the sun has advantages and disadvantages to your skin, the best thing to do is protect your skin every day. A little bit of sun is good, but too much can be damaging, so stay out of the sun if it’s too intense. Between 12 and 3 p.m. UV rays are strongest.

Should I apply sunscreen in March?

Actually you’re better off applying sunscreen throughout the year to protect yourself against the sun’s harmful effects, you can do this using a low SPF. Choose a factor 15 or 30, higher factors are mainly suitable for people with a very light skin that burns easily, or if you’re suffering from pigmentation.

How often should I apply sunscreen?

If you’re heading for a sunny destination, you should apply sunscreen every two hours. The effects can wear off quickly, so applying it several times a day is the key. The frequency of which you have to apply can still depend on your skin type, the intensity of the sun but on the activities you’re doing as well. When doing intense activities like swimming and others sports it’s advised to apply sunscreen often.

What do you apply first? Sunscreen or day cream?

You should apply day cream first, as the active ingredients should be absorbed by your skin. SELF’s day cream is full of antioxidants and vitamins that provide your skin with nutrition, these substances can only do their jobs if you let them be absorbed. Afterwards you can apply sunscreen.

Always apply day cream, because it can provide your skin with nutrition and you can protect your skin twice as good.

An aftersun product, is it necessary?

The simple answer, yes you’re always better off using aftersun. The sun causes your skin to dry out and can damage your skin’s barrier. The skin can always use some extra care after sunbathing!

The best choice is an aftersun full of antioxidants and rejuvenating ingredients. Did you know SELF’s Fine Delicate Body Butter is the ideal after sun? It contains macadamia, shea butter, argan, coconut and aloe vera. Ingredients that restore and protect the skin. Aloe vera is often used in after sun because it soothes the skin. The plant oils protect the skin’s barrier against moisture loss.

Did you know plant oils are a natural protection against UV rays? Coconut oil and shea butter are part of the most protective oils out there. Are you still burned? Then those oils can help reduce complaints and restore the skin.

What’s the best way to care for my skin during Spring?

During Spring it’s important to swap that gray Winter skin for a healthy skin. This can be done by scrubbing using a mild scrub. Our Boost of Oxygen Facial Scrub contains grains of rice and plant based oils that purify, protect and restore the skin. This routine is finished off using the All Day Dreamer day cream and All Night Starlight night cream that leave your skin’s moisture levels optimally balanced.

Use the Fine Deluxe Bodyscrub on the rest of the body, a soft scrub that brings back that healthy glow. This scrub removes dead skin cells and impurities with each use. An extra tip: add a spoonful to a hot bath. Hello soft skin!

If you would like more information on our SELF skin care routine, visit our blog: naturalself.eu/en/blog/our-self-facial-routine

Any other questions you’d like to ask me? Feel free to send me a mail at team@nauralself.eu

Enjoy this beautiful week!

Team SELF