Lovely, that summer sun! But unfortunately, those warm rays on your face are not so innocent. You need them to produce enough vitamin D, but unprotected sunbathing can also do a lot of damage to your skin. And I'm not just talking about skin burns, but also about premature lines, pigment spots... and even skin cancer. Good protection against UVA and UVB radiation is a must. I'd love to tell you why.
UV rays make you age
Natural sunlight consists of about 95 percent UVA light. UVA light is constantly present during the day - even in cloudy weather - and effortlessly penetrates glass, clouds... and your skin. The treacherous rays find their way deep into the skin. Without us noticing, they cause a lot of skin damage, even in the shade. They affect your DNA and change the functioning of your elastin and collagen fibers. The result? Your skin sags and forms wrinkles. So think of UVA as Aging, although skin aging is not the only difficult effect. UVA radiation can also promote hypersensitivity to sunlight, damage your eyes and cause pigment spots. And let's not forget the risk of skin cancer!
UVB rays cause you to burn
UVB radiation makes up only a small part of sunlight. This type of radiation is even more powerful than UVA light, but has a shorter wavelength. As a result, it mainly acts on the epidermis. UVB light makes your skin tan, but it also causes burning. You may not think about it, but a tan is proof that your natural defense mechanism against sunlight had to kick in. Your body produces melanin to protect itself against UV radiation. Is your skin burned? Then the natural protection process has failed and your skin will suffer irreversible damage.
What about ... UVC rays?
Haven't heard of UVC light before? This type of UV light is extremely dangerous for the skin and eyes, but fortunately it is well blocked by the ozone layer. Companies involved in disinfection sometimes work with devices that emit UVC light. Strict safety regulations always apply!
What about ... UVC rays?
Haven't heard of UVC light before? This type of UV light is extremely dangerous for the skin and eyes, but fortunately it is well blocked by the ozone layer. Companies involved in disinfection sometimes work with devices that emit UVC light. Strict safety regulations always apply!
A short reminder
UVB radiation (mnemonic – A for aging)
- Always present
- Make the skin tan quickly and briefly
- Penetrate deep into the skin and even damage the deeper layers of the skin
- Responsible for premature skin aging
- Plays a role in the development of skin cancer
UVB radiation (mnemonic – B for burning)
- Small % of the UV radiation
- The strongest around noon
- Deeply tan the skin
- Damage the epidermis
- Cause sunburn and skin cancer
Check the UV index
The weather forecast displays the UV index daily. But what exactly does that number say? View it as a handy point of reference that reflects the sun's strength and thus determines how long your skin can remain unprotected in the sun without burning. The higher the UV index, the more powerful the sunlight and the more often you need to apply sunscreen. With a UV index of 7, your skin can burn severely in 10-15 minutes. With a UV index of 5-6 this happens after 15-25 minutes. And even with a UV index of 3, the damage is done after half an hour. To prevent sun damage and skin aging, your skin needs protection EVERY day. Lubrication becomes even more important when the UV index is 3 or higher.
Use sunscreen every day
As many as 90% of skin cancers are the result of sun damage. Both UVA and UVB light promote the formation of free radicals. And it is precisely these harmful substances that damage your cells and play a role in the development of wrinkles, a weakened immune system, chronic diseases... and skin cancer. The best tip to keep your skin and body healthy is simple: protect your exposed skin well against the sun. Always use a sun product that protects against UVA and UVB rays, such as SELF Boost or Protection .
Use sunscreen every day
As many as 90% of skin cancers are the result of sun damage. Both UVA and UVB light promote the formation of free radicals. And it is precisely these harmful substances that damage your cells and play a role in the development of wrinkles, a weakened immune system, chronic diseases... and skin cancer. The best tip to keep your skin and body healthy is simple: protect your exposed skin well against the sun. Always use a sun product that protects against UVA and UVB rays, such as SELF Boost or Protection .
Spread generously!
It is best not to be too stingy with sunscreen. To protect your skin according to the indicated sun factor, you should apply 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. As an adult, you will easily need 6 to 7 tablespoons for one application from head to toe. If you only use half, you are only half protected.
Don't forget to rub your knees, armpits, ears and eyelids, hairline, hands and feet! We sometimes forget these places, but they are particularly sensitive to burning!
A handy reminder:
- Face: half a teaspoon
- Arms and legs: four tablespoons
- Stomach and back: two tablespoons
