Sun Protection ... 1, 2, 3 Sun !

The sun is shining ... It is high time to protect yourself intelligently, and above all to find the right sun protection.

Whether you're planning a beach holiday or a sunny citytrip, whether you're heading to the Belgian coast for a day out, whether you're jogging in the park or enjoying an aperitif on the terrace after work: don't forget to protect your skin from the very first days of sunshine. In fact, you should do it all year round, even on the cloudiest of winter days. We explain why, with which SPF, which filters and which products. Follow the guide

After a fairly dark and depressing winter, you're probably dreaming of a sunny spring and summer, and understandably so. The sun awakens the happy hormone endorphins in our bodies (and thus boosts our mood); it ensures the natural production of vitamin D, but it is now known that it is also potentially dangerous for the skin. Its rays not only cause premature ageing of the skin, but can also lead to cancer and melanoma. That's why dermatologists recommend sun protection, and preferably every day... Why? And how? Let us refresh your memory.

How can the sun damage the skin?

The solar spectrum is divided into several types of rays: ultraviolet, infrared and white light. You need to protect your skin from the former.

Although UV rays represent only about 6% of the solar spectrum, they have major effects on the skin. It consists of UVA, UVB and UVC radiation. The latter are blocked by the ozone layer, the other two are not. They each have a different effect on the skin, but both can cause skin cancer.

- UVB - with a "b" for "burn" - can burn your skin. These rays do not penetrate deeply, but cause invisible damage to the skin's surface. On the plus side, UVB allows our bodies to produce vitamin D, which is good for our bones and immune system. Its radiation is strongest in summer.

- UVA - with an "a" for "age" - you don't feel it, but it penetrates deep into the skin and causes the most damage. UVA not only causes premature skin ageing (wrinkles, pigment spots and sagging skin), it also affects DNA. Their radiation is of the same intensity all day and all year round, and they penetrate clouds and the glass of our windows, which is why it is recommended to apply sun protection even in winter, or when the sun is hidden by clouds.

To protect your skin against UVB: choose the right SPF

Protecting your skin from UVB (and burning) is done by applying a skin care product with SPF. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. But what exactly does this mean?

- In theory, with SPF30 you are protected against sunburn 30 times longer than if you did not apply sunscreen. If you start to burn after 5 minutes without sunscreen, then with SPF30 it will only be after 150 minutes or 2.5 hours. (5 minutes x 30 = 150 minutes.)

But: this only applies if you apply enough product. And that's a lot: no less than 2 milligrams per square centimetre is equivalent to half a teaspoon or two fingers of face cream. If you apply less, you are therefore less well protected.

- The higher the SPF, the more sunlight it blocks. For example, SPF15 protects the skin from 93% of UVB rays, SPF30 increases to almost 97% and SPF50 blocks 98% of rays (again, if you apply the right amount).

- In fact, your skin colour and sun sensitivity also play a role in your choice of SPF, as does the strength of the UVB and the amount of sunscreen you use. A tip? The lighter your skin, the higher your SPF should be. Light skin that is sensitive to the sun should use a high SPF50, while darker skin can be sufficiently protected with SPF15.

Location also plays a role: the closer you are to the equator, the stronger the UV. UV radiation is also higher in the mountains and desert. Whatever your skin colour, you should apply SPF50 for optimum protection. Also at the beach, where UV rays are reflected by the sand and water, high protection is always recommended. SPF30 is a minimum, if you don't burn easily, but SPF50 is best.

And if you want to delay skin ageing as much as possible or if you have a tendency to develop pigmentation spots, always use a high factor.

What about UVA protection? The benefits of broad spectrum products.

The SPF of a product only says how well it protects against UVB, not UVA. The good news is that in the EU, a sunscreen product must also protect the skin against UVA. And this UVA protection must be at least 1/3 of the UVB protection.

You can tell that a product also protects your skin against UVA by the broad spectrum statement on the packaging, or by the UVA symbol surrounded by a circle.

What is the difference between mineral and synthetic filters?

Both mineral and synthetic sunscreens protect the skin against UV radiation, but do so in (slightly) different ways.

- The synthetic filters act in the upper layers of the skin, where they convert UV rays into energy, making them harmless. They can be worked into smoother, more liquid textures that are easier to apply than mineral filters.

The disadvantage is that you can more easily develop an allergic reaction to these filters, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Good to know: synthetic filters are also sometimes called chemical filters. But this term is a bit of a misnomer: after all, every cosmetic ingredient is a chemical, including water.

- There are about thirty synthetic filters used in cosmetics, but there are only two mineral filters Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They also work in the upper layers of the skin. They form a kind of shield on the skin that reflects the sun's rays, but they also absorb some of the UV rays.

As they present virtually no risk of allergy, they are recommended for sensitive skin that does not tolerate synthetic filters, or after an intense skin treatment such as a chemical peel, for example.

As you can see, the choice of filters depends on your preference (and that of your skin) as you will be applying it generously several times a day.

OUR SELECTION

All our suncare products contain broad spectrum filters that protect against UVA and UVB rays. All you have to do is choose the one that suits you according to its formulation: a formula for sensitive or anti-ageing skin, with a dry or lightly tinted touch, in a spray or a milk... The choice is yours.

Our bestseller : Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 by COSRX

Korea's most popular sunscreen and our undisputed bestseller. Completely invisible, it combines SPF50 sun protection and hydration with aloe vera. Absolutely perfect for protected and well-moisturised skin in all seasons.

The most gentle for reactive skin: British Summertime SPF30 by Pai Skincare.

The perfect sunscreen for the most sensitive or eczematous skin, but it will work for normal skin too. Its zinc oxide formula is enriched with cotton extracts, a highly antioxidant ingredient, and leaves a streak-free satin finish.

For skin prone to imperfections: Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream SPF 50

A very high mineral sunscreen to protect combination or acne-prone skin, formulated with niacinamide and calamine. It leaves absolutely no whitish film.

Your all-in-one day cream : Resist Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF50 by Paula's Choice.

If you have combination or oily skin, this light day cream penetrates in an instant, leaving no white marks and matifying. Soothing plant antioxidants help fight the signs of aging and protect the skin.

For a matte effect: Clean Screen Solar Matifying Face Protection SPF30 by REN. 

A light texture with zinc oxide, which protects against UV but also against blue light and pollution. 

Your anti-ageing solution: Age Smart Dynamic Recovery SPF50 by Dermalogica.

The light formula moisturises, softens and boosts the elasticity of the skin, while ensuring optimal protection.

Multi-tasking for make-up fans: Makeup Fixing Spray with Green Tea and Aloe Vera SPF30 by Coola.

A spray that sets the make-up, moisturises, strengthens and protects the skin. It is also quite effective as a finishing touch over sunscreen.