HOW TO: SUNCARE
THE DANGERS OF SUN EXPOSURE AND HOW TO HYDRATE AND PROTECT YOUR SKIN IN SUMMER
The first warm rays of sun can already be felt. In these hot months, is very important to take good care of your skin during these months. Although sunscreen protects your skin against UV-A and UV-B radiation, our skin expert Caroline van Eeuwijk explains how other products can also keep your skin well-cared for in times of lots of sun.
WHY EXACTLY SHOULD YOU WEAR SUNSCREEN?
Wearing sunscreen is incredibly important for your skin. Sunlight contains UV radiation. The UV-radiation increases with the height of the sun and varies with the seasons and throughout the time of day. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, or UV rays, the skin will start to thicken and sends melanin cells to the surface, giving your skin that sun kissed tan.
The thickening of the skin is a natural protective reaction, like a shield from the UV rays. In combination with the production of melanin, your skin already protects itself from the sun. But it’s not enough. Too much UV radiation can damage the DNA in our skin cells, which can unfortunately lead to skin cancer.
The images below clearly display the extent of damage that UV radiation can cause:
HOW DOES SUNSCREEN PROTECT THE SKIN FROM SKIN CANCER?
Sunscreen physically protects your skin. The main minerals that can be used in sunscreen are titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They are completely harmless to your skin, and reflect UV rays from the sun away from your skin, before they are able to come into contact with it.
The Skin Cancer Foundation states that 'Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma [both types of skin cancers] risk by 50 percent.'
DO I NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN IF I HAVE DARK SKIN?
Not needing to wear sunscreen because you have darker skin is a misconception! Although those with more melanin in their skin may not sunburn easily, there is still an (albeit decreased) risk of skin cancer.
People of all skin tones and types can get skin cancer, so it's better to be safe than sorry and apply!
WILL SUNSCREEN PREVENT SKIN FROM DARKENING? WILL SUNSCREEN LIGHTEN SKIN?
Although your skin would be much lighter than if you were to be exposed to the sun without sunscreen, or have a sunburn, sunscreen will not prevent your skin from tanning. It will certainly help prevent hyperpigmentation from getting darker, though.
As for lightening the skin, sunscreen will not change your skin tone permanently or make it lighter than its original pigment. Over time, sunscreen can help even out skin tone.
DOES SUNSCREEN MAKE THE SKIN PEEL/OILY?
As for whether sunscreen makes the skin oily, silicones again clog pores and stick to the skin and hairs, causing hair breakage, in haircare products that is of course. However, some sunscreens that contain mineral oils or silicone have a drying effect and get skin out of balance.
If you are wearing a sunscreen that contains unnatural ingredients such as silicones, they will not absorb but flake on the skin. If your skin is flaking due to dryness, it is completely okay to use a moisturiser before sunscreen! For more information, scroll down to the next section.
THE ESSENTIALS FOR HEALTHY SUMMER SKIN
First of all, it’s important to apply a natural sun protection factor (at least SPF 30). Do this daily to keep skin happy and reapply every two hours to maintain the protection factor.
Hydration is also essential. The sun dries out your skin considerably. What can you do to stay well hydrated throughout the day?
- Drink enough water during the day
- Spray our Balancing Toner more often. This will keep your moisture levels up.
In short, apply and moisturise!
THE WITLOF WAY
Witlof Skincare offers various natural sun protection products with a high UVA and UVB protection factor of SPF 30. The products not only protect the skin but also nourish and care for it intensively with vitamins, antioxidants and for example hyaluronic acid. They are 100% natural, reef-safe and free from nanoparticles, to make your summer skin routine complete. Celebrate natural beauty!
Do you want to know more about suncare for the skin? Or unsure of which product you need? Schedule a free online skin consultation with Caroline.
