The step-by-step guide to sun safely

• May 27 2022
• 9 min reading time

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Safe sunbathing - is it possible? Besides getting the necessary vitamin D, we also sit in the sun to get a nice tan. However, this can quickly go wrong because, for example, you might not know how strong the sun is. Using sunscreen with SPF already gets you a long way to sun safely, but there are many more tips to get that beautiful tan! You can read about it in this blog:

 

Exfoliate for smooth, even skin

An even tan starts with smooth skin. For smooth and even skin, you can exfoliate. It can give your skin a great boost. 

But what does exfoliating do? Exfoliating removes dull and dead skin cells. It also prevents buildup, such as clogged pores and pimples. By exfoliating, you make your skin glow!

Why should you exfoliate? Do you know that feeling, you get older and want to get rid of your dead skin cells? Too many dead skin cells can make the skin look dull, and no one wants that. Pores also clog more easily, which can cause impurities. Additionally, dead skin cells slow down the tanning process.

Not to forget! Apply a moisturizer after exfoliating your skin and always protect your skin with a sunscreen containing SPF. The skin is more vulnerable, so do not go directly into the sun, but wait at least a day! 

 

Make sure your skin is hydrated

Now that your skin is completely smooth & ready after exfoliating, it's almost ready to go out in the sun. Exfoliating makes your skin more even and helps you tan faster because dead skin cells usually slow this down. But that's not all; it's also important to go into the sun with well-hydrated skin (and body). This is because hydrated skin delays aging (wrinkles, spots). Hydrated skin has an enriched hydrolipid layer, which more effectively limits negative effects from the sun, cold, pollution, etc. Plus, your skin feels softer. Another big advantage: more me-time! Below are some tips on how to properly hydrate your skin:

• Apply a moisturizer daily that suits your skin type
• A hydrating mask can be good for once or twice a week
• Drink enough water
• Always use SPF, even when the sun isn't shining. This keeps your skin protected

Is your skin hydrated? Great! Then it's time to pack your beach bag. What you shouldn't forget is a bottle of water, SPF, a hat, and your sunglasses. We'll explain further:

 

Drink enough water

Due to the warm temperatures, you often sweat more than usual. That’s why it’s very important to drink enough water; this prevents dehydration and headaches. But how much exactly should you drink and what should you pay attention to?

Not everyone always finds drinking water tasty, but it is important against dehydration. It is also very important for your skin. By drinking a glass of water every hour, you prevent getting ‘thirsty’. If you drink too little, you also go to the toilet less. This is not good because then waste products don’t leave your body properly. In addition, you also sweat more due to the heat. In short, plenty of reasons not to forget to drink water!

Did you know: An adult normally needs 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids. During warm weather, it’s good to drink at least two liters of water.

 

Apply with the right protection factor

Do you know that feeling when you sit in the sun and after ten minutes you start to burn slightly? Everyone has different skin types. Some people burn faster than others. One person is already burned at the first rays of sun, which is why it’s so important to use the right protection factor. By applying sunscreen with the so-called ‘sun protection factor’ or (SPF), you protect your skin well. This protection factor is almost always indicated on the product. If you burn quickly, a high to very high protection factor (SPF50) is needed to protect your skin well from the sun and enjoy lying on the beach without getting burned. 

 

Apply sunscreen smartly

Are you not used to applying sunscreen when there is no sun? It’s time to change that! Always protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy. How much sunscreen you need varies per person. But on average, it’s about 30ml for an adult. Of course, this can vary. 

At the first rays of sun, it is wise to use sunscreen with a high protection factor.Let your skin slowly get used to the sun. By gradually building up your sun exposure, the chance of burning is smaller. You want to be well prepared for the sun, so it’s wise to apply sunscreen first thing in the morning. Use a special sunscreen or a day cream with the necessary SPF that suits your skin type for your face. Now you already have a good base for a day in the sun! 

Going swimming? Sunscreen protects less effectively. So always reapply after swimming. If you swim for a long time, don't forget to reapply in between.

 

Reapply sun protection every 2 hours

To properly protect your skin from the sun, it's wise to reapply sunscreen with SPF every 2 hours. But why exactly? Because you sweat all day, move around, go into the water, and then dry off, the protection from the sunscreen you applied decreases and your skin is no longer protected from the sun. Also, don't forget to apply sunscreen to your face, as your face is sensitive to the sun. If you've been in the sun for a while, it's also important to seek shade:

 

Seek shade between 12:00-15:00

What you often hear from dermatologists is that it's helpful to seek shade between 12:00-15:00. At this time, the sun is at its strongest point and you can burn very quickly. Additionally, the time of year plays a big role, because with the first sun rays your skin hasn't seen the sun for a long time. It hasn't had the chance to get used to it and is therefore extra sensitive to the sun. It's super obvious to apply sunscreen during a sunny day in summer, but this actually applies just as much in winter. Especially when there is snow. The sun reflects off snow just like it does on water, so you can still get sunburned during winter. Quickly applying sunscreen before going outside in the winter months is therefore not a bad idea at all! Not only is sunscreen a must during these months, but you also need sunglasses to protect yourself. But why exactly?

 

Use good sunglasses with a UV filter to protect your eyes

It's nice to wear a stylish pair of sunglasses when you're sunbathing, walking around the city, or just enjoying yourself at a terrace. Not only are sunglasses fun to wear, but they are also incredibly important and smart to use. The sun's UV rays can cause permanent damage to your eyes, which of course is not what you want. When buying sunglasses, you can also pay attention to a few things to ensure you are protected against UV rays:

• When buying sunglasses, make sure they say “100% UV” or “UV400” so you know your eyes are protected.
• If you’re often on the water during summer days or days when the sun shines a lot, it’s useful to get sunglasses with polarized lenses. This special glass filters the sun’s glare on the water, so it doesn’t reflect into your eyes. 
• Buy glasses that fit your head well. This way, sunlight can’t reach your eyes, and you’re well protected.

 

Aftercare

Taking care of your skin while sunbathing is just as important as caring for it afterward. Rinse off well after a day in the sun to wash away all sweat, sand, and sunscreen. Make sure to do this carefully, especially if you’re sunburned. Also, after a day in the sun, an after-sun is very nice for the skin. It hydrates and cools your body, which is very important if you’re sunburned but also if you’re not! Lastly, it’s very important to keep drinking enough water. Spending a day in the sun dries out your skin a lot, and of course, we want to avoid that. Stayed in the sun a bit too long and got sunburned? Check these tips:

• Cool your skin! Apply an after-sun, preferably with aloe vera. Using aloe vera not only cools your skin but also soothes it. This helps the skin heal faster.
• Keep drinking enough fluids. It’s very important to stay hydrated so the burned skin heals faster.
• Applying yogurt to your skin might not sound appealing, but it’s very effective. It nourishes the burned area, cools it down, and soothes the pain. Apply a nice thick layer to the spot and let it absorb for a few minutes; your skin will feel soft and supple again afterward.

 

Use self-tanner

Do you prefer to avoid the sun but still want to get a tan? Then use a self-tanner! It’s easy and quick to apply, and you won’t damage your skin by exposing it to the sun. Fortunately, there are many different types of self-tanners, with various shades, so there’s something for everyone. Check out our extensive collection with self-tanners!