Buying sunscreen: what is a good sunscreen?

Sunny weather requires a good sunscreen that protects your skin sufficiently from the sun. What exactly characterizes a good sunscreen depends on your skin type, the UV filters used and your personal preference.

Also read: Why the first sun is dangerous

Tailored to your skin type

If you have a light or sensitive skin If you have sunscreen, it is best to use sun protection with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Even if you have a dark skin type or if you are already tanned by the sun, it is important to protect your skin from the sun's rays. Children need a high protection factor anyway.

Do you have a oily skin? Then a sunscreen with a light texture is a good choice. This prevents your skin from shining. With a dry skin, you better go for a cream with extra hydration. Make sure that the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are mainly responsible for burning, UVA rays for skin aging.

Also read: Skin cancer: what is the difference between UVA and UVB radiation?

Sunscreen with minerals

UV expert from the Foundation against Cancer Brigitte Boonen explains that most sunscreens consist of a mix of chemical UV filters or, on the other hand, minerals that also block ultraviolet light. “The latter category is actually the best because it does not absorb sunlight and does not penetrate the skin,” she says. These filters protect by blocking or reflecting the sun's rays. Chemical filters, on the other hand, are organic carbon compounds that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat.

“The disadvantage of sunscreen with mineral filters is that it is generally more difficult to spread and leaves a white, clearly visible film on the skin,” Boonen continues. “That is why not many people choose a cream based on minerals.”

You can recognize a mineral sunscreen by the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium oxide on the ingredients list. A chemical filter can be recognized by the following ingredients: oxybenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene and avobenzone.

Also read: What does sunlight do to your skin?

Own preference

Also always check the ingredients to see if a sunscreen contains substances that your skin may not tolerate. For example, there are creams available that do not contain perfume.

Ease of use is also important. If you find a sun product easy and pleasant to apply, you are more likely to actually use it. Some people prefer lotions and gels. They are easier to apply because they contain more water. Creams ensure that your skin dries out less quickly.

Sun protection is also available in the form of spray. “But there is not enough research yet on the safety of aerosol cream, especially for children,” says Boonen. Other research also shows that spraying for at least one minute is necessary to get sufficient protection, something that many people do not do.

Also read: SPF sunscreen: can you stay in the sun longer with a high factor?

Impact on the environment

Sunscreens can contain substances that are harmful to the environment. Some ingredients have an impact on coral reefs, algae and marine life. Oxibenzone or octinoxate are two controversial UV filters that are suspected of contributing to coral bleaching. Sunscreens can also contain hormone disruptors or microplastics such as nylon. Fortunately, there are manufacturers who take this into account. For example, there is a whole range of organic sunscreens that are good for both the environment and your skin.

Also read: Sun power or UV index determines how long you can stay in the sun

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