The holidays are coming again and that means enjoying the nice weather to the fullest. Off to the sun! Whether you stay in the Netherlands and enjoy the sun on a terrace or you go to the beach abroad, sunburn is always lurking. Even in the Netherlands it is important to protect yourself well against the sun. It is often stronger than you think. When the sun just starts to shine again, many people still have whiter winter skin and that is when protection is most needed. To help you get started and optimally protect your skin, we have a number of tips for you to prepare yourself for the sun.
TIP 1: Protect your skin: Apply good sunscreen!
Perhaps the most obvious tip, but many people forget it: apply sunscreen. It is important to protect your skin with sunscreen because it reduces the risk of burning. If you do not apply oil to your skin, the burning time is 10 minutes. When you apply factor 30, it extends the time until you burn. So applying sunscreen makes a huge difference, but if you want to stay fully protected, you have to apply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Ps: If you have a small tube of sunscreen in your pocket, the threshold for applying sunscreen also becomes lower. It's handy to have a small tube with you, so you're always prepared for an unexpected sun.
TIP 2: Avoid the strong midday sun
In the afternoon the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Then it is also the strongest and you will notice that it is also the hottest point of the day. Therefore, try to avoid the midday sun between 12:00 and 15:00 to keep your skin safe and healthy.
TIP 3: Take your skin type into account
Every skin is different, many people in the Netherlands have white skin. We are not used to the strong sun after winter. Do you have dark skin? Then you can often withstand the strong sun better than very light skin. Your skin absorbs the sun better, which means it may take a little longer before you burn. In any case, you are not protected if you do not apply sunscreen or cover yourself with clothing.
TIP 4: Check the UV index daily
The weather in the Netherlands varies quite a bit. One day the sun is a bit stronger and the next day it is more cloudy. Depending on the weather and a number of other factors, the sun may be less strong. You can check the strength of the sun daily on the KNMI website. There they mention the UV index.
TIP 5: Cover yourself
As tempting as it is to walk down the street in the sun wearing a T-shirt, shorts and slippers, it is not very good for your skin. Especially seek shade when it is really hot and you want to be outside. Even smarter: wear a cardigan over your shoulders, a cap to protect your head and also walk in the shade. The sun can't get to you like this!
TIP 6: Wear sunglasses
In addition to your skin, your eyes are also sensitive to the sun. More than you might think! Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses. These filter the UV rays and are better for your eyes. Not a fan of sunglasses? Wearing a cap or hat also works.
Reduce the risk of burning... apply sunscreen!
Now you know how to protect your skin from the sun. Don't forget: daily sun protection is the most important thing. Are you looking for a nice sunscreen that provides you with optimal protection? You will find nice ones in our webshop sunscreens in different factors.
