Who isn't familiar with the age-old misunderstandings about sunscreen by now? The sun is getting stronger and the red heads, noses and shoulders are becoming more common. Yet in the Netherlands we still often hear about well-known misunderstandings. There are so many myths made up over the years about the use of sunscreen. We are happy to explain below why nothing could be further from the truth!
1. I only have to apply sunscreen once a day
One of the best-known misunderstandings about sunscreen: applying sunscreen once a day. We have a tendency to be a bit lazy on the beach, understandable of course. Because when you are relaxing in your beach chair, it is also tempting to lose track of time. Many people then have in mind that applying once a day is enough to be protected. However, this is not correct. The fact is that sunscreen provides less protection on average 2 hours after application. That is why it is always important to re-lubricate 2 hours after each lubrication.
2. When it's cloudy I don't have to apply sunscreen at all
It is warm, but the sun is nowhere to be seen. You quickly think: no sun = no sunburn. It is true that a cloud cover can halve the power of the sun. Although there is no sun, there is a chance that you will get sunburned because the sun's power simply passes through the clouds. So it's smart to apply sunscreen even if there is no sun in the sky.
3. Expensive sunscreen is the best for my skin
It is a myth that a €30 sunscreen is better than a €5 sunscreen. Why can sunscreen be so expensive? That depends on a number of factors. The packaging, smell and spreadability play a major role in the rising prices. However, this has little influence on the protection of your sunscreen. It completely depends on your wishes.
4. I don't have to worry about my face when I use cream with SPF
A day cream with an SPF incorporated into it. Although it is extremely convenient, this is often at the expense of the high concentrations of active ingredients in your cream. It is therefore better to choose a separate sunscreen that you use for your face. Such creams often only have an SPF level of 15. This is too little for a hot summer day and does not provide the necessary protection against the sun. This means you still run the risk of burning quickly.
5. Sunscreens always last
It is often thought that you can use sunscreen indefinitely or even longer than its expiration date. What is this really like? When a sunscreen expires, the formula begins to separate. This can change the scent, texture and protection. If you choose to use sunscreen for the time being, there is a chance that your skin will react poorly to the cream or even burn.
6. If you are already tanned, you don't need to apply sunscreen
Maybe you have already gotten a nice tan or are naturally tanned. People who already have brown skin are better protected against sunburn than people with light skin. However, this does not mean that you do not need to use sunscreen. Always apply sunscreen when you expose yourself to the sun. Regardless of whether you have dark or light skin.
7. Sunscreen with factor 50 ensures that I don't get a tan
By applying a factor 50 sunscreen to your skin, you can extend the time you can spend in the sun. It is not true at all that you get less tan, in fact the opposite! It makes the sun's radiation less harmful and it ensures that you stay tanned better and longer.
8. Waterproof sunscreen works best while swimming
The term waterproof in itself is actually a myth. The fact is that if you have applied a waterproof sunscreen, you are protected outside the water. As soon as you get out of the water, the protection is much less than when you have just applied. Waterproof is not waterproof, but only allows water droplets to slide off your skin. If you have already been in the water, rinse off the sunscreen and the protection is much less.
Now that you know the most common misunderstandings about sunscreen, you can safely enjoy the sun, but be careful because too much is not good for your skin. Always apply sunscreen. Preferably with a factor 50 so that you get and stay tan longer and more beautifully. You will find the best in our webshop sunscreens with different SPF levels.
