SPF in skincare – protection, advice & best products
What is SPF and why is it so important?
You always see an SPF number on sunscreen products, but what exactly does this mean? The abbreviation SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor . This factor indicates how much UVB radiation the sunscreen can absorb or reflect. UVB radiation causes sunburned skin that becomes red and may peel.
If you would burn after 10 minutes without sunscreen, an SPF 30 cream will extend this time by a factor of 30. That means 10 minutes x 30 = 300 minutes of protection. However, this can vary, because the solar power changes per day or even per hour.
Which SPF should I choose?
On a normal day in the Netherlands, SPF 15 is often sufficient. If you go to the beach or park on a summer day, choose at least SPF 30 and reapply several times a day. You should always reapply sunscreen after swimming or exercising, even if your sunscreen is waterproof.
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Which SPF is right for which skin type?
The lighter your skin, the faster you burn. That's why you need a higher SPF. Here's an overview:
- Children: Always SPF 50 or higher.
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Skin type 1 and 2 (±60% of NL): very light skin, often with freckles, reddish or light blond hair, blue eyes.
Recommendation: minimum SPF 20–30. On sunny days: SPF 50! -
Skin type 3 (±30% of NL): lightly tinted skin, dark blond to brown hair, often dark eyes.
Recommendation: SPF 15–30. -
Skin type 4 (±10% of NL): tinted skin, dark hair and eyes, rarely burns.
Recommendation: SPF 6–10.
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Why is SPF essential for anti-aging?
Solar radiation is the biggest cause of skin aging. By using an SPF daily you protect the skin against wrinkles, pigment spots and loss of elasticity. Anti-aging skincare only works optimally when combined with daily sun protection.
👉 Combine SPF with an anti-aging serum for best results.
Conclusion
SPF is the foundation of healthy skin. It not only protects against sunburn, but also against premature skin aging and skin cancer. Choose the right factor for your skin type and apply it daily. With our sun protection products you will enter the sun well protected and radiant.
