Skip to search Skip to main navigation Skip to main content
Ordered before 19:00, delivered tomorrow
Brand
Category
 

Sun protection: facts, filters and our Skins Experts' favourites

We often associate the sun with a healthy glow, warmth on the skin and long days outside. Yet it is good to be aware of its drawbacks too. Up to 80% of skin damage is caused by unprotected sun exposure, even indoors and on cloudy days. That is why sun protection is an indispensable part of your daily routine. And it doesn't have to be something purely functional. At Skins, you will find products that combine protection with the benefits of skincare and make-up, or offer a summer fragrance experience. Think tinted lip balms with SPF 50, protective BB creams that give a golden glow and formulas that smell like fresh coconut or piña colada. In this blog, our Skins Experts explain why sun protection is essential, the difference between filters and how to best protect your skin.


Le_rub_all_day_body_sunscreen_skins

Radiance starts with protection

Sunlight has many positive effects. It stimulates the production of serotonin, which boosts your mood, increases focus and a sense of calm. It also increases the production of vitamin D and can help improve certain skin problems, such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. At the same time, prolonged exposure without protection can be harmful. Burns, pigmentation, hypersensitivity and accelerated skin ageing are common. In the long run, this even increases the risk of skin cancer. As UV radiation also penetrates through clouds and windows, sun protection is not only important in summer, but a daily essential.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and indicates how well the product protects against UVB radiation, the radiation that causes sunburn. Yet even a high SPF does not block all radiation. SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 about 97%, and SPF 50 about 98%.

SPF protects against UVB, but UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin and breaks down collagen, requires an additional approach. All the sunscreens in this blog have broad-spectrum filters, which block both UVA and UVB rays.

Classic filters

Sun protection works thanks to active filters that absorb or reflect UV radiation. Classic filters contain ingredients like Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus, which absorb UV rays. The formulas are often airy and absorb quickly, making them ideal for daily use. However, it is important to apply them about 20 to 30 minutes before exposure for them to work optimally. Examples of sun protection with classic filters include Ultra Violette's Queen Screen and Fave Fluid.

Mineral filters

Mineral filters work differently. Ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide form a layer over your skin. This layer reflects about 5% of UV rays like a shield, while the remaining 95% are absorbed. This type of sun protection provides instant protection. Zinc also has anti-inflammatory benefits, making mineral filters very suitable for sensitive skin. However, these filters can have a slightly richer texture and leave a white haze on some skin types. To avoid this, it is recommended to warm the product between your fingers first and then massage it in carefully. Nevertheless, advanced formulas have now been developed that minimise this haze. Examples include Le Rub's Everyday Sunscreen and COOLA Suncare's Mineral Body Spray.

Radiance starts with protection

Sunlight has many positive effects. It stimulates the production of serotonin, which boosts your mood, increases focus and a sense of calm. It also increases the production of vitamin D and can help improve certain skin problems, such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. At the same time, prolonged exposure without protection can be harmful. Burns, pigmentation, hypersensitivity and accelerated skin ageing are common. In the long run, this even increases the risk of skin cancer. As UV radiation also penetrates through clouds and windows, sun protection is not only important in summer, but a daily essential.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and indicates how well the product protects against UVB radiation, the radiation that causes sunburn. Yet even a high SPF does not block all radiation. SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 about 97%, and SPF 50 about 98%.

SPF protects against UVB, but UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin and breaks down collagen, requires an additional approach. All the sunscreens in this blog have broad-spectrum filters, which block both UVA and UVB rays.

Classic filters

Sun protection works thanks to active filters that absorb or reflect UV radiation. Classic filters contain ingredients like Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus, which absorb UV rays. The formulas are often airy and absorb quickly, making them ideal for daily use. However, it is important to apply them about 20 to 30 minutes before exposure for them to work optimally. Examples of sun protection with classic filters include Ultra Violette's Queen Screen and Fave Fluid.

Mineral filters

Mineral filters work differently. Ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide form a layer over your skin. This layer reflects about 5% of UV rays like a shield, while the remaining 95% are absorbed. This type of sun protection provides instant protection. Zinc also has anti-inflammatory benefits, making mineral filters very suitable for sensitive skin. However, these filters can have a slightly richer texture and leave a white haze on some skin types. To avoid this, it is recommended to warm the product between your fingers first and then massage it in carefully. Nevertheless, advanced formulas have now been developed that minimise this haze. Examples include Le Rub's Everyday Sunscreen and COOLA Suncare's Mineral Body Spray.

Le_rub_all_day_body_sunscreen_skins

For sensitive skin

When choosing sun protection, it is important to consider your skin type. For sensitive skin, perfume-free formulas are ideal.

For oily/combination skin

Do you have oily or combination skin? Then choose light formulas that do not clog pores.

For dry skin

For dry skin, hydrating creams with a glowy or satin finish , on the other hand, are ideal.

How to make the most of your SPF

Sun protection only works if you use it properly. For your face and neck, the 'two-finger rule' is a handy guideline: apply sunscreen along the length of your index and middle fingers. Sun protection also only works effectively if you reapply it regularly: at least every two hours and always after swimming or perspiring. Also pay attention to the expiry date, as an expired sunscreen is less reliable.

Always apply your sun protection as the last step in your skincare routine, i.e. after serums and moisturisers, and before make-up. Leave the product on for a few minutes to prevent your make-up from shifting or curling. Especially in summer, you often want to wear as little product as possible. So it is ideal that there is also sun protection that can replace your make-up. Ultra Violette' s Sheen Screen SPF 50 Lip Balm gives your lips an accent of colour and protects with SPF 50. The Rosilliance Mineral BB + Cream SPF 30 from COOLA Suncare conditions your skin, evens out and leaves a golden glow .

Have more questions about sun protection? Contact our online Skins Experts for personal advice.

YOUR SAMPLE BOX

Add five products into your sample box and test the products comfortably at home.

€24