Summer, sun, sunscreen!

Where do you need sun protection?

Sun protection is always a good idea, but it's especially important in some places. This applies to all locations where reflective surfaces increase the overall exposure to UV radiation. Such reflective surfaces can include water and sand, but also concrete or even snow. Sunlight is particularly intense on beaches because both the ocean's surface and bright sandy beaches reflect the light. UV rays also penetrate the water itself. Therefore, you should wear waterproof sunscreen when swimming and diving/snorkeling. However, its effectiveness decreases during swimming and drying, so sunscreen should be reapplied regularly. A vacation in the mountains is by no means less stressful for the skin in terms of radiation. The higher you are on a mountain, the more intense the UV radiation becomes. Therefore, sunscreen is also important when hiking in mountainous regions. You should even only go into the shade with sunscreen on. Although you'll receive less direct sunlight there, UV light still reaches your skin and can damage it without adequate protection.

When do you need sunscreen?

We generally always recommend sun protection . However, at certain times, using sunscreen is significantly more important.

Firstly, the time of year is crucial. Even in winter, we are exposed to UV light, but the UVB radiation is lower, so less protection is needed. In spring, you need significantly more protection. After the months with less sunlight, your skin is no longer accustomed to intense radiation and can react sensitively to the first rays of sunshine that herald spring. It is precisely then that you should support it with UV protection. In summer, your skin has become somewhat more accustomed to it, but still needs plenty of protection because the UV radiation is simply much higher than in other seasons.

The UV index is usually a good indicator of how many protective measures are needed. Many weather forecasts or weather apps include the UV index and sometimes also provide tips on how to protect yourself from the rays.

Another important factor is how long you plan to be in the sun. If you only go outside briefly or spend most of the day indoors, you need less sun protection than if you're outside in direct sunlight all day. An exception to this is when working near windows or in a car. So, for example, if your desk is right by a window or you frequently drive, you should use sun protection, because the more dangerous UVA rays can penetrate window glass.

Another aspect is skin tone. Skin has a natural protection time, which varies depending on skin tone. It can range from about ten minutes for fair skin tones to 90 minutes for darker skin tones. So, if you have a darker skin tone, you have an advantage and don't need to apply sunscreen until later. People with fair skin tones, on the other hand, should apply sunscreen immediately if they plan to stay in the sun for more than a few minutes.

What properties should a good sunscreen have?

There are many aspects to consider when buying sunscreen. Here are the most important ones to pay attention to:

The sun protection factor (SPF): The SPF rating is often the most decisive factor when choosing sunscreen. For effective protection, your sunscreen should have at least SPF 30, ideally SPF 50. It should also protect against UVA rays in addition to UVB rays. You can read more about the different types of radiation and the importance of the SPF in our article "UV Radiation and its Effects on the Skin".

UV filters: The type of UV filters used in a product is playing an increasingly important role in the selection process. Some swear by chemical filters, others prefer mineral filters, and some like a combination of both. Preferences vary widely. In our Daily SPF 50+ Moisturizer, we use chemical filters. If you'd like to learn more about the different types of filters, please read our article "Ingredients in sunscreens: Which ones are problematic?".

Residue on clothing: Many people fear that sunscreen will leave unsightly white residue on their clothes or even discolor them. However, this is virtually unheard of with modern sunscreens. Our sunscreen can also be used without leaving any residue.

Fragrances: When considering ingredients, it's also important to check whether they contain fragrances. Unfortunately, fragrances in sunscreens can often do more harm than good. Firstly, fragrances can sometimes promote the development of pigment spots. Secondly, they can easily trigger allergic reactions. Often, an allergy to fragrances is disguised as a sun allergy. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid skincare products containing fragrances in the summer and perhaps even forgo perfume altogether. At colibri skincare, we deliberately avoid adding any external fragrances to any of our products to make them as gentle as possible.

How should sunscreen be applied?

It's best to apply sunscreen a quarter to half an hour before going outside. This allows the sunscreen to form a protective film on the skin and gives you time to make sure you've covered all areas. Pay particular attention to sensitive areas and remember all the parts of the body that are easily forgotten or hard to reach, such as the neck, shoulder blades, and ears.

Dosage is key when it comes to sunscreen. Apply the cream generously and don't use too little, as this will reduce the actual sun protection factor. With our Daily SPF 50+ Moisturizer, we recommend applying at least eight pumps to your face, neck, and décolleté. If necessary, use a little more to ensure optimal protection. Other dosage calculations exist, such as 2 mg per square centimeter of skin, two finger widths, or measuring in teaspoons. For extended sun exposure, reapply the cream every two to three hours. Even if the product is water-resistant, its effectiveness will diminish with swimming, perspiration, or simply over time.

Even though we're not talking about sunscreen in the form of cream, good sunglasses are of course an essential part of sun protection, as our eyes also need protection from the sun's rays. A hat or bandana to protect the sensitive scalp is also a good choice.

What can I do to enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen?

The shortest answer to this question: antioxidants (and panthenol). Antioxidants work wonderfully with sunscreens, especially in the form of vitamins A, C, and E. Of course, there are other antioxidants as well. They all have in common that they protect the skin from harmful free radicals produced by UV rays. In addition, vitamins also ensure higher skin hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. This means less water is lost during natural evaporation processes in summer, such as perspiration. As a result, the skin doesn't dry out as easily and doesn't develop fine lines caused by dryness.

Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant and lightens age spots caused by sun exposure. It also mitigates other effects of radiation. UV radiation reduces both cell regeneration and collagen production. Vitamin A stimulates both. However, products containing vitamin A should be used in the evening, as they can also make the skin more sensitive to light.

Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants and thus protects the skin from free radicals. It can slow down collagen breakdown caused by sun exposure and even out existing pigmentation spots.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. Its strength lies primarily in supporting and essentially revitalizing the effects of other antioxidants. Therefore, it complements vitamin C perfectly. Like vitamin A, vitamin E also promotes collagen production. Furthermore, this vitamin restores valuable moisture to the skin.

Another helpful ingredient for sunny days is panthenol. It's often already included in sunscreens because it moisturizes the skin and also has healing and soothing properties. This means it provides immediate relief if damage such as sunburn occurs.

At what time and for how long is sunbathing advisable?

The midday sun is particularly intense and puts a lot of strain on the skin. Sunbathing is therefore not recommended between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Of course, you can still go outside to enjoy the sun. However, it's better to do so in the shade and avoid direct sunlight. Always apply sufficient sunscreen. Hot temperatures are demanding on both the body and the skin, so you should avoid strenuous activities, especially during the midday sun, and take it easy.

Prolonged sunbathing isn't as beneficial or healthy as one might think. The tanning process begins after just 15 minutes, and a mere 15 minutes in the sun covers your daily requirement of vitamin D. Long periods in the sun are stressful for the skin, so it's important to give it breaks; for example, by moving into the shade or going indoors every hour or so.

What can I use as after-sun care?

The most important step before applying after-sun care is to thoroughly wash off any remaining sunscreen. For sunscreen to work effectively, it forms a film on the skin. While this film is essential for protection, it also makes pores more prone to clogging. Therefore, the pores must be thoroughly cleansed first. This allows the skin to better absorb the after-sun care products, enhancing their effectiveness.

Vitamins are also beneficial in after-sun care. Vitamins A and C help the skin regenerate after sun exposure. A combination of moisturizers such as squalane, aloe vera, vitamin E, and panthenol is also recommended. Panthenol's healing and soothing properties make it a popular ingredient not only in sunscreens but also in after-sun care products.

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