Are the first beams of sunlight in the spring harmful to your skin?
The first sunbeams have been burning on our skin for a few weeks now, the terraces are filling up nicely and the dresses have been pulled out of the closet again. Everyone goes out as soon as the sun starts shining in the spring. Now you may wonder: are the first rays of this spring sun harmful to your skin?
Fact or a myth?
It is a myth that the first rays of spring sunshine are not harmful. After all, your skin is not at all used to the bright sun after a long winter. Sunlight gives off ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays cause skin ageing, wrinkles and spots and UVB rays cause our skin to burn: neither is healthy! If you get too much of these rays on your skin, the chances of getting skin cancer increase.
It is a fact, however, that the UV radiation is weaker in the spring. Your skin slowly gets used to the sun in the spring, so that in the summer it blocks up to 75 percent of the sun’s rays. So in the spring, you run a great risk of skin damage, provided you protect yourself properly!
So how do you properly protect your skin from the sun?
- If you are going to be outside all day, then it is important to apply at least a daily SPF 15 sunscreen. On a very sunny day, SPF 30 is a better choice.
- Don’t forget to grease your face! This is the wisest thing to do all year round. For example, choose a day cream with SPF 15 and especially include this in your skincare routine. 😉
- UVA radiation also radiates through glass. So always apply sunscreen, even when sitting in the car or inside next to a window!
- In the shade or under a parasol you can still get sunburned. The sun also reflects through sand and water, which can cause you to burn faster.
Don’t forget to enjoy the sun! ☺
Love,
Team FITSHE
