When we talk about SPF sun protection, you might immediately think of the sun and summer. Did you know that you should protect your skin with SPF all year round, including in winter and indoors? We are happy to explain why.
To begin with, there are three types of ultraviolet radiation, namely:
-UVA radiation: this radiation is present throughout the day and gives the skin a sun-tanned color. This form of radiation can penetrate deep into the skin, damaging the skin's collagen and elastin fibers. Because this form of radiation can penetrate so deeply into the skin, mutations can be caused, which, in the worst case, can lead to skin cancer. This form of radiation therefore causes premature skin aging such as pigmentation and wrinkles.
-UVB radiation: UVB radiation can burn the skin and skin cancer can also occur. This form of radiation mainly affects the outer layers of the skin.
-UVC radiation: these rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth.
The sun's harmful UV radiation is always present. These rays also end up on the skin via the clouds. The skin is thus exposed to harmful UV rays throughout the year, which can damage the skin.
The ozone layer acts as the Earth's' sunscreen 'that absorbs some of the harmful UV rays. During the winter months, the ozone layer is at its thinnest, so the harmful UV rays are absorbed to a lesser extent.
Even in winter, it is therefore important to protect the skin on a daily basis with an SPF. If you do not do this, premature skin aging can occur.
We also recommend wearing SPF indoors. Now that working from home is the norm today and we spend more hours at home on average, you might not immediately think about protecting your skin every day. However, the skin can also be damaged indoors by HEV light, which stands for “high energy visible light”. This light is emitted from the smartphone, tablet, television or computer screen. In addition to this form of light, glass can also damage the skin; UVB rays are absorbed through the windows, but UVA radiation comes through the glass.
At Van Lennep Kliniek, you can find various protective products with SPF. For example, you can opt for a liquid protection factor, but if you don't like it, there are also mineral powders and foundations with SPF. It is important that the SPF is tailored to your skin type. Every skin needs a minimum daily SPF factor of 15 to protect it.
Almost every skin has sun damage (photoaging); you can go to Van Lennep Kliniek for an informal intake interview. During this conversation, a 3D photo will be taken of your skin, and photodamage in the deeper layers of the skin can be identified. Next, we will provide you with a customized skin plan. Through treatments and product advice, sun damage can be addressed and further sun damage can be prevented in the future; prevention is better than cure!
