Before long, the summer holiday is well and truly over and you may want to take a trip to a holiday home or to a warmer destination where the UV index is extra high. It is therefore a very good idea to get a handle on which sunscreens to buy for yourself - and possibly also for the rest of the family. We have tried to describe the advantages and disadvantages of the chemical (synthetic) and physical (mineral) filters.
The chemical and physical filters
In short, sunscreens consist of a physical or chemical filter, or a combination of both. Regardless of whether you choose one or the other filter, they limit the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. There is just a difference in how they do it.
The dangerous rays of the sun
UVA is present all year round, even in the shade and in cloudy weather. And they can also penetrate glass. UVA accounts for 95% of total UV radiation. UVA penetrates deep into the skin layers and can damage our DNA. This is seen in premature aging of the skin (wrinkles) or, in the worst case, skin cancer. They exist in short and long rays - it is the short UVA rays that are the most dangerous. UVB is the sun's ultraviolet rays and is very powerful. It accounts for only 5%.
UV A = A larm watch out for your DNA → skin cancer, UV B = B burnt skin (the worst) → skin cancer and sun allergy.
Physical filter
The physical/mineral filter lays like a thin film on the skin and acts like a mirror that reflects the sun's rays. In this way, it prevents the sun's harmful rays from penetrating the skin.
Advantages of sunscreen with a physical filter
* The physical filter protects against UVA (the short rays and UVB)
* They do not irritate the skin around the eyes
* Does not contain hormone-disrupting substances
* Does not damage the corals in the world's oceans
* Does not penetrate the skin but only sits on top
* Works immediately, so you don't have to wait twenty minutes to go out in the sun
* Good for children and people with delicate skin
Disadvantages of sunscreen with a physical filter
* They can leave a white cast on the skin - this often disappears quickly, however
* They can get a little greasy depending on how much sunscreen is in and which mixture is used
* May be a little more difficult to distribute on the skin
* You have to be extra careful about applying enough sun cream, as the sun cream sits on top of the skin and is therefore easily washed off when bathing and sweating.
* Does not protect against the long UVA rays
Chemical filter
In contrast to the physical filter, the chemical filter does not lie on top of the skin, but penetrates into the skin. In this way, the sun does not reach the lower layers of the skin and cause damage. The chemical sun filters, unlike the physical ones, cannot be seen on the skin, and this may be one of the reasons why some people prefer the chemical filters to the physical ones.
Advantages of chemical filter
* Some people find it easier to apply
* Protects against all the sun's dangerous rays
Disadvantages of chemical filter
* Can cause allergies and be hormone disrupting
* May sting and irritate the eye area
* Contains chemistry
* May contribute to exterminating the corals in the world's oceans
Which factor should I use?
It rarely pays to buy a factor that is higher than factor 30 if you are going to sunbathe in Denmark. If you use a factor 30, you are protected against 93% of UVA and UVB rays and you only get 2% more protection if you e.g. uses a factor of 50. But on the other hand, there is often 50% more chemistry in factor 50%.
When the "base color" has been applied, you can settle for a factor 15, which you must remember to apply regularly. Factor 15 is good to use all year round.
If you are traveling south, and thus closer to the equator, you must remember to lubricate yourself even more times a day. Both because you often bathe more and to be sure that the sunscreen has its optimal strength. It may be a good idea to apply, wait 20 min., and apply again. A small pin with factor 50 is good on the bridge of the nose.
Waterproof sun products
Regardless of whether you choose a sun product that is water-repellent or water-resistant, you must be aware that no product lasts all day long as you bathe, swim, sweat and dry yourself with a towel. There are currently no legislation that dictates when a product can be called waterproof, so it is entirely up to the manufacturer to assess when their products - that is, according to themselves, are waterproof.
For the little ones
There are always very strict rules for sunscreens for children in Denmark, as their skin is more delicate than that of adults. Therefore, sunscreens for children also do not allow chemical filters, as they can cause allergies and are suspected of being hormone disruptors. Feel free to choose a sunscreen for your children that is Swan-labelled, they do not allow endocrine-disrupting substances in children's sunscreen.
Remember - there is also other useful advice in relation to how you can protect your children from the sun's rays - shade and light clothing are also a really good idea. It also applies to avoiding the sun during the hottest hours, between 12.00 and 15.00, and to avoid burns, as this is where the skin really takes damage.