The sun is a source of life on earth with its power and energy. Knowledge about the healing powers of the sun originated in ancient times. Ancient cultures worshipped the sun for these reasons. The effects of the sun on the body, both positive and negative, should not be underestimated.

Benefits and disadvantages of the sun

Influenced by the sun, the body produces endorphin. This hormone has a positive effect since it gives a feeling of joy and you gain more energy. In addition it is known to have a positive influence on the hormonal system.
Influenced by the sun, the skin produces vitamin D. Vitamin D ensures the intake of calcium and the buildup of bone tissue. It is valuable for the growth of young bones in developing children en strong bones.
Relaxes the muscles

Can cause sunburn. Sunburn equals skin damage
Can age the skin: a weaker, less elastic and rigid skin and more wrinkles
Can cause skin cancer including a melanoma

What is sunlight?

The sun sends out different kinds of rays. Of these rays the followings reach the earth’s surface:

Infrared light: not visible but tangible as warmth
Visible light: this enables us to see colors in our environment
Ultraviolet light: UVA and UVB rays are not visible to the naked eye

UV radiation
UVA penetrates deep into the skin and can cause damage to the connective tissues. The skin will lose elasticity with premature skin ageing and wrinkles as a result. Skin damage caused by UVA radiation can lead to skin cancer in the future. UVA radiation is also known to cause sun allergies.

UVB radiation does not penetrate as deeply into the skin and is the primary cause of sunburn.

The strength of the ultraviolet light depends on the circumstances:

The time of day
Your location; for example the strength is higher around the equator and in the mountains
Overcast and fog lets approximately 80% of the UV radiation through
Shade and reflection; the fabric of a parasol can let approximately 50% of UV radiation through and sand and snow reflect UV radiation

Tanning
The skin contains a pigment called melanin. This is the natural protection against UV radiation. Discoloration of the skin is called pigmentation. When spending an extended period in the sun, you will notice a slight tan. This pigmentation is short-lived and will offer no protection against UV radiation. The temporary pigmentation is a result of UVA rays. Only after 3 days of prolonged exposure to sunlight, melanin is produced resulting in a tanned skin.

Skin types

The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates the factor by which you can remain in the sun longer. It extends the protection time. The maximum amount of time in the sun also depends on the strength of the sun, the time of day and your geographical location. The amount of sunscreen you use also determines the true SPF applied to the skin. If you apply an insufficient amount of sunscreen, you basically apply less SPF. Therefore, generously apply sunscreen to the skin.

Aqua, Octocrylene, Alcohol, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cetearyl Isononanoate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Mica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Palmitoyl Dihydroxymethylchromone, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Carbomer, Disodium Uridine Phosphate, Ethyl Ferulate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77891

Aqua, Octocrylene, Alcohol, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Palmitoyl Dihydroxymethylchromone, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Carbomer, Disodium Uridine Phosphate, Ethyl Ferulate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone

Aqua, Glycerin, Alcohol, Neopenthyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Panthenol, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Lactoperoxidase, Cyclohexasiloxane, Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Superoxide Dismutase, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Menthyl Ethylamido Oxalate, Parfum, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Trehalose, Urea, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Salicylate

Skin type 1
Burns easily, (almost) does not tan.

Light skin, often freckles, reddish or light blond hair, light colored eyes.

Own protection time
3 – 10 min.

Minimal SPF
30

Skin type 2
Burns easily, tans slowly.

Light skin, blond hair, light eyes.

Own protection time
10 - 20 min.

Minimal SPF
20

Skin type 3
Rarely burns, tans easily.

Light tinted skin, brown towards dark hair, rather dark eyes.

Own protection time
20 – 30 min.

Minimal SPF
15

Skin type 4
Almost never burns, tans very easily.

Tinted skin, dark hair, dark eyes. Mediterranean and Asian types.

Own protection time
Approx. 45 min.

Minimal SPF
10

Own protection time x SPF = New protection time

Heavy perspiration and swimming and toweling off can influence the new protection time. Look closely at the User instructions and the Sunbada Sunbathing tips for safe and responsible sunbathing.