What exactly is mineral sunscreen, and which one is right for me? What SPF do I need, and how can I adequately protect myself from the sun? In this quick guide, we answer the most important questions about sunscreens and sun protection so you can optimally protect your skin all year round.
Mineral vs. Chemical Filters
Chemical UV Filters:
Sunscreens use two different types of protective filters: mineral or chemical. Chemical filters penetrate the skin and deactivate the sun's rays. This process generates a slight warmth. Chemical sunscreens often contain substances that are harmful to the environment or irritating to allergy sufferers, such as octocrylene, benzophenones, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, homosalate, or similar active ingredients.
Chemical sunscreen requires about 15-30 minutes of activation time before it provides protection.
Mineral UV Filters:
Here, substances like titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, or zinc oxide are used for protection (often in combination). These sit on the skin and reflect UVA and UVB rays before they penetrate the skin. Our sunscreens contain NO nanoparticles; thus, the substances cannot pass through the skin barrier.
Mineral sunscreen typically requires no activation time, meaning protection is immediate.
Our sunscreens are all free from microplastics, are vegan & Cruelty Free, and whiten little to not at all.
What SPF do I need?
The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is not very significant. Even an SPF of 20 protects against 95% of UVB rays, while an SPF over 50 provides 98% protection. SPF 30 falls in between.
The SPF you need depends on your skin and the environment. If your skin is healthy, not sensitive, and already tanned, SPF 30 is sufficient. If it reddens easily, is sensitive, or has had little sun exposure, SPF 50+ should be used.
In extreme conditions, such as water sports or in the mountains, a higher SPF should be chosen.
However, this does not mean that you can carelessly bask in the sun all day with the right sunscreen. Here too, avoid the midday sun and regularly stay in the shade.
How do I find the right sunscreen?
In addition to the SPF and ingredients, the application method is crucial for choosing the right sunscreen.
We distinguish between sunscreens for the body and for the face, although there are, of course, sunscreens that can be used for both.
Body sunscreens are available in a liquid, oil-based consistency from Amazinc in an aluminum bottle with SPF 30 or SPF 50, or in a typical tube cream consistency from Odyskin. A combined body and face sunscreen is also available from Amazinc in a practical tin, with SPF 30 or SPF 50.
For daily use, UpCircle offers a day cream with SPF 25, or a body butter with SPF 15 from Amazinc.
We also have sun protection for lips, which is particularly important in the mountains or on very intense sunny days.
Sunscreen in mini-format, ideal for on-the-go and precise application, is available from Hello Simple or in a tinted version from Odyskin.
What else should be considered in addition to the right sunscreen?
Wearing sun protection is important all year round. Even a cloudy sky does not protect against harmful UV rays; clouds can even amplify them.
Clothing can also protect from the sun, but it is not 100% protection.
Ideally, stay in the shade or indoors between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, as UV radiation is most intense during this time.
Protect not only your skin but also your eyes sufficiently from harmful rays.
Isn't the sun important for vitamin D production?
Vitamin D is indeed produced with the help of sunlight. However, according to the FOPH, it is sufficient for people with light skin pigmentation to be exposed to the midday sun for 10 minutes in summer, and for people with dark skin pigmentation for 20 to 60 minutes. However, it is better not to stand in the midday sun, but to go outside for a few minutes longer in the morning or evening.
What to do if you get a sunburn?
If you get a sunburn despite all protective measures and it is only mild, you can treat it yourself and support healing. For severe sunburn, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
You should not go into the sun again until the sunburn has healed. You can cool the slightly reddened skin area to get immediate relief. Simply immerse a cloth in cool water and place it on the affected skin area or take a cool shower.
Afterwards, it is important to drink enough and to restore moisture to the affected skin area. For example, with an aloe vera gel or an After Sun Lotion.
We hope this quick guide helps you find the right sun protection for you. We are also happy to advise you personally via website chat or email.
We wish you a wonderful summer without sunburn 😎
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