During our open day, I was supposed to give a presentation about sun protection. But it was so busy that I didn’t get the chance. And honestly? I loved it. Because the fact that so many people are consciously taking care of their skin means we are making progress together. Still, I don’t want to withhold this information from you. Sun protection is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Every day in the clinic, we see what UV radiation can do to the skin. From pigmentation spots and accelerated aging to serious skin conditions such as actinic keratosis and even skin cancer. And to think that much of that damage can simply be prevented – by using a good SPF daily.

How does SPF actually work?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The factor indicates how many times longer your skin is protected against UVB radiation compared to without protection. For example: normally your skin burns after 10 minutes. If you apply SPF 30, it takes 30 times longer – so 300 minutes – before your skin burns. It sounds like a simple calculation, but there is a lot of research behind it. There are two test methods: in vivo (on real skin, in humans) and in vitro (in the lab). The in vivo method is the gold standard, as it best reflects real life.

What many people don’t know is that SPF only tells you about protection against UVB radiation. For UVA, a separate value is used: the PPD. And those UVA rays are the silent culprits. They are present all year round, even on a grey autumn day, and penetrate deep into the skin. There they damage collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and discoloration. UVB is what you feel when you burn – present in spring and summer – and can cause DNA damage that may lead to skin cancer in the long term.

Which skin problems are caused by the sun?

In addition to accelerated aging, I often see pigmentation spots in practice, such as lentigo solaris (age spots), rough patches (actinic keratosis), sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and in severe cases even basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. One in 15 Dutch people will develop skin cancer. And it’s not always just tanning bed users or sunbathers – even on the bike or in the garden, you’re unknowingly exposed to a lot of sun.

So, what can you do?

Daily application is key. Yes, even in winter. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB radiation, SPF 50 even 98%. That may seem like a small difference, but every percent counts. The trick? Use enough – two finger lengths for your face – and reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re outside or sweating.

Did you know… that SPF is actually the best anti-aging cream?

Nothing against a good serum or night cream, but if you really want to invest in youthful skin, start with sun protection. Sunlight is responsible for about 80% of visible skin aging. So, it’s better to apply SPF every day than to try and smooth out wrinkles afterwards.

An extra tip from practice:

At Huidkliniek Parkstad, we sometimes advise skipping your day cream and using only an SPF. Especially for combination or oily skin, using both a day cream and sunscreen can feel like too much. A good SPF often already contains nourishing ingredients – that’s protection and hydration in one.

In the past, we often referred clients to the drugstore for brands like Biodermal. And we remain fans of our top brand pHformula, but at €55 for 50 ml, it’s not affordable for everyone. That’s why we now also offer Dermasence in our range. This brand is skin-friendly, effective, and affordable. And especially the gel variant is a gamechanger. It feels fresh, absorbs quickly, and can even be applied over makeup. Just gently pat it on with your fingers – your foundation stays in place, and your skin stays protected.

Our mission?

We want you to take your skin seriously, but without stress. Good sun protection is a small effort with a big effect. Whether you have dry skin, are prone to pigmentation spots, or burn easily: we are happy to help you find the right product. Because prevention starts with knowledge – and with choosing something that suits you.

So: feel free to drop by the clinic. Ask your questions, try a tester, and let us advise you. Because protecting your skin every day is an investment in a healthy, radiant complexion for the future.

Love, Sanne