Sunscreen with SPF to After Sun: everything your skin needs
The sun is shining, temperatures are rising and you want to enjoy it without a care. But do you actually know what the SPF on your tube means, why mineral filters work differently and when you really need after sun? This article explains it all, from first protection to recovery after the sun.
Why sun protection matters more than ever
Skin cancer is the most common and fastest-growing cancer in Belgium, with more than 50,000 new cases every year. 1 in 5 Belgians will develop a form of skin cancer before the age of 75. That sounds alarming, but here is the good news: a large share of those cases can be prevented with the right sun protection.
Among young people in particular, that protection is still missing too often. Research by the Belgian Foundation Against Cancer among more than 4,000 teenagers shows that 3 in 4 young people got sunburnt at least once last year. Anyone who burns regularly as a child or teenager has a significantly higher risk of skin cancer later on. Dermatologists are clear: sun-safe behaviour should become as normal as brushing your teeth.
It starts with understanding what you put on your skin, and why.
What is SPF and what does it actually do?
Did you know?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and shows how well a sunscreen protects your skin against UVB radiation, the radiation that causes sunburn. SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks up to 98%. The difference looks small, but with sensitive skin or long exposure, that one extra percent counts.
Pay attention to UVA protection too: UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, speed up skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB.
SPF does not tell you exactly how long you can safely stay in the sun. In practice, that depends on your skin type, the UV index, how much sunscreen you use and whether you swim or sweat. The FPS Public Health recommends always using a water-resistant product with at least SPF 30, and reapplying every two hours.
Chemical vs. mineral UV filters: what is the difference?
Not all sunscreens work in the same way. The type of filter determines how your skin is protected, but also what you absorb through your skin and what ends up in the environment.
Chemical vs. mineral UV filters
| Chemical filters | Mineral filters | |
|---|---|---|
| How does it work? | Absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat | Forms a physical shield on the skin that reflects UV rays |
| Ingredients | Oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
| Risks | Oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii and Palau because of damage to coral reefs | Zinc oxide is non-irritating and anti-inflammatory; safe for sensitive skin |
| Effect on the ocean | Not reef friendly; harmful to marine life | Reef friendly and biodegradable with non-nano zinc oxide |
| Rule of thumb | Check the ingredients list for oxybenzone and octinoxate | Choose non-nano zinc oxide for full UVA+UVB protection |
Mineral filters are not only better for sensitive skin, they are also the safer choice for the environment. So no need to take any risks.
So what should you use?
Good sun protection does not have to choose between effective and responsible. You can have both.
What makes a good mineral sunscreen?
- Broad-spectrum protection: protects against both UVA and UVB, so there are no blind spots in your protection
- Water-resistant: stays put when you swim and sweat, so you do not have to reapply after every dip
- Reef friendly formula: no oxybenzone or octinoxate, safe for coral reefs and marine life
- Skin-caring ingredients: shea butter and aloe vera hydrate and soothe the skin during and after exposure
The WONDR Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 combines all of this: 100% mineral protection with non-nano zinc oxide, water-resistant, reef friendly and enriched with shea butter for gentle hydration. Vegan, plastic-free and sulphate-free.
Discover the WONDR Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 →
Why after sun is not optional, but a must
Even with the best sunscreen, your skin needs extra care after a day in the sun. UV rays damage the skin barrier, which makes your skin lose moisture faster. That tight, red feeling after sunbathing is the signal that your skin needs time to recover.
What does after sun actually do?
- Hydrates the skin: ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine restore the moisture balance after the moisture loss caused by heat and UV exposure
- Cools and soothes: aloe vera and bisabolol reduce redness, heat and irritation after sun exposure
- Prevents peeling: well-hydrated skin is less likely to peel, so your tan stays beautiful for longer
After sunbathing, always use an after sun without alcohol or fragrance, because those substances can damage already irritated skin even further. First take a lukewarm shower to remove any sunscreen residue, then apply generously.
The WONDR After Sun contains bisabolol to soothe, shea butter to restore and is free from irritating substances. Gentle care exactly when your skin needs it.
Discover the WONDR After Sun →
Who needs extra protection the most?
Everyone benefits from good sun protection, but for some groups it is especially crucial.
- Children and teenagers. More than 75% of the UV radiation you receive in your lifetime, you get before the age of 18. Every burn at a young age raises the later risk of skin cancer. SPF 50 is the norm for children, not the exception.
- People with fair skin. Lighter skin types burn faster and have less protection from melanin. A higher SPF and regular reapplication is essential, even on cloudy days.
- Swimmers and athletes. Water, sweat and friction from clothing or towels break down the protective layer. A water-resistant formula and regular reapplication is the only way to stay properly protected.
- Anyone outdoors. Up to 80% of UV radiation passes through clouds. So protection matters on cloudy or cool summer days too, and even in the shade you cannot fully escape UV radiation.
How do you apply sunscreen correctly?
Good news: it is not complicated, but there are a few pitfalls almost everyone falls into.
- Apply 20 to 30 minutes before you go into the sun. Applying early gives the sunscreen time to bond properly to your skin.
- Use enough. Most people apply too little, so the protection factor ends up lower in practice. Count on at least 30 ml for the whole body per application.
- Do not forget the forgotten spots. Ears, neck, the tops of your feet and the skin around your eye sockets are routinely skipped. Those are exactly the places where people burn most often.
- Reapply every two hours. After swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel: always reapply. Even water-resistant formulas do not last forever.
Always combine sunscreen with seeking shade between 12 and 15 hrs, a hat and light clothing. Sunscreen is your last line of defence, not the only one.
