The sun’s intensity is high in the Netherlands, reaching a UV index of 8 on cloudless days, posing a risk of sunburn in as little as ten minutes for unprotected skin. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) publishes daily forecasts, and this ‘very high’ category necessitates caution.

The sun’s intensity is highest between 12 PM and 3 PM, making it advisable to limit sun exposure during these hours.

Sunlight’s impact on health is a balance: it aids vitamin D production, essential for calcium and phosphate absorption. However, excessive exposure leads to skin damage, premature wrinkles, and increased skin cancer risk. One in five Dutch people may develop skin cancer due to past sun exposure habits.

Sunscreen’s SPF indicates how much longer one can stay in the sun without burning, compared to unprotected skin. The Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) recommends reapplying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every two hours on a summer day. Darker skin offers slightly more protection, equivalent to an SPF of 3 to 5.

Water-resistant sunscreen retains at least half its strength after 40 minutes in water, but reapplication after swimming and drying off is still necessary.

Within Europe, sunscreen ingredients undergo strict evaluation, and there’s no evidence suggesting approved substances are harmful. Natural sunscreens based on minerals aren’t necessarily superior, while plant-based alternatives may offer insufficient protection.

An expensive sunscreen doesn’t guarantee better UV protection than a cheaper one; the key is to apply it liberally and frequently. A shot glass full for the entire body is a good guideline. Outdated sunscreen may have reduced effectiveness, especially if the bottle has been opened and exposed to sunlight.