Sun allergy, what can you do about it?

Itchy rash, bumps or blisters caused by the sun. It's a common problem, but that doesn't make it any less annoying when you get it.

How exactly does a sun allergy develop?

Fair skin & tanning bed
With a sun allergy, your skin reacts hypersensitively to UV radiation (ultraviolet) from the sun, but a reaction can also be caused by sunbeds.

If you have a light skin color, red or blonde hair and/or light eyes, the risk of a sun allergy is somewhat greater. Sun allergy only occurs on exposed parts of the body that have seen the sun or UV radiation from the tanning bed [1].

Blisters, spots and annoying bumps that itch usually appear within a few hours of being in the sun (UV radiation behind glass also counts). Fortunately, they often disappear on their own within a few days. You can use a soothing cream for a faster recovery, but prevention is of course better than cure. It can really bother you, especially during your holiday. A sun allergy can develop spontaneously, even if you have never suffered from it before.

Sun allergy and the use of medications
The use of certain medications such as antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungal medications and other medications can also make your skin more photosensitive. Always read the leaflet carefully when taking medication if you plan to go into the sun.

Sun allergy and nutrition
Even frequent use of certain plants, herbs and fruits such as nettle, dill, parsley, celery, figs and citrus fruit can stimulate your allergy [1]. Therefore, also pay attention to what you eat if you have already had a sun allergy to minimize triggering a new reaction.

Prevention is better than cure
Fortunately, you can also do something yourself to prevent sun allergies. For example, by letting your skin get used to the sun, but with a good protection factor. Get out into the sun every day, starting with fifteen minutes and then building up. Make sure you do not do this at the hottest time of the day. Always avoid full sun as much as possible between 12 noon and 3 p.m., when the sun is strongest or when the UV index is highest.

So what is the best sunscreen?
There are very expensive creams and very cheap ones and everything in between. But what are the differences and what should you pay attention to...

The difference in sun protection
The difference lies in the composition of the formulas and caring ingredients. Are the ingredients of synthetic origin or natural? Does the SPF consist of only mineral filters (physical filter), a combination or only chemical (synthetic)? These are all arguments for choosing a product that suits you. If you want maximum natural sun protection and care, you can choose from only mineral filters or chemical filters that are the least harmful to people and the environment, combined with caring ingredients.

Sunscreen with mineral filters
The difference between sunscreens with mineral and/or chemical filters is that mineral filters (often a combination of Zinc and Titanium dioxide) place a thin layer on the skin, without clogging the pores and reflecting UV light rays. Mineral filters are therefore usually most suitable for children's skin, acne, sensitive or impure skin. An added bonus is that these formulas often give off a white haze, which means you have to massage it in longer and more firmly and they are also a bit thicker in substance.

Products with chemical filters are often thinner, spread easier, do not leave a white haze and usually consist of lighter textures. Chemical filters consist of carbon-based organic compounds that are absorbed through the skin and absorb UV rays through a chemical reaction [2].

If you want to use sunscreen from previous years, pay attention to any odor changes, and know that the filters are probably slightly less effective.

Tip: heat and sun have a negative influence on the substance. Therefore, take your favorite sunscreen with you in the cool box and store it in a cool place at home.

Get advice
Using a high-quality sunscreen is important to protect and care for the skin. There are many varieties on the market and sometimes you can no longer see the forest for the trees. Your beauty professional can provide personal advice, based on your wishes, skin type and skin condition.

Nutritional supplements
If you regularly suffer from rashes caused by the sun, you can also protect from within with a supplement based on Teunis and Borage oil, such as the Pretty Woman from Phytocure natural food supplements. These beautiful, pure oils have the ability to prevent skin dehydration. They have a positive effect on female hormones. Finally, essential fatty acids (Gam

ma Linolenic acid) the cell wall, which makes your skin better prepared for sun damage and premature skin aging [3,4].

MinkBC has a wide range of sun products that have been carefully selected to be as healthy as possible for your skin. Every product has its pros and cons, make your own assessment of what you find important. Careful use ensures the right effect. Proper and regular lubrication remains extremely important.

Enjoy the sun but be careful and in moderation.

Love,

Sandra

[1] Damen, Z., & Opstelten, W. (2018, January). Sun allergy. NHG Guidelines. https://guidelines.nhg.org/behandelgids/zonneallergy#full-text

[2] Ten Grotenhuis, L. (2021, May 4). What ingredients are in sunscreen? Consumers Association. https://www.consumentenbond.nl/veilig-zonnen/wat-zit-er-in-zonnebrand

[3] Evening primrose and borage. (n.d.). Information Center for Nutritional Supplements & Health. Retrieved on July 20, 2021, from https://www.ivg-info.nl/voedingssupplements/teunisbloem-en-borage/

[4] Gamma linolenic acid (GLA). (n.d). Information Center for Nutritional Supplements & Health. Retrieved on July 20, 2021, from https://www.ivg-info.nl/voedingssupplements/gammalinoleenzuur-gla/