Natural Sun Protection

The sun has both marvellous beneficial effects on our bodies and well-being as well as also having potentially harmful effects when it is overused.

• Our feel-good hormones, like Serotonin, are impacted by the sun, boosting our spirits and energy levels.

• With just a short sun exposure to parts of the skin, only 5 to 10 minutes, two to three times a week, the body can make the very valuable hormone Vitamin D. This is used for the health of our bones, teeth and immune system.

• Controlled, moderate sun exposure can also give the skin a healthy glow.

• Also it can be helpful in controlling some skin conditions like psoriasis.

We should find a balance, as both short-term and long-term damage can occur.
  UV rays initially trigger a protective response: The skin produces the pigment melanin, which darkens it and causes tanning. This tanning is the skin's own protection – however, the skin needs several days of regular, low UV exposure to build up this protection. Overexposure to UV rays can cause sunburn.

Studies have shown that UV radiation is responsible for up to 80% of visible skin aging, including wrinkles, sagging, small blood vessel damage and pigmentation changes. There are also skin rashes and sunlight allergies. It also directly attacks the DNA in skin cells and can cause skin cancers, which can appear years later. UV light also leads to the formation of radicals, which can cause damage to proteins and lipids.

Too much sun risks causing burns, aging, and cancer, – while safe and moderate exposure supports vitamin D, Serotonin and your mood.

Protecting your skin with sunscreen is crucial to getting these wonderful and necessary effects while simultaneously preventing the harmful ones. (Skin Cancer Foundation)

The effects of the sun vary from person to person, but anyone can get sunburnt and be effected by premature aging. Effects vary by skin type, body area exposed, location, latitude, season, time of day, and reflection – sand, snow, and water. Don’t forget being indoors near windows, or in cars, as UVA travels through windows.

For most people, short (10-30 minutes), regular sun exposure a few times a week is sufficient e.g. to maintain healthy vitamin D levels and achieve the skin’s natural protection.

Sunscreen is your trusted companion for carefree moments outdoors, shielding your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Always opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 – even on cloudy days, as your skin is still exposed to UV radiation.

And remember, sunscreen is only one part of being sun-smart.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn SPF indicates how many times the skin's natural protection time can be extended to prevent sunburn. With a self-protection time of 10 minutes, you could, for example, stay in the sun for 300 minutes with SPF 30 before getting sunburned.

However, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, so it’s important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields against both UVA and UVB – like the Weleda UV Glow Fluid. Proper application and regular reapplication are also crucial to ensure the SPF works effectively.

The sun accelerates skin aging by damaging the structural proteins collagen and elastin, which are responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the dermis, causing wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity in the long term, while UVB rays contribute to surface damage like sunburn, DNA mutations and increased and uneven pigmentation. Both can contribute to skin cancer. Research shows that only 10-20% of skin aging is genetic, meaning you have significant control over how your skin ages. Thus lifestyle choices, including sun protection, play a significant role in protection and preserving your skin decades to come.

  https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/skin-aging-genetic-nuances/1000
 

Yes, sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine, regardless of the weather. UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, causing damage even on overcast days. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to often-overlooked areas like your neck, ears, and hands for complete protection. The Weleda UV Glow Fluid SPF 30 is an excellent choice for daily use. Its lightweight, mineral-based formula provides instant UVA/UVB protection while nourishing the skin with moringa oil and light-reflecting pigments. It hydrates for 24 hours, is fragrance-free and leaves no white cast, making it perfect for all skin types, even suitable for sensitive skin.

Yes, your skin can still produce enough vitamin D with sunscreen. Previously, it was thought that sunscreens that prevent UV radiation from reaching the skin will inhibit the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin . However, recent studies have shown that for most healthy people, using broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 is unlikely to cause vitamin D deficiency as long as there is some regular outdoor exposure

Passeron T, et al. Sunscreen photoprotection and vitamin D status. Br J Dermatol. 2019; 181(5):916-931; PMID: 31069788 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31069788

One of the explanations is that some of the sun’s UV rays always reach your skin. SPF 30 keeps out 97 percent of UV rays. This leaves 3 percent of solar UVB reaching your skin.

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d/:

https://www.cancer.org.au/media-releases/2025/new-research-on-vitamin-d-and-sunscreen-empowers-australians-to-be-sun-safe

Absolutely! The Weleda UV Glow Fluid SPF 30 is specifically formulated for daily use. Enriched with moringa oil and glow pigments, it hydrates the skin for 24 hours while delivering a natural, radiant finish. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and leaves no white cast. Make it your go-to product for a glowing, protected complexion every day.

Mineral sunscreens, like the Weleda UV Glow Fluid, use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block and reflect UV rays. They work immediately upon application. Some chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, requiring about 20 minutes to activate. Mineral sunscreens are often preferred for their skin-friendly formulations and immediate effect.

Mineral sunscreen works by creating a physical shield on the surface of your skin that reflects and scatters UV rays before they can penetrate. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) act like tiny mirrors. They provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and are often well-tolerated by sensitive skin. Because they start working immediately upon application, there’s no waiting time before sun exposure.

Mineral sunscreen forms a physical protective layer on the skin that reflects UV rays. However, when makeup is applied over it, this protective layer can be mechanically disrupted. This means that the sunscreen may no longer be evenly distributed on the skin, potentially reducing its protective effect. Especially with makeup products that are heavily blended or worked into the skin, the mineral sunscreen can be partially removed.

To minimize the impact on the protective effect, we recommend allowing the sunscreen to absorb well and then carefully applying powder makeup without rubbing or stressing the skin excessively.