We answer all your questions
about sun protection
We answer all your questions about sun protection
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
It is recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours as its effectiveness decreases over time and with sun exposure. Also, if you sweat, swim, or dry yourself with a towel, the protection reduces, so make sure to reapply for proper coverage.
How long can I stay in the sun?
There is no exact safe time, as it depends on skin type, sun intensity, and the sunscreen used. However, we recommend avoiding prolonged, direct sun exposure between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., as UV radiation is most intense during these hours. Even when using sunscreen, it’s important to combine it with other protective measures such as clothing, sunglasses, and hats to minimise sun damage.
Do I need to use sunscreen on cloudy days or during winter?
Yes, absolutely. Even if the sun isn’t shining, up to 80% of UV radiation passes through the clouds and affects the skin, contributing to premature ageing, dark spots, and cellular damage. In winter, snow and water can reflect up to 80-90% of UV rays, increasing sun exposure.
That’s why applying sunscreen every day, even on grey or chilly days, is essential for long-term skin protection.
How long does it take for sunscreen to start working?
It depends on the sunscreen type:
- Chemical: these need 20-30 minutes to absorb into the skin and activate its protection mechanism, which absorbs UV radiation and turns it into heat.
- Physical or mineral: these act immediately by creating a barrier on the skin that reflects UV rays.
When should I choose a mineral sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens are the perfect choice in situations where you need high tolerance and safe protection. They are recommended for:
- Sensitive skin, reactive skin, or dermatological conditions such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, or skin prone to redness.
- Babies and children, as their skin is more delicate and permeable.
- People with allergies or intolerance to chemical filters, especially those with hypersensitive skin.
- After dermatological treatments like laser, peel, or aesthetic procedures, where the skin is more exposed and needs extra protection without risk of irritation.
- Pregnant women, as mineral filters offer a safe option during this period.
- Patients with compromised skin, including those undergoing cancer treatments, with recent scars, or patients on medication or treatments that sensitises the skin and need extra care.
Does sunscreen block vitamin D absorption?
Not significantly. While sunscreen reduces the amount of UVB rays reaching the skin (which are needed for vitamin D synthesis), research shows that a few minutes of indirect sun exposure is enough for the body to produce vitamin D. In addition, you can also get vitamin D from food, so using sunscreen does not represent a real risk of deficiency.
Sold in pharmacies
Laboratorios BABÉ was born in the back room of a pharmacy
more than 30 years ago, among magistral formulas. Since then,
our place has always been the pharmacy, where you are looked
after like no other.
Sold in pharmacies
Laboratorios BABÉ was born in the back room of a pharmacy more than 30 years ago, among magistral formulas. Since then, our place has always been the pharmacy, where you are looked after like no other.