Frequently Asked Questions
1. Sunbed cream
1.1 Is the radiation from a tanning bed dangerous?
The radiation from the tanning bed is no more dangerous than the radiation from the outside sun. The advantage is that the radiation from the tanning bed is controlled, must comply with certain rules and has the correct UVA-UVB ratio. In addition, the tanning time and the strength of the tanning bed are tailored to your skin type.
1.2 Why should you use a sunbed cream?
By using tanning cream, the skin is well cared for and the skin remains hydrated. The cream also ensures that the tan comes faster and stays longer.
1.3 Can I also use my sunbed product for the outdoor sun?
Yes, this is possible if an SPF with a protection factor is used over the sunbed cream. Here you get the best of both worlds, the sunscreen protects you against the sun and the sunbed cream ensures a faster and deeper tan. If you use a sunbed cream without SPF, you can use the cream in combination with sunscreen. The sunbed cream then accelerates the tanning process and the sunscreen provides optimal protection.
1.4 How do I start tanning under the sunbed?
Ask for advice at a tanning salon that is affiliated with the SVZ (collaboration responsible tanning). Build up your tan with a sun schedule, the tanning salon often helps with this. Applying a sunbed cream is much better for the skin than without. The aftercare for your skin is also very important since dry skin does not tan well. There are many different types of tanning creams. Without bronzers, Natural bronzers, Delayed bronzers. This is different for everyone what you like better.
1.5 Can I also use a sunbed cream for the face?
This is possible, but we always recommend a special tanning cream for the face, such as the Smooth Faces. The reason for this is that your face is much more sensitive than the rest of your body.
1.6 How long can you store sunbed cream?
Sunbed cream can be stored until the date stated on the bottle. If the cream is older than this date, the effect will become less and less.
1.7 Do you tan just as much from a tanning bed as from the sun?
Yes, the process is exactly the same. The skin also feels no difference between a tanning bed and the sun. The strength of the equipment may differ, which could mean that it takes longer.
1.8 What is the difference between natural bronzers and delayed bronzers?
Natural bronzers are designed to stimulate the tanning process and create a beautiful base tan, while also darkening the skin naturally, without the use of DHA. Delayed Bronzers are designed for a faster visible result, an extra dark color that lasts longer, even after your tanning bed treatment it continues to tan.
1.9 I suffer from white spots, what could they be?
These are usually pressure spots, where your body rests most on the sunbed. This is easily remedied by lying on your stomach for the last few minutes. It can also be pigment spots and unfortunately there is little to do about that. Some pharmacies have a certain cream for this, but it does not work for everyone. If you are unsure whether it is pigment spots, ask your doctor for advice.
2. Self-tanner
2.1 Does a self-tanner protect against the sun?
No, self-tanner does not protect against the sun. To protect yourself from the sun, you should use sunscreen.
2.2 How does self-tanner work?
Self-tanner works through a substance called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). This is an artificial sugar that reacts in the top layer of the skin, which consists of dead skin cells. This reaction gives the skin a brown color. How brown it becomes depends on the amount of DHA.
2.3 Can you use self-tanner on any skin type?
Yes, this is possible. With sensitive skin, it is recommended to test it to see how your skin reacts.
2.4 How do I choose the right color self tanner?
If you look at the facts, there are not different colors but different amounts of DHA. The higher the percentage of DHA, the tanner you become. Therefore, when buying self-tanner, take a good look at how tan you want to get, and adjust your choice accordingly.
2.5 Can I also use self-tanner with very pale skin?
Yes, this is definitely possible! It is even a good substitute for sunbathing if you burn quickly. If you are very pale, you should make sure that you start with a subtle self-tanner of good quality.
2.6 How long does it take for the color of self-tanner to wear off?
This depends on your skin. It is not due to the operation or quality of the self-tanner. If you look at the average, it lasts about 3 to 5 days.
3. Sunscreen
3.1 How do I use sunscreen correctly?
If you want to protect yourself optimally, make sure that all areas of skin that are exposed to the sun are well rubbed. Never be too frugal, too much can't hurt and little time can be dangerous. If you have applied sunscreen, always wait a while before getting dressed so that the skin can absorb the sunburn. If you don't do this, you may end up with all the sunscreen on your clothes and not on your skin. How often you should use sunscreen is not a matter of time, but how long it is exposed to the sun. If you are not outside all day, but occasionally, you can save the day with 1 application. If you are in the sun all day, it is recommended that you apply sunscreen every 2 hours.
3.2 How quickly can I tan?
This depends on your skin type and the number of times you sunbathe. The pigmentation process must first be initiated and this usually goes faster for someone with skin type 4 than for someone with skin type 2. The number of times you sunbathe and the cosmetics you use are also important.
3.3 Can I blush or burn?
You can turn red from the heat and then there is nothing to worry about. Sometimes turning red can also be an indication of mild burning. Then consult with your sun consultant who will adjust your treatment. A lighter sofa or somewhat shorter sun times. And it is wise not to sunbathe again until the redness has completely disappeared.
3.4 What is the shelf life of my SPF product?
The shelf life of an SPF product is stated on the label: an open jar containing the number of months the product can be kept AFTER OPENING. You can rest assured that the product will provide the protection stated on the label during that period. After that period, the protection slowly decreases.
3.5 How often and how long can I sunbathe?
This depends on your skin type and the result you want to achieve. In general, you come once or three times a week during your build-up treatment and if you want to keep up with your tan, once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
3.6 I am pregnant, can I sunbathe?
In general, this is not a problem, although there is a chance of a pregnancy mask. It is important that you continue to feel comfortable. Listen to your body. If you feel stuffy or uncomfortable, stop sunbathing immediately. From the 7th month, the fetus can see. Avoid too bright light on your stomach by placing a towel over it while sunbathing. We recommend that you always consult your doctor or obstetrician first.
3.7 I am taking medication, can I sunbathe?
This is difficult to answer, because of course there are many different drugs. Some medications can cause an allergic reaction. Although this is usually stated in the package leaflet, it is wise to consult your doctor if in doubt.
3.8 What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This is the factor of how much UVB radiation the sunscreen can have. If you would normally burn after 10 minutes in a day of sun, this will take about 10 times as long with SPF (also known as factor) 10. You can never say this exactly because it depends on many different factors. Think of UV index, time, place on earth.
3.9 My day cream/makeup has SPF in it, can I use it as a sunscreen?
No. A day cream or type of make-up never provides enough protection for sunbathing. This is only protection for short moments in the sun. If you're really going to be in the sun a lot, you just have to use sunscreen to be well protected.
3.10 How do I know which SPF to use?
The amount of SPF you need depends on your skin type and the sun's power. If you don't tan naturally and burn very quickly, always use a minimum factor of 30 and apply yourself more often than usual. If you tan slowly but burn quickly, always use a minimum factor of 20. Do you tan easily and don't burn quickly? Always use a minimum factor of 15. If you hardly ever burn and you tan very easily, use a minimum factor of 10. Whichever factor you use, make sure you always apply sunscreen at least every 2 hours.
3.11 If I mix different SPF, will I have more SPF?
No, this doesn't work like that. If you want a higher SPF, you should use a higher SPF.
3.12 Is it good to burn first and then tan?
No, this is definitely a myth. Every time you burn, skin cells are damaged. The dead skin cells are then shed as quickly as possible. In severe cases, scarring can even occur after a burn. The skin is also extremely sensitive at that time and needs to recover for a long time. You should therefore always try to prevent burning.
3.13 I am very white, can I tan at all?
Yes, this is possible. But most pale people burn a lot before they tan. As a result, the risk of consequences is greater than for people with other skin types. If you are very pale and you are going to sunbathe, make sure you apply a good sunscreen with a high SPF and make sure you do this often.
3.14 When I lay in the sun yesterday I didn't burn, but now the next day I wake up burned. How is this possible?
It can take up to 24 hours before you see the red skin from the burn. If you are in the sun and you see that you are getting a little red, it is advised to get out of the sun immediately and to apply a good amount of sunscreen. After a day in the sun, it is also useful to use Aftersun to properly hydrate your skin.
3.15 Should you put sunscreen over or under your make-up and day cream?
You should apply sunscreen under your make-up. This is because it can then bind well to your skin. Sunscreen, on the other hand, must be applied over your day cream. This is because your day cream will only work if it is applied directly to the skin. It is smart if you choose a water-based day cream because the sunscreen cannot bind to your skin if your day cream is too oily.
3.16 How can I keep my tan longer?
Make sure you moisturize your skin well. Apply Aftersun immediately after sunbathing to keep your hydration at the right level. Scrub your skin before sunbathing, this way you remove the dead skin cells and you get a tan on your healthy skin cells so that it stays longer. Lubricate yourself well! If you burn, you will not get a tan and the brown skin cells that were already there will also disappear due to the peeling.
3.17 Why do children have other protection products?
This is because a child's skin is much more delicate than an adult's skin. Children therefore need other products to have better protection.
3.18 What are the symptoms of sun allergy?
The symptoms of sun allergy are mainly red skin with blisters or bumps.
3.19 How many times a day should I apply sunscreen?
Apply yourself at least every 2 hours. This gives you optimal protection. Also make sure you are not stingy with the sunscreen. If you use too little it can become dangerous, and too much is never wrong.
3.20 Can I still get a tan with a high SPF?
Certainly! You can just tan if you use a high factor. Sunscreen only protects you from burning. So if you rub yourself in properly you will still get a brown skin and it will stay longer and more beautiful.
3.21 How can I prevent sunburn stains on clothing?
If you use sunscreen, make sure you let it soak in before you put on your clothes. If you do this you already have a lot less chance of stains on your clothes.