Sun Care
Products
Broad Spectrum Hydration Serum SPF 50+
Lightweight facial serum with SPF 50+ from the DOCTOR BABOR Solar Defense line. Protects against UVA, UVB, blue light, and infrared rays; moisturizes with squalane, panthenol, and glycerin; and is fragrance-free. For all skin types, 30 ml.
Broad Spectrum Mineral Invisible Balm SPF 30
Mineral sunscreen for the face from DOCTOR BABOR Solar Defense: SPF 30 with zinc oxide only (non-nano), protection against blue light and infrared rays, 4% Pro-Vitamin D Antiox Ferulic Complex, and ectoine. Fragrance-free, lightweight texture. 50 ml.
Sun protection only works if there is enough of it on your skin. The SPF on the tube doesn’t help much if you use too little or haven’t reapplied for hours.
What does the sun protection factor (SPF) mean?
It says how well a product protects against UVB, the radiation that causes sunburn. In testing, SPF 30 blocks around 97 per cent of it and SPF 50 around 98 per cent. Whether a product also protects enough against UVA, which ages the skin, is shown by the UVA logo in a circle: UVA protection is then at least a third of the SPF.
| Label | Means | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SPF 30 | blocks about 97 % of UVB | everyday, city |
| SPF 50+ | blocks about 98 % of UVB | mountains, snow, beach |
| UVA in a circle | UVA protection at least 1/3 of SPF | against skin ageing |
| water-resistant | keeps some protection after swimming | reapply anyway |
How much sunscreen do you need?
More than most people use. Products are tested at 2 mg per square centimetre of skin; for face and neck that is about half a teaspoon. A thin layer gives much less protection than the label states. Reapply after swimming, sweating or towelling off, and otherwise every two hours.
What should you look for when buying?
The filters. Mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are usually well tolerated but can leave a white cast. Chemical filters are invisible on the skin. For the eye area and sensitive skin, many people choose mineral filters.
Frequently asked questions
In the mountains and in snow, yes. Snow reflects up to 80 per cent of UV radiation, and UV radiation gets stronger the higher you go. On the slopes, protect your face, ears and lips.
As long as the open jar symbol says, often 12 months. Last year's leftovers often protect less, especially if the tube sat in the heat. If it smells off or separates, throw it out.
Rarely. To get the stated protection you would need the same amount as with sunscreen, and hardly anyone wears make-up that thick. Apply sunscreen first, make-up on top.
Still unsure? We will reply within 24 hours. Write to us directly.