'Applying sunscreen should become a routine like brushing your teeth, even when it's cloudy'

Two out of three Dutch people don't think about applying sunscreen when it's warm but cloudy. However, 14 percent of people do apply it on cloudy days, according to new research from research agency Norstat. Metro spoke with dermatologist Dr. David Njoo about this. The skin care specialist believes that applying sunscreen should become as commonplace as brushing your teeth.

Some more figures from the study on sunscreen: 50 percent of young people under 35 don't apply sunscreen when it's cloudy. For those over 55, that figure is 75 percent. Of the elderly, 28 percent also don't apply sunscreen when the sun is shining brightly. And then there's the idea—not from the study, but a widely read opinion on social media—that it's not the sun but sunscreen that causes skin cancer .

Speaking of sunscreen, here's Metro 's article on misconceptions: what's true and what's not ?

It's not so strange if you don't think about applying sunscreen when it's completely cloudy outside. Dr. David Njoo, a dermatologist with his own practice, Skin and Laser Clinics in Amersfoort, and also editor-in-chief of Huidarts.com , warns: "Many people only protect themselves when they feel the sun burning. But even on cloudy days, harmful UV radiation is present."

And the power of UV radiation on cloudy days is prone to being underestimated, Njoo observes. "There are two types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB. You feel UVB radiation, but UVA radiation less so. UVB radiation is strongest between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, but UVA radiation is present all day long and penetrates clouds. Most people are aware of the need for sun protection, because that's caused by UVB. But people forget that UVA is just as harmful, because you can't see it directly."

Doctor, on a day like today—a fairly warm Thursday, July 24th, but with a lot of clouds—do I really need to apply sunscreen? Or is that overkill?

Not an exaggeration at all. Dermatologists' rule is 'apply sunscreen every day.' Strange, right? Many people think you only apply sunscreen when the sun is shining and you can feel it. But by then you're already too late. Visible light and UV rays simply penetrate the clouds. They're present on Earth at a constant intensity. Not applying sunscreen then means a risk of skin cancer ." Njoo sees this last point especially in older men with outdoor jobs like construction workers and mail carriers. "Skin damage accumulates over the years."

So, apply sunscreen every day, according to the dermatologist. "It should become your daily skincare routine, just like brushing your teeth . People never forget that. So put your sunscreen next to your toothpaste."

Do you think it's realistic that people, so to speak, apply sunscreen after brushing their teeth in the morning?

"I'd prefer it that way, but I also know that people—especially those between 20 and 50 with their careers—live a hectic life. When I'm stuck in traffic, I even see drivers brushing their teeth in the car, or shaving. I sometimes get comments that my story and that of colleagues are commercial, but it's not. Applying sunscreen and taking care of your skin is simply essential. We have global warming, there are more sunny and summery days, and air pollution doesn't contribute to healthy skin either."

Can you get other skin diseases besides skin cancer?

"Yes, sun allergies are common. Just like skin aging, dry, wrinkled skin, age spots, and sagging skin. Things that make you feel miserable and make people look in the mirror and think, 'What do I look like, even though I'm only 40?' It's all caused by sunlight."

You already mentioned the word "commercial." Could you explain why you can then apply sunscreen with SPF 20, 30, 50...? That seems like an invitation from the industry to buy everything.

"It's absolutely not the intention for people to buy all those factors. You have to consider your skin type. Someone with a darker complexion will always need an SPF of 30. People with fair skin, on the other hand, should use SPF 50. They are sensitive to the sun. Your head is especially vulnerable, and you only have one face. To be on the safe side, choose the highest SPF sunscreen."

Does dermatologist Njoo also see any positive aspects? Yes, he does. For example, young people grow up with skin influencers who promote skincare on social media. "This seems to give them a better understanding of how harmful UV radiation is," says Njoo. "On the other hand, half of them don't apply sunscreen when it's cloudy, so proper education remains essential."

The expert also believes that women who generally take care of their skin are a good thing. "Many women have a skincare routine that includes applying SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to their face every morning. This is a good thing, because the skin on your face is thinner than on your legs and arms and therefore more vulnerable to skin damage."

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