Enjoy the sun, but do it safely!
30 April 2025
The sun gives us energy, a good mood and a healthy dose of vitamin D. But too much sun can also be harmful.
In the Netherlands, the number of cases of skin cancer continues to rise, and for good reason: we still too often underestimate the power of UV radiation. Fortunately, you can protect yourself well without having to avoid the sun.
The trinity of Huidfonds
To protect yourself properly, we recommend the trinity from Huidfonds (the Dutch Skin Fund):
Shade: Seek shade regularly, especially between noon and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest. An umbrella, tree or canopy provides protection from direct UV radiation.
Clothes: Wear protective clothing, such as a breezy long-sleeved shirt, a hat or cap and sunglasses with UV filters. Special UV-resistant clothing offers even more protection.
Sunscreen: Always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Don't forget your ears, neck, hands and feet!
Parties involved
Within The Hague University of Applied Sciences, School Programme of Skin Therapy, Relational Care Research Group and Oncological Care Research Group (Centre of Expertise Health Innovation) are jointly committed to sun protection and the more effective use of preventive measures.
Research at THUAS
We are actively committed to developing and raising awareness of more preventive measures. Through research, education and collaborations, we work on innovative solutions and awareness campaigns. Our goal is to help prevent skin cancer and better protect Dutch citizens from the harmful effects of the sun. We therefore also signed the Sun Covenant in 2024, an initiative of Huidfonds (the Dutch Skin Fund).
Our commitment goes beyond awareness. This is particularly important for people with “outdoor” jobs such as painters, construction workers and road workers, but also for young people who chill and hang out outside. Because they are outside a lot, these two groups are at extra risk of UV damage. How can we make sure they are better protected? What preventive tools work best in practice? Researcher Rowie van Drie focuses on these two groups in her PD track.
