We want to enjoy the sunny days. Whether on the beach, in the garden or on a bike tour. But how do we protect ourselves from dangerous UV rays and their risk of skin cancer? With these 9 sun protection tips, you are prepared for the most beautiful season.
In winter, the UV index does not exceed the harmless value of 2, even on sunny days. But in summer, even on cloudy days, there can be a high UV index. So if you want to be on the safe side, first take a look at the UV index on site.
It is also important how long you expect to be in the sun. If you’re out on a bike ride all day or at the beach, you’re more likely to need to protect yourself from the sun than if you’re mostly staying indoors. We are protected from UV rays behind normal window glass in the office and car.
Use a sun protection factor that suits your skin type
But which sun protection factor is the right one for me? It is important to avoid sunburn, as this is an unmistakable sign that the skin has had too much. How high the SPF should be depends heavily on your skin type. Darker types naturally have more protection from the sun. It would help if you had a lower SPF. The lighter the skin type, the higher the SPF used should be.
We know: Every skin is different. That’s why everyone has to find out for themselves which SPF they need. This also changes over time. Immediately after winter, even a dark skin type needs a high SPF. Most people are well served with an SPF 30 in most cases. A higher level of protection can mean that the skin does not develop defenses and thus does not get used to the sun. However, particularly light types or risk groups cannot avoid an SPF 50.
Make sure you have adequate UVA protection
A sunscreen must protect against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays mainly cause sunburn. The sun protection factor on the sunscreen mainly indicates protection against these high-energy UV rays.
Although the lower-energy UVA rays do not immediately cause sunburn, they also damage the skin over the long term, leading to skin aging and an increased risk of cancer. A high level of UVA protection is, therefore, particularly important in daycare with UV protection.
Almost all products on the market now have the UVA seal (UVA in a circle), which means that the UVA protection is at least 1/3 of the UVB protection. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a quick look at the packaging to be sure.
Don’t be stingy with the sunscreen
The SPF stated on the packaging is determined in the laboratory with amounts of 2mg/cm² skin. That’s a lot of cream. If you only use half, you will only get half the SPF, if at all. It is, therefore, important to use plenty of sunscreen and not to be too economical.
Theoretically, an SPF of 30 means you can stay in the sun thirty times longer than without sunscreen. But this time is only theoretical. With sweat, swimming and abrasion, sun protection wears off over time. So it would help if you apply every two hours more often if you are stressed.
Pay attention to compatible UV filters and ingredients
We recommend mineral UV filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are safe and tolerable. We cannot recommend all chemical UV filters. A closer look at the ingredients is, therefore, always important.
But not only the UV filters are decisive for the compatibility of sun creams. Especially those who have sensitive skin should make sure that the creams are fragrance-free. The fragrances react under UV radiation and can trigger phototoxic reactions in the skin and promote sun allergy. Redness and pimples are the results.
Support the skin with active ingredients such as vitamins and antioxidants
No UV filter offers absolute protection. Therefore, we must support the skin in repairing itself and fighting off the free radicals caused by UV radiation. Antioxidants and vitamins that support the skin should not be missing in any skin cream. Vitamin E is a must, but vitamin C or Q10 are also excellent radical scavengers.
Give your skin a break from the sun
Fighting off the free radicals created by the sun is like a boxing match for the skin. That’s why we should give our skin a break after every round in the sun. Just get out of the sun and find a shady spot. Your skin will thank you.
By the way, you can also prevent a sun allergy in this way. This occurs particularly frequently at the beginning of the year when the skin has not yet developed much of its protection.
This also applies to those who like tanning and having a certain complexion. The skin gets the signal to tan after just a few minutes of exposure to the sun. After about 15 minutes, the stress on the skin increases so much that it tans more slowly afterward.
