Like the weather sometimes crazy – Summertime is sunny time. Whether at home or on holiday, sun protection becomes and important topic before the summer holidays.
If the sun smiles from the sky, we smile too. It strengthens us mentally as well as physically. A slight tan cheats off the irregularities of our complexion, we appear younger and fitter. In addition, our body needs sunlight to produce vitamin D, which we need for example, for healthy bones, strong teeth and thick hair.
Unfortunately, sunlight dries our skin and promotes wrinkling. Sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer. Thus one should follow a few things, so that the sun doesn’t become our enemy but a lifetime friend.
Tip No. 1: Choosing the SPF
The sun protection factor (SFP) indicates how long beyond the skin’s self-protection one is protected against sunburn. Thus a sun cream with SPF 20 extends the protection twentyfold. The skin’s self-protection depends on the skin type. – the lighter the skin, the less the self-protection and the higher the chosen sun protection factor.
Tip No. 2: Determine the skin type
Based on the colour of the eyes, hair and skin we differentiates 6 different skin types with varying levels of self-protection time: Type 1: approx. 10 min, Type 2: approx. 20 min, Type 3: approx. 30 min, Type 4: approx. 45 min, Type 5: approx. 60 min, Type 6: approx. 90 min.
For more information on the different skin types click here.
Tip No. 3: Apply cream correctly
Apply the sun cream as early as possible. Most sunscreens need approx. 30 minutes of exposure before enabling reliable protection. Apply a good amount of cream and repeat the application regularly. The protection gets lost on towels and clothing by sweating or swimming.
Tip No. 4: Need getting used to
Start slowly and allow your skin to get used to the sun. At the beginning of sun bathing, the time should be as short as possible, start with five minutes, then ten and afterwards, stay in the shade.
Tip No. 5: Extra face care
The facial skin is extremely sensitive as it is exposed to the sun for a longer period. Whilst the body is protected by clothes, the face, neck and décolleté usually remain unprotected. Since UVA rays accelerates the skin aging you should apply SFP 50 here. Sun creams and hyaluronic acids keep the skin firm.
Tip No. 6: Clothing protects
The more the sun is shining the fewer clothing people wear. That is a mistake as clothes protects the skin. Mind: man-made fibres enable a higher UV-protection than cotton, but not as breathable. The darker and lighter the material, the less UV-ray can pass through. Special sun protection clothing with the seal of approval “UV-standard 801” offers more reliable protection. Remember, think “hat” to protect your head as the hair alone is not a sufficient sun protection.
Tip No. 7: Our friend – the shadow
Protected by the shadow we also get tanned. Although slowly but softly and more durable. However, sun protection is also a must, as more than 50 percent of UV-rays pass through sun umbrellas and clouds.
Tip No. 8: Protection throughout the year
In principal one should always ensure sufficient sun protection, the sun in not only shining during summer times, thankfully. It still has a lot power in the autumn when it is set at a lower point. This is also true in winter time when the reflection of ice and snow multiples the radiation. Also in spring, when the skin still is pale and unuse to the sun, sun protection is indispensable. At best, use a facial care containing SPF 15.
Tip No. 9: Children and the sun
The younger the children are the less they should be exposed to the sun. Under 2 years of age it’s best not to. Their immune defence is not yet activated and their pigment production still insufficient. Their self-protection time is zero.
Tip No. 10: And still it happens! What to do with sunburn?
- First of all get out of the sun, best for a few days.
- Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water.
- Take some acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin) in order to prevent from further infections.
- With slightly burned skin, cooling balms are helpful. Preferably use water-based products. Conventional body lotions as a rule are too rich and may lead to heat congestions. Better: After sun products containing Aloe Vera.
- At the pharmacy, a number of OTC products with hydrocortisone and anti-inflammatory effect are offered for cases of worst skin redness.
- Home remedies such as yoghurt, curd or damp compressions (wet winding) have a cooling effect; however their therapeutic effect, never was proofed.
- Never cool with ice packs, this easily causes frostbite.
- If combustion is so bad that bubbles form, please consult a doctor. Likewise, in case of fever or shivering, a circulatory collapse could be the consequence.
Short and important:
- Never expose to the sun without protection, the lighter the skin the higher the SFP.
- In the city, the sun is as strong as in nature – asphalt, concrete and glass facades are as reflective as water, sand and snow.
- Keep yourself in the shadow as often as possible – it is also warm there but with less UV-rays.
- Avoid the midday heat. Stay in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Remember: “Between eleven and three – under a tree.”
