Summer, sand, sunburn. As soon as the warm days begin, no one can get enough of the sunbathing. We will tell you how to protect yourself and enjoy the sun to the full:
- Sun protection always and everywhere
Holidaymakers, children, street café visitors, sportsmen and, of course, professional workers working outdoors – sun protection concerns all of us. Especially now, when the soothing warming sunrays meet with a rapidly increasing intensity on the sun-drenched winter skin. Even when the sky is cloudy, you are not protected from UV rays. - Keep out of the sun when it is burning from the sky
This is particularly true at the noon, between 11 am and 3 pm UV radiation is at its most intense. Give your skin a rest during this time and avoid the sun. For sports, walking, gardening and everything you want to do outdoors, the morning and afternoon hours are much better! - The sun also shines in the shade
Shadow is the best sun protection. It can reduce the UV radiation by 50 to 95%. However, not every shadow is an equal protection. Thick foliage of trees or shrubs are good and hold more sun than many beach umbrellas. Water, whether by sea or swimming pool, reflects the sun’s rays and intensifies the UV exposure of the skin by up to 90%. - Clothing best protects against sun damage
Clothing protects well when it is dark, tightly woven or tight and unbleached. Materials such as polyester, but also jeans and wool, hold more UV light than thin cotton, linen, silk or viscose. In addition, there are clothes with special UV protection. How good the protection is, depends crucially on how it is manufactured. Some textiles lose a lot of their protection when they are wet or washed. Do not forget a sun hat or umbrella! - Also the eyes need protection
Sunglasses prevent eye damage such as lens dislocation or damage to the retina. Anyone who does not protect his eyes from UV radiation risks permanent damage to the cornea and retina. Think about the lens size when you buy glasses: small, round lenses cause the UV light to fall from the side into your eyes. Also pay attention to the color of the glasses: a brown or gray tint is ideal. Well-protective sunglasses are labeled with “UV-400”, “100% UV” or “CE”.
- Protect your skin with sun protection products – suitable for your skin type
The light protection factor (SPF) indicates how well a sun lotion protects UV-B radiation. For sensitive skin types that prone to reddening, high protection is the first choice (minimum protection factor 30). For dark skin types the average protection class (about SPF 20) is sufficient. In case of doubt, choose a higher protection and do not stay so long in the sun! - Apply sun lotion before you go into the sun
When you apply sun lotion while you are inside, it is already protected when you go outside. Suncreams need no lead time to work! Be generous when applying! This is the only way to achieve full protection. Do not forget your ears, nose, upper lip, scalp, décolleté, neck, shoulders and feet! These “sun terraces” are particularly sensitive to light and are particularly exposed to UV radiation. - Do not forget the re-creaming
When walking, biking and playing ball games you are often exposed to the sun especially long and directly. Ideally protect yourself with a high protection factor and water resistant products. Regardless of the height of the protection factor, you should always reapply. Remember: by swimming, sweating and drying and by rubbing the clothing on the skin, the protection is reduced. - Beware of medication and sun
If you are taking medication, pay attention to effects associated with sunlight. Ask your doctor for safety. - Children’s skin reacts more sensitive to the sun
Children’s natural protective mechanisms of the skin are not yet fully developed. Toddlers do not belong in the blazing sun. Find a shady place for them and dress them according to the weather. Proceed with a good example, so that your child can get used to the right dealings with the sun from a small age.
Every sunburn in childhood increases the risk of skin cancer later.
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