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Tips for UV protection

In principle, skin that has not been exposed to the sun for a long time should always be slowly accustomed to prolonged sun exposure. Stay in the shade for the first few days. Avoid sunburn at any rate! The best way to achieve this is to use sun protection measures that correspond to your skin type, and to observe the following sun protection rules:

1. Avoid blazing sun!

Avoid exposure to blazing sun! When the sun is at its highest at midday, the effect of the sun is several times greater than in the morning or afternoon. For outdoor activities, use the UV Index (UVI), and protect your children accordingly. The UV Index can be found, for example, in the weather report or on the Internet. Please note, however, that UV exposure may be higher than indicated by the UVI because of reflections from snow, sand, and water.

2. Get dressed!

The best and simplest protection is achieved with clothing and headgear. Clothing with protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is recommended in some cases. The headgear should also protect the ears and neck. The shoes should cover the bridge of the foot.

3. Protect your eyes!

Sunglasses prevent eye damage such as lens opacity (cataract formation) or damage to the retina. With regard to the UV filter effect, there are no concerns about using low-priced glasses from reputable dealers, provided that they have a manufacturer’s note on absolute UV protection (UV 400) and sufficient side protection.

4. Apply sunscreen!

Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all uncovered areas of the body. A sun protection factor of at least 30 is recommended for children and at least 20 for adolescents and adults. A very high sun protection factor (50+) should be chosen for sensitive skin (e.g. skin type I), in midsummer and in southern countries. Use sunscreen with UV-A and UV-B filters and apply plenty of sun screen 30 minutes before sun exposure. Apply sunscreen several times per day. Attention: Re-application does not extend the protective effect. It only maintains it.

5. Protection when swimming!

Water reflects the UV radiation and thus intensifies its effect. That is why shoulders, chest, and back should be covered with a T-shirt, or special UV swim wear should be worn. Especially after being in the water, sunscreen should be reapplied in order to maintain its protective effect.

6. Do not mix medication/cosmetics and sun!

When taking medication, watch out for side effects associated with sunlight. To be on the safe side, ask your doctor beforehand. Cosmetics, deodorants, and perfumes should not be used when sunbathing. There is a risk of permanent pigmentation disorders.

7. No sunbeds!

The use of sunbeds means additional UV irradiation in addition to the natural UV exposure. Pre-tanning in a sunbed before a vacation does not lead to a considerable increase of the self-protection of the skin. The additional UV exposure only damages the skin. Allow your skin time to get used to the sun, and stay in the shade for the first few days.

8. Protection for children!

Babies do not belong in the blazing sun. Keep them in a shady place, and dress them for the sun. Sunscreen should be avoided in the first year of life. The consistent application of all sun protection rules is mandatory for children. Children and adolescents up to the age of 18 are not allowed in a solarium under any circumstances – this is prohibited by law in Germany.

9. Set a good example!

Set a good example so that children get used to the right way of handling the sun from an early age.

State of 2022.03.29

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