Tips for UV protection

Source: Anna/Stock.adobe.com

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, and protect your children accordingly. The UV Index can be found, for example, in the weather report or on the Internet. Please note that the UV exposure may be higher than the UV Index indicates due to reflections from snow, sand and water and bright surfaces such as bright, dazzling house facades, asphalt or light-colored sand surfaces.

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 and shade the eyes. The shoes should cover the back 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 sunscreen carefully and generously to all uncovered areas of the body half an hour before going outside. A sun protection factor of at least 30 (high protection) is recommended. Stays at high altitudes, on snow, on and in the water and in sunny regions require a sunscreen with SPF 50+ (very high protection). Very high protection is also recommended for children, UV-sensitive people and people with skin types I and II. Use a sunscreen with UV-A and UV-B filters. Reapply several times a day. Caution: Reapplying sunscreen does not prolong the protective effect. It only maintains it.

5. Protection when swimming!

Water reflects UV radiation, which increases the radiation and its effect. T-shirts and swimming trunks or special UV swimwear offer protection. Uncovered skin should be carefully and generously covered with sun screen half an hour before bathing. After spending time in the water, uncovered skin should be reapplied with sun screen to maintain the protective effect.

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 staying in the sun. There is a risk of permanent pigmentation disorders.

7. No sunbeds!

Using sunbeds means additional exposure to UV radiation on top of natural UV radiation, which only further damages the skin. Due to the clear health damage caused by UV radiation, the use of sunbeds is strongly discouraged both nationally and internationally. Pre-tanning in a solarium before going on vacation does not lead to a significant increase in the skin's own protection and does not protect against sunburn.

8. Protection for children!

Infants 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.