Sun protection and important sun rules

The skin forgets nothing

Sunburn is remembered by the skin for a lifetime. This is because ultraviolet rays penetrate into the deep layers. UVC rays are almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB rays, however, can directly attack cells and DNA, and UVA rays are also dangerous: they cause oxidative stress and thus indirectly cause damage. Consistently protecting oneself from the sun is therefore not only a measure against premature skin aging, but also an essential protection against skin cancer. This has been proven by a large number of publications.

Protective effect

Sunscreens are based on two factors: chemical and physical light protection. So that they can work, they contain on the one hand filter substances that absorb the high-energy UV radiation and make it harmless to the skin. On the other hand, they contain tiny particles that physically block and reflect the light. This dual principle of action protects the skin, provided the product is applied in sufficient quantity. As a rule of thumb for adults, apply about one strand of sunscreen or sun milk at hand length for each area of the body, or 15 sprays in the case of sprays.

Sensible product choice

However, one must choose the product appropriate to skin type, pre-tan, dwell time and UV index. The sun protection factor indicates how much longer the user can stay in the sun in a creamed state without getting sunburned. The individual maximum daily dose can be determined at www.uv-check.de or with the app of the same name. In addition to the self-protection time of the skin type, the weather situation is also taken into account and the appropriate sun protection factor is recommended. But be careful: the duration of exposure should still be limited, because there is no such thing as one hundred percent protection.

Important rules

It is important not to forget the ears, nose and especially the lips when applying sunscreen. Because the red of the lips is sensitive, because here the natural protection of the tan is missing. For this purpose, you can choose care pencils with a sun protection factor. In addition, it is useful to remember some rules. For example, one should generally not expose oneself to the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., since the radiation is highest then. This also applies in the shade and under cloudy skies. Long-sleeved, sun-proof clothing and wide-brimmed hats can serve as protection, provided that uncovered parts of the body are appropriately creamed.

Sensible product selection

Because the skin is still very thin at a young age, special care must be taken with babies and young children. Children under the age of two should not be exposed to direct sunlight, and thereafter only with very good sunscreen. This is because the self-protection mechanism develops only gradually. Australia is a pioneer in sun protection and introduces children to the subject very well. With the slogan “Slip, slop, slap, seek shadow and slide!” they learn how sensible sun protection works: “Slip” the T-shirt over, “slop” the sunscreen onto the skin, “slap” the hat on, “seek” the shade and “slide” the sunglasses over the eyes.

Especially if you have a history of sunburns, regular visits to your dermatologist are so important. During a skin cancer screening, we can see the extent to which the skin has already been damaged. Read more at:

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Skin cancer, prevention and aftercare