Sun protection: What you should pay attention to

Finally it is warmer again and life takes place outside. But despite all the joy, one must not forget that the Sonne also has its pitfalls. In case there are still uncertainties about Sonnenschutz – here are a few answers to the hot questions of the summer.

Which sun protection factor is the right one?

Don't want to think and calculate for long? Then take SPF 50. This way you are always on the safe side. However, not indefinitely: Even with the high 50 factor, the skin pigment type and self-protection time play a role. Once you know these, you can calculate the allowable sun time, even with lower factors, accurately.

And it goes like this: The skin's self-protection time is the time you can stay in the sun until the first redness – for lighter phototypes with red hair and blue eyes, this is only about 10 minutes, for brown or black skin it can be up to 30 minutes. (If you have doubts, pharmacies, cosmetic institutes or the Hautarztpraxis can help).

If you multiply this self-protection time by the SPF, you get the time in minutes you are reasonably safe with the chosen sun protection. Apps or smartwatches that also indicate the UV index can also help with the assessment.

Innovative formula with top ingredients: Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream

Sunscreen for the face with ultra-light texture and glow effect: Fusion Water MAGIC GLOW SPF 30 by ISDIN

Preserves the youthfulness of the skin: Super Soin Solaire Visage by Sisley

What does the UV index mean?

It indicates the reference values ​​for UV radiation intensity defined by the WHO. From UV index 3, sun protection is recommended. The higher it is, the stronger the radiation, and thus the Sunburn risk. It is highest between 12 and 3 p.m.

How much sun protection do you actually need?

More is more! For the face and neck: two strips of sunscreen as long as a finger! The rule of thumb for the body: A thick strand, measured from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist. For sprays, it is recommended: about 15 sprays per region, and then spread it well with your hand.

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Does reapplying extend sun protection?

No. The protection is not extended. Only renewed. Because sweating or drying off makes the protection more permeable. The recommendation is: reapply every two hours. This also applies to waterproof sunscreen, which is officially only half as effective after two 20-minute baths. Schwitzen Sweating or drying off makes the protection more permeable. The recommendation is: reapply every two hours. This also applies to waterproof sunscreen, which is officially only half as effective after two 20-minute baths.

Do you tan despite high SPF?

Yes, just slower. However, a tan is actually only a warning sign that the skin is being damaged. Those who protect their skin well can enjoy the sun occasionally. Caution: Don't overdo it, because every sunburn counts and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Smells like Monoi flowers: Dior Solar La Crème Protectrice SPF 50 for the body

Ideal for all skin types: Team Dr. Joseph Solar Defence Body SPF30

Moisturizing Sunscreen Milk: Biotherm Waterlover SPF 50

What is better: cream, gel, lotion or spray?

Choose the version you prefer – then you'll actually use it. In principle: The drier the skin, the more oily the sun care can be. Gel or fluids are suitable for oily or blemished skin. Sprays are particularly easy to apply, especially on hairy skin.

Do you need hats, caps, or T-shirts with UV filters?

Always a good option: hats or caps protect the scalp, especially at the parting or when the hair is thinning. A good complement: non-greasy sunscreens. Fun fact: White Skin cancercaused by UV radiation is most commonly found on men's scalps.

UV-protective T-shirts also make sense, especially if you spend a long time in the water. This also applies to adults. For context: A UPF 50 means that the garment lets through less than one-fiftieth of the radiation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever, so it's better to buy a new one after a few washes.

Vegan, highly effective: made in Munich: FACE SPF 30 by Muti

With healing plant compositions and mineral sun protection filter: DR.HAUSCHKA tinted sunscreen for face SPF 30

Provides intense moisture: ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND SUN ANTI-AGING Sun Cream SPF 50

How do you apply sunscreen?

Always after the skincare routine and before makeup. Tinted sun fluids are practical here as they provide both moisture and protection, and now even keep up with the performance of “real” makeup products.

What do even sunscreen experts often forget?

That UV radiation is intensified by reflection, e.g., from water, sand, or bright surfaces - that's why quite a lot still comes through in the shade. And even half a meter underwater, 60 percent of UV-B and 85 percent of UV-A rays are still effective.

Even the mountain sun is not without its dangers: Radiation increases by one-eighth every 1000 meters of altitude, even in fog and clouds. An altitude where vacation spots Vacation spots often already are anyway. But even on city sightseeing trips, you should always have a tube with you: Here, too, fine dust, which settles on the skin, disturbs the protective barrier.

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Also, scars are very sensitive to light for at least a year – so, if exposed to the sun at all, then only with very high protection. This also applies to tattooed skin: It is more sensitive. If the tattoos are fresh, they must be protected from direct sun for at least 3 months.

And last but not least: The sun doesn't only shine on Vacation, but also at the golf course or children's playground, on the bike to work, or in the convertible!