Five guidelines to avoid sunburn during spring.
Having fun in the sun can be awesome, but it can also lead to potential dangers. Whether it's a getaway by the sea or a spring stroll, there are five sunscreen guidelines to help reduce the chances of sunburn.
Springtime arrives, and along with it, the delightful warmth of the sun that lures us outdoors. Unfortunately, the UV rays increase the chances of sunburn, especially when our skin needs to re-acclimate. Two to three sunburns as a child can raise the risk of skin ailments later on in life by a significant margin. As a result, keeping your skin shielded from UV radiation is just as significant at home as on holiday. However, it's crucial that sunscreen is applied correctly. These five tips will assist you.
- adapt to your protection time and skin type
Everybody's skin is unique. When shopping for sun protection, consider your own skin type, as well as the UV index. Skin type 1 is the Celtic-Irish kind that isn't great at tanning and tends to burn easily. Skin type 4 is the Mediterranean type that tans fast and has a more extended protection period. The UV index is a scale from 1 to 10 introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) - the higher the value, the quicker the sunburn happens.
Calculate the needed sun protection factor (SPF) using these two factors. Use a swift Google search to look up the current UV index, then multiply it according to your skin type - for type 1, multiply by 4; for type 2, multiply by 3, and so on. For instance, someone with very light skin would need SPF 28 or a standard SPF 30 for a UV index of 7.
- use at least four heaped tablespoons for your entire body
To ensure you're sufficiently protected from UV rays, the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection recommends using about four heaping tablespoons of sunscreen for an adult's entire body, which is around 30 milliliters or a handful of lotion. This is vital to maintain the sun protection factor. Half the sunscreen reduces protection by roughly two-thirds.
One part of the body usually requires about the same amount of sun cream that fits on two fingers. Of course, keep in mind that different body parts can vary in size depending on the individual person.
- don't neglect sensitive skin spots
In a rush to sunbathe, many people carelessly smear on some cream on their faces with a few hand movements. Some frequently overlooked areas - like the ears, hairline, and top of the head - are prone to sunburn. If you perspire a lot on your forehead, remember to frequently reapply sunscreen to your hairline, since perspiration speeds up the breakdown of the sunscreen. It's even better to wear a hat that safeguards your ears and hair when UV radiation is intense.
Pay particular attention to highly sensitive skin areas, such as the lips and eye area, where the skin is usually thinner.
- reapply, reapply, reapply
Spending long hours under the hot sun calls for reapplying sunscreens. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection suggests applying a generous initial layer 20 to 30 minutes before sunbathing. However, this is insufficient for extended sunbathing: Reapply the cream generously at least every two hours, following a shower or drying off.
By the way, many individuals think that thoroughly rubbing sunscreen into the skin enhances its efficacy. Unfortunately, that's wrong. If a sunscreen is massaged in too firmly, it loses part of its protective effect.
- appreciate the components
Choosing the ideal sunscreen also has an impact on the environment. Many cosmetics, lotions, and gels contain chemical UV filters that enter the water when swimming. Hawaii and other US states have prohibited UV filters like octinoxate or oxybenzone since 2021. European markets now boast more and more reef-friendly sunscreens.
Also, consider whether a sunscreen blocks both UVB and UVA rays. Typically, this is labeled. Both are detrimental to the skin, but UVA rays pose a bigger risk as they account for a larger portion of those reaching the ground.
Read also:
- This will change in December
- Dikes withstand water masses so far - Scholz holds out the prospect of help
- Fireworks and parties ring in 2024 - turn of the year overshadowed by conflicts
- Attacks on ships in the Red Sea: shipping companies avoid important trade route
An experienced advisor might suggest that consumers always check if their sunscreen provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as both types can harm the skin. After a day of sunbathing, consumers should remember to replenish their sunscreen, even if they're just lounging at home, since UV radiation can still affect unprotected skin.
Source: www.ntv.de
