Basic Recommendations for Sun Protection

With this advice table, it is easy to determine the suitable individual sun protection factor you based on your skin's sensitivity to the sun (skin pigmentation) and the radiation intensity.

Correct Use of Sunscreens

 

  • At the beach you often see people putting on sunscreen after they arrive, but sun protection products need at least 30 minutes to develop their protective potential, as the chemical filters must first bond to the horny layer. The result for the user is a sunburn despite sunscreen application. It is especially important for people with skin types I - III to apply sunscreens at least 30 to 45 minutes before sun exposure.

 

 

  • Shadow as a sunblock? Assuming that shade or a beach umbrella guarantees complete protection from UV radiation can lead to a painful sunburn. The reason is that scattering of shorter wavelengths is very pronounced, giving the skin too high a dose of UV radiation even without being in direct sunlight. The "shadow rule” is very important to remember for UV protection of the skin: If your shadow is shorter than you are, then there is a danger of UV-induced skin damage.

 

 

  • Water - protection by cooling? The widely held belief that being under water protects you from UV radiation is a misconception: Even one meter below the water’s surface the intensity of UVB radiation is still almost 50%, which means a sunburn can occur even here. The cooling effect of water can also mask pain.

Golden Sun Rules for Sensitive Sun Protection

 

  • Extensive sun exposure at peak hours between 11 a.m. and 3. p.m. and direct sun should be avoided.
  • Apply sun protection products generously before sun exposure and re-apply every two hours - especially after sweating, swimming and towelling.
  • Do not expose babies and small children under 3 years of age to direct sunlight.
  • Regard your phototype.
  • Overexposure to the sun is a serious health risk, especially for small children. Use high sun protection factors and cover-up with protective clothes, sun hat and sun glasses.
  • After peelings and laser treatments and in case of drug-induced photo-sensitisations, avoid sun and use very high sun protection factors (SPF 50+).