Soon it will begin again, the vacation season! The planes will take off again mainly in the direction of the sun. But even those who spend their vacations in this country and treat themselves to regular visits to the swimming lake should urgently take care of their skin. Important sun protection is the be-all and end-all of sunbathing – but what should you look for in sun protection?
What is sun protection?
The term sunscreen refers to all means that prevent the sun from damaging the skin. Primarily, however, this means sunscreens and sun sprays. The term sunscreen refers to all means that keep the sun from damaging the skin. Primarily, of course, this means sunscreens and sun sprays, but also sun protection in the form of appropriate clothing and attention to those times of day when the sun’s rays are most aggressive.
Application, benefits and use
Medically useful and necessary, correctly applied sun protection is in any case. Every sunburn poses a future risk of skin cancer. Experts are sure that 50-85% of all skin cancer cases are already predetermined by sunburns in childhood. Particularly light skin types, redheads and people with a history of skin cancer will always be recommended sun creams with a high sun protection factor (SPF 25+) by their trusted dermatologist. However, sun worshippers should not believe themselves in too much security, because sun protection only protects against the formation of white skin cancer, which is not too dangerous anyway. Unfortunately, the best sunscreen does not protect against the formation of dangerous, life-threatening melanomas (“black skin cancer“). As a rule, sunscreens do not take effect immediately upon application. Their full effect and thus their protection unfold only about 20 minutes after application. Gapless application is just as important here as reapplication after swimming in the sea or swimming pool. Even waterproof sunscreen cannot keep up here. Sun creams and sun sprays can work in two different ways. First, there are the chemical filters (for example, oxybenzone), these absorb UV radiation, but are less recommended for allergy sufferers. Sunscreens with physical filters (for example zinc oxide, titanium oxide) reflect the UV light. This form is recommended especially for allergy sufferers and small children.
Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical sunscreens.
Sunscreen for application comes in all imaginable variations, fragrances, packaging and price ranges. Most often, sunscreen is purchased at drugstores at affordable prices. Special preparations, such as those with a particularly high sun protection factor or for allergy sufferers, can be purchased at the pharmacy. Manufacturers of sun creams and sun sprays are all well-known cosmetic companies, as well as pharmaceutical companies. Manufacturers of natural cosmetics also offer sun protection. Homeopathic sunscreens are rather rare and are rather not explicitly recommended by orthodox physicians. There may be homeopathic remedies to take to strengthen the sun protection. Here it is always advisable to consult a homeopath. Beta-carotene capsules are also said to help the skin prepare for the sun. Here, too, the opinions of experts differ. The most effective protection is still to avoid the direct sun and especially the midday sun and to tan in the shade. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends no more than 50 (protected) sunbaths a year, including extended walks in the sun, of course.
Risks and side effects
There are hardly any risks and side effects of sun creams and sun sprays. However, it is not recommended to use perfumed cosmetics for sunbathing. Creams and perfumes – mixed with sunscreen – can cause allergic reactions and can also lead to irreversible pigment spots after sunbathing. Also, some sun creams can trigger severe symptoms and rashes in allergy sufferers and patients with neurodermatitis. In such cases, a product should be used that is individually recommended by the dermatologist. Anyone who wants to protect their face with sunscreen can run the risk of developing what is known as “Mallorca acne“. This is impure skin on the face, triggered by too many or too rich care products. Sun protection for the body is usually not necessarily suitable for the face, here there are inexpensive special face creams in the drugstore.Side effects of sun-protective clothing can only be excessive sweating. Light fabrics, such as linen or silk, help here.
