The power of the sun is underestimated by most people. As soon as the first warm rays reach the earth, many rush out lightly dressed for sunbathing. Few are aware of the danger posed by UVA and UVB radiation. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance to find the best possible protection for your own skin type and the appropriate skin care for the summer season.
Which skin type needs which sunscreen?
Finding the right skin care cream for yourself in summer is not always easy. Dermatology distinguishes between four skin types:
- Skin type I is characterized by very pale skin, light eyes, red or blond hair and often freckles. The self-protection time of this skin type amounts to a maximum of five to ten minutes, so that the sun protection factors 40 or 50+ are recommended.
- People with skin type II have blond hair, blue or green eyes and also fair skin. They can stay in the sun without protection for about ten to twenty minutes without symptoms, so a sun protection factor of 25 to 40 is enough.
- People with gray or brown eyes, brown hair and a medium complexion belong to skin type III, whose self-protection time is already 20 to 30 minutes. Here a sun protection factor of 25 is completely sufficient, if necessary also lower values are sufficient. This must find out and decide for themselves the person concerned.
- Creams with a sun protection factor between 10 and 20 are recommended for skin type IV, because this has a naturally dark skin color, in addition to black hair and dark brown eyes. This also means that the natural sun protection is greatest for this skin type; it can stay in the sunlight for up to 40 minutes without protection.
Avoid midday heat
The sun shines at its strongest intensity during midday, which manifests itself not only in unbearable heat, but especially in an extremely increased risk of sunburn or sunstroke. To avoid this danger, it is advisable to stay indoors as much as possible between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or at least in the shade – wearing sunscreen, of course. This can avoid up to 75 percent of harmful UVB radiation.
Wear protective clothing
Ultraviolet radiation is capable of penetrating textiles. Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen to areas covered by clothing as well, and to wear appropriate protective clothing if necessary. This, similar to sunscreens, has a value that provides information on the factor by which a person can be exposed to sunlight for longer. While the sun protection factor for sun creams is usually a maximum of 50, UV protection factors of up to 80 can be achieved with appropriate clothing. This additional measure is especially advisable for sensitive skin types I and II.
Rest for the skin
Contrary to the belief that regular reapplication of cream renews the time spent in the sun, the self-protection time extended by the sun protection factor actually applies once for the entire day. It is true that it is necessary to reapply the cream several times a day if the skin comes into contact with water, sand or sweat in order to restore protection. However, no one who applies sunscreen with SPF 20 twice a day will be able to stay in the sun twice as long. Consequently, it is necessary to give the skin regular breaks in the shade or indoors. The maximum length of stay should never be fully exhausted; especially not in one piece.
Caution with perfume
Certain substances trigger so-called phototoxic reactions on the skin when they come into contact with sunlight, leading to sunburn-like symptoms such as itching or burns. These include, above all, the furanocoumarins contained in plants. Since such or similar plant substances are often added to perfumes, spraying before sunbathing should be avoided in any case. Such poisoning of the skin can cause allergies in addition to burns or, in the worst case, even cause cancer.
Attention skin cancer: examine skin regularly
However, this can already trigger the ultraviolet radiation alone, that is, without additional phototoxic reaction. To prevent it, it is important to see a dermatologist regularly.Even small abnormalities of the skin appearance should be taken seriously, because even inconspicuous marks can already hide a preliminary stage of skin cancer.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent dehydration
In order to protect the skin from drying out from the inside as well, an adequate supply of fluid to the body is essential. Since the largest human organ consists of about 80 percent water and stores about one-third of the total fluid in the body, dehydration caused by high sun exposure and excessive sweating is particularly dangerous. However, oral water intake stimulates the skin’s entire metabolism after just ten minutes, supplying it with oxygen and improving blood circulation. This keeps it firm and fresh. For optimal support of the skin, an intake of at least 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid per day is necessary.
Sensitive skin needs special care
Preventive sun protection is often insufficient for people with particularly sensitive skin. Consequently, these often have to additionally resort to special “after sun” creams, which cool down and relax the skin after sunbathing. However, a cold shower, curd cheese or yogurt also soothe irritations and inflammations of susceptible skin in a natural way. It is also advisable to avoid fragrances, as these additionally stress the skin. Those prone to dry skin should avoid excessive contact with water and soap and use moisturizing wash lotions and creams with natural ingredients.
