Sun protection

Soon it will start again, the holiday season! The planes will take off again mainly in the direction of the sun. But even those who spend their vacation in this country and treat themselves to regular visits to the swimming lake should urgently take care of their skin. More important Sun protection is the alpha and omega of sunbathing - but what should be considered when using sun protection?

What is sun protection?

Under the term Sun protection means all means that keep the sun from damaging the skin.

Of course, this primarily means sun creams and sun sprays, but also sun protection in the form of appropriate clothing and observance of the times of the day when solar radiation is most aggressive.

Application, benefits & use

Medically sensible and necessary is correctly applied Sun protection In any case. Every sunburn poses a future risk of skin cancer. Experts are certain that 50-85% of all skin cancer cases are caused by sunburn in childhood.

Particularly light skin types, redheads and people with skin cancer priorities will always receive sun creams with a high sun protection factor (SPF 25+) from their trusted dermatologist. However, sun worshipers should not believe themselves too safe here either, because sun protection only protects against the development of white skin cancer, which is not too dangerous anyway.

Unfortunately, even the best sun cream does not protect against the formation of dangerous, life-threatening melanomas ("black skin cancer"). Sun creams usually do not work directly when they are applied. They only develop their full effect and thus their protection about 20 minutes after application. Gap-free application is just as important as re-applying cream after bathing in the sea or in the swimming pool.

Even waterproof sunscreen cannot compete here. Sunscreens and sun sprays can work in two different ways. On the one hand, there are chemical filters (for example oxybenzone), these absorb UV radiation, but are less recommended for allergy sufferers. Sun protection with physical filters (e.g. zinc oxide, titanium oxide) reflect the UV light. This form is especially recommended for people with allergies and small children.

Herbal, natural & pharmaceutical sun protection

Sun protection There are all imaginable variations, fragrances, packaging and price ranges for application. Most sunscreen is bought in the drugstore at affordable prices.

Special preparations, such as those with a particularly high sun protection factor or for allergy sufferers, can be bought in the pharmacy. Manufacturers of sun creams and sun sprays are all known cosmetic companies, as well as pharmaceutical companies. Manufacturers of natural cosmetics also offer sun protection. Homeopathic sun protection is rather rare and not recommended explicitly by conventional medical practitioners. There may be homeopathic oral remedies designed to strengthen sun protection.

It is always advisable to consult a homeopath here. 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 (sheltered) sunbathing a year, including long walks in the sun, of course.

Risks & side effects

There are hardly any risks or side effects of sun creams and sun sprays. However, it is not recommended to use perfumed cosmetics for sunbathing. Creams and perfumes - mixed with sun cream - can trigger allergic reactions and lead to irreversible pigment spots even after sunbathing.

Some sun creams can also cause severe symptoms and rashes in allergy sufferers and patients with neurodermatitis. Then you should use a remedy that the dermatologist recommends individually. If you want to protect your face with sun cream, you 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, there are special face creams in the drugstore at a reasonable price. The only side effects of sun-protective clothing can be excessive sweating. Light fabrics such as linen or silk help here.