John Myers
With the right sun protection, you can tan with a clear conscience and protect your skin from UV radiation. We will tell you what distinguishes high-quality sun protection, what SPF is all about, and what you should pay attention to when tanning.
This is a sign of good sun protection
When it comes to sun protection, the first thing to do is to choose a high-quality product. This is how you lay the foundation for reliable and optimal protection. Whether spray, cream, or gel: make sure that the product you choose filters both UVA and UVB rays.
The UVB rays responsible for tanning the skin cause sunburns, which permanently damage the DNA of skin cells. UVA rays, in turn, contribute to skin aging. Important: The sun protection factor (SPF) stated on the product only refers to UVB radiation. So make sure that a UVA seal is also shown on the packaging of your sunscreen.
Also recommended: A waterproof product that does not completely lose its protective effect even after a short dip in cool water or if you sweat on your skin.
Sun protection: spray, gel, or cream?
The type of product you choose depends first of all on your personal preferences. And the selection is large: sun milk, balm, sun cream, sun spray or gel – you will find a wealth of different products in our cosmetics range.
Generally speaking, cream-type products are a good choice if you are looking for high to very high SPF protection. Because: Their fatty texture binds active substances most strongly and thus guarantees a consistently high level of protection.
On the other hand, light gels are ideal if you sweat a lot or plan to take a bath, as they penetrate the skin quickly and deeply and are very moisture-resistant.
The advantage of sprays: They are particularly pleasant to use, can be easily applied to hard-to-reach places, and are absorbed most quickly.
Choose the right SPF – the right sun protection for your skin
The sun protection factor or SPF extends the natural self-protection time of your skin. This number states the factor by which this self-protection time is multiplied.
An example: If the self-protection time of your skin is five minutes and you apply an SPF of 20, you can spend 100 minutes in the sun with the product optimally protected. Because: 5 x 20 = 100. Which SPF is optimal as a basis for you depends to a large extent on your skin type, which you determine as follows:
The light skin type
If your hair shines in a blond tone or has reddish parts and you have a porcelain complexion in combination with blue or green eyes, then you belong to the fair skin type. In this case, the self-protection time of your skin is 5 to 10 minutes.
If possible, always use a sunscreen with a high to very high SPF of at least 40 to 50+.
People with fair skin often suffer from sun allergies. Here it is important to protect the skin particularly well and to avoid the sun.
The medium skin type
Dark blonde to brown hair, gray or brown eyes, and a warm complexion – the medium skin type has an increased self-protection time of up to 20 minutes. Ideal for you: A product with an SPF of 20 – or a sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
The dark skin type
Dark brown to black hair, brown eyes, and a complexion that is at least olive-colored – the dark skin type is the most insensitive type. Its self-protection time: up to 40 minutes. Products with an SPF of 15 to 25 are ideal for you.
If tanning causes your skin to appear more dark spots, read our article on pigment spots.
Practical tips for sun protection
You have found a quality product with the correct SPF for your skin type. Now, for your next picnic or trip to the beach, there are just a few practical sun protection tips to keep in mind to ensure your skin doesn’t get damaged in the sun.
It is best to stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – this is when the radiation intensity is at its strongest.
Applying lotion in the shade is also important – harmful UVA and UVB rays can also reach you here.
A lot helps a lot: In order to achieve the SPF specified on the packaging, be sure to apply the product of your choice generously to the skin.
The so-called sun terraces (nose, lips, shoulders, décolleté, back of the feet) are considered to be particularly sensitive areas of the skin – so apply the sunscreen you have chosen carefully to them.
To maintain the protective effect, reapply the cream about every two hours and after heavy sweating or bathing. This also applies to waterproof products.
The skin needs extensive care after every sunbath: reach for special apres-sun products that soothe the tissue and moisturize it. The special “after-sun” products are tailored to the needs of the skin after sunbathing and are beneficial for your body. Due to their higher water content and skin-care substances such as aloe vera, many after-sun products feel cooling and supple on the skin.
Before your beach holiday, find out about cosmetics in your hand luggage so that you are properly prepared for everything!
Sun protection for children: It is important to pay attention to this
Children’s delicate skin reacts particularly sensitively to harmful UVA and UVB rays since the body’s own protective mechanisms in the tissue are not yet fully developed. In addition to all the tips already mentioned, you should also consider the following with your offspring:
Never expose children younger than one year to direct sun. The skin is extremely sensitive in this phase of life.
Protect older children not only outdoors, but also on long car journeys. We recommend sun visors for the side windows.
Always reach for designated sun protection for children, which is specially tailored to the needs of young skin.
In addition to cosmetic sun protection, hats, special clothing with UV filters and sunglasses are a must for kids.
Finally, be a good role model. Your offspring learn by imitation. So always carefully protect yourself from the sun so that your child understands the importance of these measures from an early age.
You should therefore always choose products with a high sun protection factor for your children. When used correctly, this protects your little ones’ skin optimally.
Picnic in the sun – crispy snacks instead of sunburn
With the right sun protection in summer, you can enjoy the warm hours of the day outdoors with a picnic, for example – from delicious avocado sandwiches to small energy balls and vegan wraps, you will find many great ideas for a romantic picnic in the park or in our snack recipes a visit to the swimming pool with the whole family. Sandwiches are particularly good for a long bike tour with a longer snack break, cold meatballs, nuts, pieces of vegetables and fruit as well as homemade cakes or muffins are ideal snacks for a relaxing day in the fresh air.
A homemade lemonade, an iced coffee or a homemade ice cream can provide cooling in the home garden – the latter also on a stick. Unwind and enjoy the summer outdoors with fruity and homemade snacks and the right sun protection! But no matter what you do outside, remember to always apply plenty of sunscreen after a dip in the lake (or in the paddling pool), during a long sunbath on the beach or after a while on the picnic blanket – in the sun and in the shade!
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