Sun Protection
The harmful effects of sun exposure are no longer questioned. Constant overexposure can lead to uneven pigmentation due to chronic overstimulation of the skin’s pigment cells, but also to keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. This is why you should make it a habit to use sunscreen that protects against harmful UV radiation. Here is some guidance.
Summary
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A guide to sun protection and skincare in the sun with a focus on shielding the skin from UV radiation and preventing damage.
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Practical advice on SPF, application and reapplication to ensure effective protection throughout the day.
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A holistic perspective on skin health – from preventative protection to hydration and care after sun exposure.
Completely avoiding the sun is not a realistic option for most people. And of course, it is entirely possible to continue living as usual – surfing, waterskiing or relaxing on the beach – as long as you protect yourself properly from harmful UV radiation. Equip yourself with a cream that has a high SPF, particularly if you are near water, which reflects the sun’s rays and increases the risk of damage. If you are travelling to a warm country on holiday, you should use at least SPF 20 throughout your stay. In other words, do not lower the SPF over time – you will still get a tan, we promise!
Use sunscreen on all exposed skin. You can ask your partner to apply it to areas that are difficult to reach yourself (which conveniently gives you an excuse to return the favour). Reapply after swimming even if the packaging says the product is water resistant – when you dry yourself with a towel, you wipe away the sunscreen as well. It is also a good idea to apply another layer once every hour if you are exposed to direct sunlight.
The sensitive area around the lips also needs protection. There are special lip balms available with protective and nourishing properties for this purpose. Do not be afraid to apply the balm slightly outside the lip area as well.
Do not forget that the sun can burn your skin badly even while skiing. Snow reflects sunlight in much the same way as the ocean does.
Selected Sunscreens
After sun
An after sun product cools warm skin after sun exposure and soothes the skin if you have been sunburned. Providing much-needed moisture also dramatically reduces the risk of peeling skin. After sun products are rich in antioxidants as well and help restore and strengthen the skin barrier.
Self-Tanning
Self-tanning creams are definitely underrated. The days when these products could be recognised by their obvious yellow-orange tone are long gone. Today, there are many high-quality products on the market that create a golden tan that looks remarkably close to the real thing.
The advantage of using self-tanners is naturally that you avoid all the side effects and damage caused by real tanning, such as wrinkles, cancer and more. However, there are a few things worth remembering when using self-tanning products.
1 Before applying the cream, it can be beneficial to brush the body using a body brush or sponge. This is because it may be difficult to achieve an even tan if you have patches of unevenly distributed dead skin cells on the body. The same treatment on the face should instead be done using a scrub cream (a brush may be too harsh for the more delicate facial skin).
2 Then apply a moisturiser to the areas where you plan to use the self-tanner, especially dry knees and elbows. This helps create a smoother and more even result.
3 Only use the product on areas where you would normally tan naturally – not on areas such as the soles of your feet.
4 It can be difficult to apply self-tanner evenly on your back by yourself. It may be wise to warn your girlfriend or neighbour in advance that you might need some assistance.
5 Wash your palms, between your fingers and the inside of your wrists thoroughly once you are finished. Your palms are not an area that naturally tans.
6 Walk around naked, or in your underwear, for a couple of hours until the cream has been fully absorbed by the skin. A slightly unusual scent may develop while the cream dries, but there is no need to worry – it is simply the active ingredients being activated.
