sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important part of good sun protection. In addition to other measures, such as wearing sunglasses or avoiding direct sun at lunchtime, sunscreen helps in situations in which one cannot or does not want to avoid high UV exposure. We have compiled a lot of information, which you can find in the articles linked below.
Applying sunscreen means that fewer UV rays reach the skin. How much of it gets through depends on the sun protection factor (SPF or English SPF). Together with the self-protection time of the skin, which is determined with the help of the skin type, it can be roughly predicted how long it will take to burn yourself at a certain UV index. However, it should also be noted that frequent use of sunscreen can lead to a vitamin D deficiency and that certain ingredients of sunscreen are controversial. This applies to both of the main types of sunscreen that are widely used.
Correct application of sunscreen
- Chemical sun creams (i.e. with organic filters) only develop their effect approx. 20 minutes after application and should therefore be applied before exposure.
- The stated sun protection factor of sun creams is based on a very large amount of sun cream per surface. Most people use significantly less and therefore only have about half of the advertised protection factor.
- Sunscreen is slowly removed through sweating, friction and water and thus loses part of its protective effect. Therefore, depending on your activity, you should reapply sunscreen after a while.
sun-a-wear can give you recommendations as to when it makes sense to apply sunscreen and can give you an estimate of how long it will take with the current UV radiation until your UV dose limit is reached. The app can also remind you to reapply sunscreen if the sensor detects a lot of movement or immersion in water.
Further reading:
- Sun protection factor
- Self-protection time of the skin
- Controversial ingredients in sunscreens
- When should you apply lotion?
Sources:
- Background: https: //
