Do you want to protect yourself better from UV rays in a natural way? Then you've come to the right place. Sunbathing, Vitamin D and get a little tan - oh, it's so nice in the sun! But unfortunately, many people underestimate the importance of good UV protection during the sunny season.
In addition to regular sunburns and eye inflammation, the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can also damage our genetic material and cause invisible, serious damage to our health (e.g. skin cancer).
In this article, I would therefore like to show you exactly why you need to effectively protect yourself and your children from the sun - and how you can do this in your sunny everyday life. Let's go!
Reasons: Why is it important to protect yourself from UV rays?
I had already hinted at it a little, but I would like to take this opportunity to tell you once again about the motivating benefits of UV protection taken seriously to the hand.
Because there really are many good reasons! The following motifs are decisive for most people - and also for me personally:
- Avoid premature skin ageing (including wrinkling and pigmentation spots)
- Protect against sunburn (and long-term skin damage)
- Reduce the risk of skin cancer (UV exposure causes dangerous pigmentation marks)
- Prevent eye damage (e.g. painful conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation)
- Prevent skin irritation (e.g. irritation, after taking medication)
- Protect children (Children's skin is particularly sensitive to sun exposure)
- Creating awareness for prevention (e.g. for early detection of skin cancer)
- Avoid heat-related health problems (e.g. heatstroke and sunstroke)
To summarize, UV protection is important to stay beautiful, to maintain a healthy skin and to minimize the risk of skin diseases.
10 tips: How can I protect myself from the sun's UV rays?
Motivated enough to avoid sunburns and harmful UV rays on your skin? Then let's go straight to the best protective measures that you can implement directly in your own everyday summer life or on your next beach vacation.
1. inform yourself regularly about the UV index
The internationally standardized UV index is updated daily by the German Weather Service and gives the Daily peak values of sunburn-inducing UV radiation an.
On a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme), you can see at a glance the read off the expected health risk and better assess the risk of sunburn and skin damage in your region. The higher the value, the more important it is to take effective UV protection measures.
2. determine your personal skin type
We humans have different skin types! The lighter the skin, the more sensitive it is It is also more resistant to UV radiation - and the faster you get sunburned.
The Federal Office for Radiation Protection has the 6 skin types (by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick from 1975). There you can categorize and Information about your general exposure receive
Lighter skin types (e.g. skin type I), for example, generally require a higher sun protection factor and more protective clothing than darker skin types, such as skin type VI.
To be on the safe side, you should also check the Consultation with your dermatologist search
3. stay out of the blazing sun
It is the direct sunlight in which the UV rays can damage your skin very quickly. Especially the blazing sun in the midday hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is dangerous. So avoid this intense sun exposure at such times.
Instead, seek out the shade and orient yourself to the Shadow ruleIf your shadow is shorter than your height, avoid the sun. A long shadow, on the other hand, indicates less danger, as the sun is not yet or no longer as high.
And generally serve Awnings, sun sails and above all Shady trees in the garden or in public parks as Sustainable sun protectionwhen you are outside in summer.
Tip: I have a few local ones for you, Insect-friendly trees that provide plenty of shade and at the same time Good for biodiversity are. So be sure to take a look there too!
4. use sunscreen with a high SPF every day
A lack of sun protection is one of the reasons that more and more people are developing skin cancer. So how can you protect yourself even better from too much sun? In addition to a cool shady spot, the Sunscreen with the right sun protection factor probably the most logical and best answer to this question.
Because whether you face the sun in your own garden, on a Beach lounger on the North Sea or on a Balcony the Bendinat Real Estate on Mallorca: If you apply sunblock (at least SPF 30 or higher), you are better protected from UV rays.
Wear them generously on all uncovered areas of skin (forehead, ears, neck, arms, etc.) and cream regularly afterespecially after swimming or strenuous activities.
Lip balm with UV protection serves as a good supplement for uncovered areas of skin that cannot be rubbed with sunscreen.
Important: Please prefer natural sunscreens, as artificial UV filters and chemical ingredients in conventional sun creams are partly responsible for the global Coral mortality are. How else you can protect the corals I'll show you how in the linked blog post.
5. wear sunglasses with UV protection
Our eyes are also Particularly sensitive against UV radiation. To prevent eye inflammation and visual damage, you should therefore always wear sunglasses with integrated UV protection and protect your eyes from harmful rays.
Make sure that your sunglasses 100 percent UV protection and filters out UV rays up to a wavelength of 400 nanometers. Wear it regularly when you Time in the sun outside in the great outdoors spend.
6. be aware that medicines and cosmetics with UV rays can cause irritation
In fact, it can lead to unpleasant physical side effects come when you certain medications or used deodorants, perfumes or other cosmetics that contain photosensitizing substances.
The Sensitivity of your skin to light is then higher if the worst comes to the worst. To avoid severe skin irritation or similar consequences of the combination, you should not apply these things before spending time in the sun. Be sure to read the Package insert and if you have any doubts, make sure you get medical advice one.
7. dress appropriately for the sun and wear special UV-protective clothing
The right clothing offers you pretty much ideal protection from the sun's rays. The following are particularly recommended long but loose garments that are tightly woven and provide an effective barrier against UV rays. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants or a linen dress, for example.
There are even special Fashion with UV protection class (stated in UPF): The higher the UPF value, the better the garment protects against UV rays.
With a wide-brimmed sun hat not only protects you from sunburn, but also from heatstroke.
Tip: In a separate post, I have also provided you with some Tips for the most sustainable summer possible collected. Be sure to take a look if you want to protect not only yourself but also the environment during the hot season.
8. refrain from going to the solarium
Solariums are neither an alternative nor a supplement to the natural sun! The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed them in the highest category of carcinogenic factors. categorized.
This means that going to the solarium is, among other things on a par with tobacco consumption. So don't voluntarily expose your skin to artificial UV rays.
9. treat a possible sunburn immediately
It can of course despite all precautionary measures sunburn can occur from time to time. If this happens, you should get into the shade as quickly as possible and treat the burn.
Branding gels from the pharmacy, Cooling after-sun lotions or moist compresses then support the healing of your skin. Also drink plenty of water and avoid further exposure to the sun at all costs - until the sunburn has completely healed.
10. take care and always lead by example
Prevention is the best protection against serious UV damage. But nothing can be ruled out! Therefore, every few years Appointment for early skin cancer detection at the dermatology practice of your choice in order to rule out emerging risks or to be able to treat them as quickly as possible.
Always set a good example and also sensitize your family and friends for the importance of good UV protection. Preventive measures and examinations can potentially save lives.
Protection from UV rays, made easy!
Effective UV protection is more than just a precautionary measure - it is a essential component of a healthy lifestyle and an effective means of grow old healthy.
Here and now you have got to know the most important UV protection tipsto protect yourself and your skin and enjoy the summer to the full.
"Health is not everything, but without health, everything is nothing."
Arthur Schopenhauer (Health Quotes)
I hope I have been able to help you with this article. Do you have any questions, further tips or your own experiences with strong sun rays on the skin that you would like to share? Then I look forward to your comment!
Stay healthy,
PS: It's getting hotter and hotter in Germany! That's why, in addition to this article, I've also provided you with the most effective Heat tips for the summer that you can implement at high temperatures. So be sure to check it out next!
