People generally know that sun protection is important. Still, it often happens that a few things are done incorrectly or forgotten.

Important information for proper sun protection

The dermatologist Dr. Tamara Kopp from the JUVENIS beauty center in Vienna provides information in a Interview with the magazine Woman about proper sun protection.

Level of the sun protection factor (SPF)

The SPF should be chosen according to skin type and the length of time spent in the sun. People with fair skin and light hair have only a short natural protection time and should apply sunscreen more often or seek shade.

Children should have a sunscreen with a high SPF (50+) applied.

Reapplication interval

Regularly applying sunscreen would be optimal, since, first, you can't always apply sunscreen perfectly to every body part and, second, sunscreen wears off with activity. An interval of about every 2 hours is recommended according to Dr. Tamara Kopp. Those who are physically active should use a water-resistant sunscreen.

Children should have sunscreen reapplied more often, as they are usually more active. Here Dr. Kopp advises against using products with chemical UV filters, because animal studies have shown that these had a hormonal effect on cell cultures.

Additional sun protection

For children or very fair skin, a textile form of sun protection is also recommended. Children should wear sun hats and lightweight clothing. Sunburns in childhood in particular increase the risk later in life of Skin cancer becoming ill.

Sunscreen for dry skin or allergies

Dry skin lacks the skin's natural moisture and fats (lipids), so creams or fluid creams that provide sufficient moisture and lipids are best suited. For dry skin, you should not use gels.

People with allergies should choose sunscreens without fragrances and preservatives. In the case of a sun allergy, a product with a very high SPF must be used that protects not only against UVB rays but also against UVA rays. Here Dr. Tamara Kopp recommends sun protection from the inside: take products with a fern extract, such as Polypodium Leucotomos (Heliocare capsules).

Cooling sprays

Cooling sprays are not inherently harmful, but they can make you more likely to 'sizzle' in the sun because you no longer perceive the heat as clearly. The spray can also wash off important sunscreen.

Protection against infrared rays

That UVA and UVB rays cause damage has long been known. More recent studies have shown that certain spectra of visible light and infrared can also be harmful. UVB rays cause sunburn and damage to DNA. UVA rays are responsible for collagen breakdown, skin aging, and polymorphous light eruption ('sun allergy') as well as Mallorca acne. Certain spectra of visible light and infrared A also appear to promote skin aging.

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