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Health risk sunbathing tan is hardly healthy
For many people, summery tan is a beauty ideal that they enjoy with extended sunbathing. Not every sun worshiper is aware that they are taking a high health risk. However, the issue of sunscreen is more important than ever, given the steady increase in skin cancer. The online edition of the station "Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen" spoke to Prof. Ralph Braun from the dermatology clinic of the Unispital Zürich about the health effects of UV radiation.
"Waterproof "sunscreen is just a" water-repellent "sunscreen
If the skin is exposed to the sun, it must do hard labor. The resulting tan is a protective reaction that only minimally protects against UV radiation. To prevent sunburn and skin cancer, a sufficient sun protection, for example, by sunscreen with a high SPF therefore essential. Consumers have the choice between conventional and "waterproof" products. However, it should be noted that even "waterproof" creams remain limited on the skin.
Sunburn is not a tan. (Image: Rostislav Sedlacek / fotolia) "The term 'waterproof' is misleading as the term 'Sun Blocker', because the creams are just 'water repellent'. Each sunscreen is washed off at some point. For the 'water-resistant' it just takes a little longer than for the others, "explains Braun. "Because water-resistant creams are less greasy than others, they are more often perceived as unpleasant on the skin."
Light skin is particularly sensitive to sunbathing
Generally, you should never give up on sunscreen, if you are on sunny days outdoors and does not wear body-covering clothing. However, some skin types are less sensitive to UV radiation than others. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) assumes the following skin types:
As skin type I ("Celtic type"), dermatologists refer to people with very light and extremely sensitive skin. They have bright eyes, red-blond hair and freckles. The skin reacts very quickly with a sunburn on UV radiation. People with skin type I do not turn brown.
The skin type II ("Northern European type") has light and sensitive skin, light hair and light eyes and tans only very slowly. People who belong to this type of skin quickly get sunburned.
People with skin type III ("mixed type") have medium-light skin, brown hair, and light to dark eyes. They tan slowly and only sometimes get a sunburn.
As a skin type IV ("Mediterranean type"), however, tans quickly and deeply. A sunburn occurs only rarely. Most people of this skin type have a brownish, less sensitive skin, dark brown or black hair and dark eyes.
The skin type V ("dark skin type") has a dark and little sensitive skin, black hair and dark eyes. Also this type rarely suffers from sunburn.
People with skin type VI ("Black Skin Type") have black, less sensitive skin, black hair, and dark to black eyes. Sunburn occurs very rarely in this skin type.
Depending on the skin type, sufficient sun protection should be selected. For example, skin types I and II require a sun protection factor of at least 50.
The BfS points to the European classification, according to which sunscreen products are subdivided into the following protection levels:
- Light Protection: Low SPF (SPF) 6 to 10
- medium protection: SPF 15 to 25
- high protection (high protection): SPF 30 to 50 and
- Very high protection: LSF more than 50
The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun with a sunscreen than without the sunscreen - without getting a sunburn. Sun protection factor 30 means, for example, that you can theoretically expose yourself to solar radiation 30 times longer before sunburn occurs than sunbathing unprotected.
The sun protection factor also applies to UV textiles
Meanwhile, special UV textiles are available, which should provide better sun protection than conventional clothing. "In UV textiles, the fabrics are woven closer or chemically treated so that less UV light can reach the skin. UV textiles are like sun creams with a reference to the sun protection factor provided. However, it should be noted that the textiles only protect the areas that are covered or shaded by the fabric. A cap, for example, does not protect the ears and neck, "Braun points out.
In addition, the dermatologist points out that there is no "healthy tan". The skin remembers every ray of sunshine. "Regular and intense sunbathing favors the development of skin cancer and its precursors. In addition, the UV radiation makes the skin age prematurely. "
Brown advises that when the UV index values are very high, outdoor activities take place on the marginal times and remain in the shade. A walk would be better in the forest than under the open sky. If it came to a sunburn, however, these home remedies can help nature. (Ag)