Sunscreen with sunscreen Dear too much

Sunscreen with sunscreen: „Better too much than too little“

06/06/2013

The sun will come with summer - although much later than hoped for this year. Especially at lunchtime, the sun's rays burn, meeting walkers and bathers. Without the right sun protection, these primarily endanger exposed areas of the body, such as the upper body, feet or face. In preparation for the coming summer months, therefore, worthwhile an introduction to the right protection against sunburn.

Sunburn: The result of long sun exposure
Anyone who exposes themselves to prolonged exposure to intense sunlight risks a sunburn. Responsible is primarily the dangerous UV-B radiation. It is only a small part of the sun's rays, but is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. So far, research has only caused damage to DNA's DNA molecules to cause skin cancer. However, the so-called RNA molecules, said scientists at the University of California in San Diego last year, also play a decisive role. They are damaged by prolonged sunbathing and influence the development of melanoma (skin cancer).

The trend is going in the wrong direction. „The number of skin cancer cases in Germany has doubled in the last ten years“, writes the information offer of the German Dermatologie Derma.de. Every year, 234,000 people contract a skin tumor. Particularly common is the white skin cancer, which accounts for about 207,000 diseases. According to experts, this is mainly due to UV-induced skin damage of childhood and youth, because his skin is particularly sensitive to sun rays. „Sun protection must therefore be as natural in children as the daily brushing“, says Gerd Nettekoven, Chief Executive of German Cancer Aid.

How much sunscreen is needed?
"Many are unaware that they are in the sun as soon as they go out," explains Dirk Meyer-Rogge of the Federal Association of German Dermatologists. If you want to protect yourself from sunburn and skin cancer, you must take action in good time. It is important, among other things, to avoid the intense midday sun. Even covering clothing protects against sunburn, especially on the upper body and on the face. Permanent protection against sunburn, however, ultimately only one tool provides: the ever-popular sunscreen. It should be used and regularly renewed according to your own skin type and sun exposure. Heike Stahlhut from the German Green Cross explains: „30 minutes before going into the sun, you should cream yourself.“ The main principle is: Better too much than too little.

Decisive factor is the personal skin type. According to the research of the American dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection distinguishes between six skin types. Important to note, however, is that „The classification of skin types is relatively coarse“, the transitions are so fluid. They range from the brightest, the Celtic skin type to the darkest, the black skin type.

People with skin type 1 („Celtic type“) have a very bright and sensitive skin, quickly get sunburned and usually do not turn brown. They often have bright eyes, red-blond hair and freckles. People with skin type 2 („Northern European type“) have bright eyes, skin and hair. They often get sunburned and tan slowly. The skin type 3 („mixed type“) has medium-light skin, brown hair and light to dark eyes. People of this skin type tan slowly and sometimes get a sunburn. Skin type 4 („Mediterranean type“) rarely get sunburned, tan quickly and deeply. They usually have a brownish skin, dark eyes and brown or black hair. In this country rarely are skin type 5 („Dark skin type“) and skin type 6 („Black skin type“). Both are naturally relatively resistant to sunlight.

Sunscreen: The right amount and choice
„Adults should take a total of six teaspoons of sunscreen“, explains Meyer-Rogge. For the face alone, a single teaspoon is needed, that is about five grams. Which protection factor is necessary can be calculated with a simple rule of thumb based on the self-protection time. It indicates how long the skin can manage without protection from sunscreen. The orientation is summer midday sun in Central Europe. This means that beach visitors to the Mediterranean must cut back on holiday because the sun shines stronger there. Naturally tanned skin increases the self-protection time. According to the University of Heidelberg, it is between five and ten minutes for skin type 1, between ten and 20 minutes for skin type 2, between 20 and 30 minutes for skin type 3 and between 30 and 40 minutes for skin type 4.

Multiplying the protective factor of the sunscreen with the Eingenschutzzeit, can determine how long your own skin is protected from sunlight. Only the face needs extra attention. In principle, a high protection factor is appropriate here. Important: If you go into the water in between you should cream off. Special care is also required with children's skin. „The UV-sensitive stem cells in children are much closer to the skin surface than in adults and are therefore more exposed to UV rays“, explains the chairman of the working group Dermatological Prevention Prof. Eckhard Breitbart. Does not help all the protection, so sunburn, help cool envelopes. Applying quark or yoghurt, however, is taboo, as this can ignite the skin. Much more helpful is drinking large quantities of water or tea. In extreme cases, sufferers should also not hesitate to see a doctor. (Lb)

Also read:
UV rays: Unconditional protection against sunburn
How to protect yourself from sunburn?
First aid with sunburn
Skin cancer: Dangerous spring sun in bald head
In the first year of life, babies are not in the sun

Picture: Rainer Sturm