Sunscreen Beware of the spring sun

German Cancer Aid recommends sun protection against the spring sun

04/16/2013

The first sunny days of the year seem like a real relief for many people after the extremely sun-poor winter months. Hundreds of thousands were out in the open yesterday, sitting in the sun and enjoying the warm start of spring. But for the skin, the extreme need for sun is a significant burden, especially since the sunscreen is often neglected criminally, so the warning of the German Cancer Aid in Bonn.

The Chief Executive of the German Cancer Aid, Gerd Nettekoven, appealed to all sun-seekers: „Allow your skin to get used to the spring sunshine.“ Because after the long, sun-free winter, the skin is extremely sensitive to the sun's rays. Generally leaves „Ultraviolet radiation ages the skin faster and increases the risk of skin cancer“, Nettekoven explained the risks of unprotected sunbathing. According to the German Cancer Aid, every sunburn leads to damage to the skin „Skin cells and increases the risk of later developing skin cancer.“ Here is comprehensive sunscreen urgently needed.

Cream uncovered body parts with sunscreen
The German Cancer Aid reports that every year about 234,000 people nationwide contracted a tumor of the skin, with the largest risk factor for this tumor disease are the UV rays. If the skin appears red, this is according to the experts „a sign of excessive UV radiation.“ Due to the correct behavior in the sun, however, skin damage could be avoided. For example, all uncovered body parts should be creamed with a sunscreen, „which contains a sun protection factor of 20, with UV-A and UV-B protection“, reports the German Cancer Aid. Even better is the avoidance of direct sunlight or stay in the shade. In addition, clothing offers the best sun protection, whereby „headgear, shoes that cover the back of the foot and sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B protection“ should also belong to protective clothing, so the message of the German Cancer Aid.

Tanning in tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer
Who hopes to be able to harden his sensitive skin with the help of solariums in advance, according to the German Cancer Aid is basically on the wrong track. Because pre-tanning in the solarium damages the skin and in turn increases the skin cancer risk, which is why its use in Germany since 2009 is prohibited for minors. According to the information of the German Cancer Aid is „the radiation intensity of the devices is as strong as that of the sun at noon at the equator“, which shows that there is no question of a slow habituation of the skin to UV rays. (Fp)

Picture: Peter Bohot