Sunscreen Factor: Understanding its importance and how it influences sun protection.
"Sun Protection 101: demystifying sunscreen, its usage, and storage"
Embrace the outdoors without the burn: Here's everything you need to know about sun protection, from choosing the right sunscreen to applying it correctly and storing it effectively.
Navigating through the endless rows of sunscreen options can be overwhelming. With creams, sprays, gels, high and low SPF, and varieties for different age groups, finding the perfect fit for your needs is crucial.
Our skin protection experts are here to answer the seven most pressing questions about sunscreen.
1. What's the deal with SPF?
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) makes it easy to understand a sunscreen's effectiveness. Generally, SPF values range from 6 to 50+. A higher SPF equates to longer skin protection from sunburn and UV damage.
Keep in mind that an SPF of 50 does not provide 50 times greater protection than an SPF of 15. Instead, the protection time increases linearly with the SPF multiplied by the skin's inherent protection time. However, even sunscreens with high SPF do not offer complete protection from UV rays, so be cautious.
2. What's the sunscreen I need?
Choosing a sunscreen depends on your skin type, activity level, and preferences. Opt for broad-spectrum protection, offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays for comprehensive coverage. Aim for at least an SPF 15, with higher values (30 or higher) providing superior protection. Water-resistant sunscreens are ideal if you'll be in water or sweat.
3. On which days do I need sun protection the most?
UV radiation levels are affected by factors like season, latitude, and time of day. The UV index, ranging from 1 to 11+, can be found in common weather apps and guides you on when to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) advises taking precautions at a value of 3 and avoiding prolonged exposure in peak hours at a value of 8 or higher.
4. How do I apply sunscreen correctly?
Remember to cover all exposed areas, including ears, lips, neck, hands, and the spaces between skin and clothing. Hydrate your skin before application, first applying a body lotion or skin cream without SPF. Allow it to absorb, and then apply sunscreen. Be sure not to exceed a sunscreen's recommended max daily application amount.
5. How much sunscreen is enough for optimal protection?
People often use insufficient amounts of sunscreen. Aim for 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. Roughly speaking, an adult would need around one-fifth of a 200-milliliter bottle to protect their entire body adequately.
6. What about children?
Infants and young children have delicate skin and require special care. Look for physical sunscreen that reflects sunlight immediately, preventing penetration, and choose one with a high SPF. Special children's sunscreens may also be more advantageous since they often don't contain potentially allergenic fragrances and preservatives.
7. How long is sunscreen good for?
If your sunscreen has been sealed and stored properly, it can still be used. Still, once opened, sunscreen usually lasts 12 months. Check the packaging for the open jar symbol and a number, which indicates the product's safe usage period after opening. Remember to dispose of any sunscreen that has separated, changed texture, or scent, or that has been exposed to extreme heat.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Skincare
- Dermatology
- Sunburn
- Children’s Health
- Outdoor Activities
- Summer Safety
- Sunscreen Manufacturers
- Community policies should be established to promote awareness and safe practices related to sun protection and sunscreen usage during outdoor activities, inherent to a health-and-wellness and skin-care focused community policy.
- Employment policies may need to consider the effects of sun exposure on employees working long hours outside under direct sunlight and provide guidelines for regular breaks to reapply sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Offering sunscreen for employees to use during work hours and providing storage facilities for sunscreen are practices that can be implemented within an organization's sun protection policy.
- In family-oriented work environments or industries, it is essential to consider employees with children, and the need for child-friendly sunscreen with inherently safe ingredients as part of an comprehensive employment policy that prioritizes family and children's health-and-wellness.
