Protect Your Skin from the Sun with SPF

The abbreviation SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to the amount of time you can safely expose yourself to the sun based on your phototype. The higher the number on the SPF, the longer protection it gives your skin. For example, if you get sunburnt in 10 minutes, using an SPF 15 cream will extend this time to 150 minutes, with an SPF 50 your skin will be protected for up to 8 hours.

The SPF also determines the level of UVB radiation transmission, which poses health risks - skin burns, sun allergies or, in extreme cases, skin cancer. For example:
SPF 10 protects against 90% of UVB rays.
SPF 30 filters out 97% of UVB radiation
SPF 50 captures whole 98% of UVB radiation

It doesn't just matter how long the sunscreen lasts according to the calculations, but what you are doing and whether it can somehow interfere with its protective function. For example, after swimming, playing sports (sweating) or drying your skin, we always recommend to renew the sunscreen. If you want to be absolutely sure that your skin is always protected, you can reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.

The most important thing is to hydrate your skin and to slowly get a healthy tan. A quick tan, on the other hand, leads to rapid skin peeling and the bronze shade won't last very long.

The following are important for skin hydration:
sunscreen, tanning oils
drinking enough water
after-sun care

After sunbathing, give your skin a lukewarm shower with a hydrating soap (gently wash off any residual sunscreem) and then apply your after-sun lotion or oil. Your skin will be beautifully hydrated, supple and soft. There's a direct proportion here - the more hydration you give your skin, the longer your tan will last.

Mineral SPF (based on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) forms a protective layer on the skin that reflects UV rays like a mirror. Chemical UV filters absorb and convert the radiation into heat inside the skin.

How about applying sunscreen to the face? Chemical SPF must be applied to cleansed dry skin for it to penetrate the skin, whereas mineral filters, which form a physical layer on the surface of the skin, are applied only in the last step of the skin care routine.

UVA radiation, which contributes to skin ageing, penetrates through clouds and glass. So even if it doesn't exactly look like a summer beach outside, your skin needs protection. And that's even if you spend most of your time in the car or have a desk by the window. In short, never forget to use SPF.

The sun can have a negative effect not only on the skin, but also on the hair. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the hair and break down keratin, drying and weakening the hair. UVB radiation, on the other hand, works on the surface - damaging the hair cuticle (protective layer). This leads to coarse hair, split ends and loss of shine. The best protection from the sun for your hair is UV protection spray and a hat or headscarf. And as a bonus? You'll look like you've stepped out of a fashion editorial.

UVA radiation (A = Ageing) contributes to skin ageing
UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin and causes skin ageing, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and pigment spots. It is present all year round, penetrating through clouds, as well as a car or office window.

UVB radiation (B = Burning) causes sunburn
It hits the upper layers of the skin and causes sunburn, redness and an inflammatory or allergic reaction. It also plays a major role in skin cancer. It is strongest in summer and midday, but does not penetrate glass.

Yes, there is evidence that some chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate) commonly used in sunscreens can negatively affect coral reefs and marine life. Therefore, if you are concerned about protecting nature, choose mineral sunscreens or sunscreens with a "coral-friendly" label.

Caution! Some destinations (e.g. Hawaii, Palau or Thailand) even ban sunscreens that are not "reef-safe".