Luckily, it is now widespread that highly effective sun protection is important and can protect our skin from harmful UV rays. The topic of sun protection is particularly relevant in the beauty industry. Excessive exposure to UV rays can damage skin cells and is a risk factor for skin cancer.
In this article you will find out why you should provide your skin with sufficient sun protection all year round!
Are we only exposed to UV rays in the blazing summer sun?
Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that if you are going to be in direct sunlight for an extended period of time, you only need to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF). Even when it is cloudy or in the dead of winter, UV rays can reach your skin on the face. UVA rays, which are responsible for premature skin aging, are constant throughout the year, which is why year-round sun protection is essential.
UV-A radiation vs. UV-B radiation - what is the difference?
UVB rays are shorter, cause sunburn more quickly, and can directly damage skin cell DNA, which can lead to skin cancer. They are at their strongest at midday. UVA rays, on the other hand, are longer, penetrate deeper into the skin, lead to premature skin aging and also contribute to the risk of skin cancer. A good sunscreen protects against both types of UV radiation.
Which sun protection factor is right for my skin?
The numbers on the sun protection products show you how long the sun protection of the skin is extended. You can use a simple formula to calculate which sun protection factor your skin needs: self-protection time x sun protection factor = the maximum possible time you can stay in the sun without running the risk of getting a sunburn. But be careful: the sun protection factor only says something about the protection against UV-B radiation, not about UV-A radiation!
