How to protect yourself against the sun

Before the holidays, it is important to ensure you have the right clothes and the right sun protection. That is how you can go on holiday well prepared.

No, although this slightly increases your skin’s own protection factor, it still does not protect you against the negative effects of the sun’s rays. In addition, even the UV rays in the solarium increase the risk of getting skin cancer and make your skin age quicker.

The maximum protection time of a sunscreen is calculated as follows: your skin’s own protection time x sun protection factor = the time in minutes which you are allowed to expose yourself to sunshine. Your own protection time depends on your skin type. Important: reapplying sunscreen does not increase its protection time.

No, you are exposed to up to 80 per cent of the sun’s rays in the shade. Even when swimming or snorkelling, you are at risk of getting sunburnt. The sun’s rays penetrate a depth of up to one metre in the water. Wind is also treacherous: due to the cool air, it is easy to forget about the sun.

No, you shouldn’t look too much at the price when buying them. Important are the sun protection factor and tolerability. You should use a sunscreen which you find pleasant.

Under any circumstances, cool the area down, for example using a damp towel, and then apply after-sun products. However, you should steer clear of ice, cold packs or home remedies like quark. They could delay the healing process. Sunburn occurs four to six hours later at the earliest. If you already notice beforehand that your skin is irritated, a gram of aspirin can have an anti-inflammatory effect.