What sun protection does your skin type need

Welchen Sonnenschutz benötigt dein Hauttyp

Sunbathing on the beach with the right sun protection factor: tips for optimal sun protection

Summer, sun, beach - are you ready to relax on a sunny day by the sea and enjoy the warm rays? Before you go sunbathing, it's important to choose the right sun protection factor (SPF) to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Let's find out together how to determine the right SPF for your skin type, how much sun cream you should apply and other important tips for optimal sun protection.

The sun protection factor (SPF) - what does it mean?

The SPF on sun protection products indicates how much longer you can be exposed to the sun with their use than if you were unprotected. Although a high SPF protects against sunburn, it does not give you unlimited protection against UV radiation. Your skin's own protection time, i.e. the time in which it can protect itself from UV rays, depends on various factors, especially your skin type and the intensity of the sunlight.

Different skin types and your own protection from the sun

Skin type 1: The Celtic type

Your skin colour is very light/pale Your eye colour is mostly blue Your hair colour is reddish You get sunburnt immediately Your own protection time is approx. 15 minutes Recommended SPF: 30 - 50+

Skin type 2: The northern European type

Your skin colour is light Your eye colour is blue, green, grey Your hair colour is blonde You get sunburnt quickly Your own protection time is approx. 20 minutes Recommended SPF: 20 - 50

Skin type 3: The mixed type

Your skin colour is light brown Your eye colour is grey, brown Your hair colour is dark blonde You rarely get sunburnt Your own protection time is approx. 30 minutes Recommended SPF: 15 - 30

Skin type 4: The Mediterranean type

Your skin colour is brown Your eye colour is dark Your hair colour is dark You rarely get sunburnt Your own protection time is approx. 40 minutes Recommended SPF: 10 - 15

To determine your skin type, you can consult your dermatologist. Calculate the maximum time you should spend in the sun.
You can use a simple formula to determine the correct sun exposure time for your skin type and the selected SPF. Multiply the sun protection factor by your own protection time:

Sun protection factor (SPF) x self-protection time of your skin type = maximum time in the sun Example: with an SPF of 20 and a self-protection time of 10 minutes, you can theoretically expose yourself to the sun for 200 minutes (around three hours) without getting sunburnt.
However, it is important to note that you should not blindly rely on the sun protection factor. Even with a high SPF, you should only use up 60 per cent of the maximum time you can spend in the sun, as recommended by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection.

How much sun cream to apply for optimum skin protection?

To protect your skin effectively, it is important to apply the right amount of sun cream. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety recommends about three tablespoons of sun cream for your face and body. Spread the cream evenly over the areas to be protected and pay particular attention to sun-exposed areas such as the forehead, nose, ears and shoulders.
Here is a recommendation for the amount of sun cream in teaspoons for different areas of the body:

Face: 1 teaspoon
Neck: ½ teaspoon
Arms: ½ teaspoon each
Upper body: 2 teaspoons
Legs: 1 teaspoon each

Reapplying sun cream is essential, especially if you have been in the sun or water for a long time. Even if the sun cream is labelled as waterproof, some of the protective effect is lost and reapplication is necessary. Special attention should be paid to children and babies. They have their own sun protection recommendations and special sunscreens that are tailored to their sensitive skin.

How long before sunbathing?

If you have already utilised your own protection time, you should apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before going out into the sun. This gives sun creams with chemical filters the chance to take effect. Make sure you apply the sun cream under your make-up but over your day cream and give it about 15 minutes to absorb the active ingredients well. You can then apply your make-up and are optimally protected.

Skin care products with sun protection factor

In addition to classic sun cream, there are also a variety of skincare products that contain a sun protection factor. Tinted daily moisturisers with an integrated SPF are particularly suitable for everyday use. This allows you to protect your skin at the office or during other activities without having to wear make-up.

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