The skin is our largest sensory organ and needs sufficient protection from the sun, especially in summer. But how much sun is actually healthy for my own skin and which sun protection factor is best for me?
"Who wants to enjoy the sun, should pay attention to sun protection from inside and outside." These words of the Salzburg dermatologist Dr. med. univ. Birgitt Hantich-Hladik should be taken to heart by everyone, because depending on skin type the skin can only protect itself against UV rays to a certain degree. Every skin type has a certain self-protection time. This is the period of time that the skin can be exposed to the sun without suffering any damage. According to dermatologist Fitzpatrick, 6 skin types can be distinguished:
Typ I – Celtic type
Characteristics:
- very light skin tone
- red or blond hair
- blue, green, light grey eyes
- many freckles
- does not get tanned
Self-protection time:
3–10 minutes
Sun protection factor:
at least SPF 30
Type II - Nordic type
Characteristics:
- fair complexion
- blonde, light brown, dark brown hair
- blue, green, grey eyes
- sometimes freckles
- slow, minimal tan
Self-protection time:
10-20 minutes
Sun protection factor:
at least SPF 25
Type III - mixed type
Characteristics:
- medium skin tone
- dark blonde, light or
- dark brown hair
- brown, blue, green, grey eyes
- hardly any freckles
- slow but progressive tanning to a light tan
Self-protection time:
20-30 minutes
Sun protection factor:
at least SPF 20
Type IV - Mediterranean type
Characteristics:
- brownish, olive-coloured skin (in untanned condition)
- brown eyes
- brown, black hair
- no freckles
- fast tanning to medium tan
Self-protection time:
more than 30 minutes
Sun protection factor:
at least SPF 15
Type V - Dark type
Characteristics:
- Dark skin colour (grey undertone is common).
- dark eyes
- black hair
- no freckles
- quick tanning
Self-protection time
more than 60 minutes
sun protection factor
at least SPF 15
Type VI - Black type
Characteristics:
- dark brown to black skin
- dark eyes
- black hair
- no freckles
- quick tanning
Self-protection time
more than 90 minutes
Sun protection factor
at least SPF 10 (especially for nose, lips and neck)
In addition to the appropriate sun protection factor, micronutrients are also important for healthy summer skin. "Vitamins B3, B9 and B12 as well as green tea can support the skin from the inside. Extracts of olive leaf, pomegranate and grape seeds also ensure faster regeneration of sun-stressed skin," emphasizes the dermatologist. It is particularly important to Dr. Hantich-Hladik to dispel a myth: "Many people believe that the use of a high sun protection factor does not make them brown. But this is wrong! Rather, slow, protected tanning is not only healthier for the skin, but also ensures that the skin remains crisp and young for longer".
The following should be strictly observed:
- do without additional solarium visits after sunbathing
- apply 30 minutes before direct sun exposure
- avoid unprotected eels in the sun between 12 and 15 o'clock
- Do not use perfumed lotions or hormone creams, oils or oily sun creams when sunbathing.
- Caution when taking St. John's wort, it increases sensitivity to light