UV radiation from the sun can harm our skin and cause serious illnesses such as malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Read this SWICA health tip to learn how you can best protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Many people head south for sun-drenched holiday destinations. When it comes to packing for these trips, adequate sun protection is a must. As lovely as the warm rays of sunshine feel on your skin, sun exposure is anything but healthy.
UV radiation and the UV index
Sunlight consists of three different types of radiation: infrared, light and ultraviolet (UV). UV rays make up around 4% of sunlight. The majority of them (around 95%) are UVA rays. The other 5% are UVB rays. These two types of radiation have different wavelengths and penetrate skin and eye cells to different degrees. While UVA rays accelerate skin ageing, UVB rays are responsible for the production of active vitamin D in our bodies – which is important for many metabolic processes – as well as for tanning and sunburn. Both types are harmful to the skin and eyes.
To publicise the dangers of UV radiation, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) publishes a daily UV index forecast (in German) showing how strong the UV radiation is expected to be in each region.
Increased risk of skin cancer in Switzerland
People in Switzerland are at significantly higher risk of developing malignant melanoma. This is due in part to the country's many mountains – the higher your elevation, the stronger the UV radiation. Snow and water also reflect radiation, which is why winter sports and Switzerland's many lakes and rivers also contribute to the increased risk.
How long your skin protects itself
Your skin has a natural defence, known as self-protection, against UV rays. The amount of time that the body can be exposed to the sun without getting sunburn and sustaining permanent damage to the skin depends on its intrinsic protection time. This duration is roughly based on your skin type: the lighter your skin, the shorter the self-protection time.
Information for parents
Parents should take extra care to protect their children from harmful UV rays, as their skin is much more sensitive than an adult's. The Krebsliga website (in German) provides important recommendations and emphasises that shade offers the best protection.
How long does a sun protection factor (SPF) last?
Sun cream is not a completely protective barrier against UV rays that lasts from the moment you apply it to when it washes off. However, it does prolong the amount of time that your skin can be exposed to the sun without burning. For someone whose skin type means they can only be in the sun for ten minutes without sun protection before they burn, that person can multiply the amount of exposure time by using sun protection. With SPF 30, for example, they get 300 minutes.
After opening sun cream, you should dispose of it in accordance with the information on the packaging, after a maximum of 12 months. The longer it has been open, the less protection it will offer.
Chemical or mineral sun cream?
Sun cream can be divided into two types of UV filters: one type is chemical or organic, and the other type is mineral or physical.
Chemical protection filters absorb UV rays in the skin and convert them into heat, while mineral protection filters simply act as a barrier on top of the skin and reflect the rays. Sun cream with mineral filters often leaves a white film on your skin.
The Swiss Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs provides additional information on sun creams on its website.
How can I protect myself?
To avoid sunburn and inflammation, avoid prolonged and intensive exposure to sunlight. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) recommends the following rules (in German):- If possible, avoid the midday sun (from 11:00 to 15:00) and stay in the shade or indoors.
- Clothing and head coverings provide the best protection from UV radiation (also near or in the water, such as UV swim shirts, shorts, clothing items).
- Apply a generous amount of sun cream with a high SPF to any uncovered parts of the body. For children use a minimum of SPF 30, and for adults a minimum of SPF 20. You should apply more sun cream after a certain amount of time has elapsed or if you have been sweating or spending time in the water.
- Always protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses (with 100% UV protection).
