10 most frequently asked questions about the sun

1. As soon as the first spring sun shines, you are immediately happier. The sun therefore has a positive effect on people. But what exactly do you know about the sun and how it affects your skin? Read the ten most frequently asked questions about the sun here.

2. As soon as the first spring sun shines, you are immediately happier. The sun has a positive effect on people. But what exactly do you know about the sun and how it affects your skin? Read the ten most frequently asked questions about the sun here.

1. What types of radiation are there?

1. Solar radiation on Earth consists of about 45 to 55 percent infrared, 40 to 50 percent visible light and about 5 percent ultraviolet radiation. There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UV-A), ultraviolet B (UV-B) and ultraviolet C (UV-C). 20 to 30 percent of UVA penetrates into the dermis. Only 20 percent of UVB rays reach the deeper parts of the epidermis and 10 percent penetrate into the dermis. UV-C is completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach us.

2. Solar radiation on Earth consists of about 45 to 55 percent infrared, 40 to 50 percent visible light and about 5 percent ultraviolet radiation. There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UV-A), ultraviolet B (UV-B) and ultraviolet C (UV-C). 20 to 30 percent of UVA penetrates into the dermis. Only 20 percent of UVB rays reach the deeper parts of the epidermis and 10 percent penetrate the dermis. UV-C is completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach us.

2. Can UV radiation pass through glass?

1. UVB radiation is filtered through glass, UVA is not. About 50 percent of UVA radiation passes through glass. You do not burn directly due to UVA, but your skin can age. So you will not receive a warning. Without noticing it, you can even get a little brown from it. That is why it is wise to protect yourself with a day cream with SPF or an anti-sunscreen product when you are exposed to direct sunlight a lot behind glass. [! 169786 => 1130 = 3!] 3. How can you properly prepare your skin for the sun?

2. UVB radiation is filtered through glass, UVA is not. About 50 percent of UVA radiation passes through glass. You do not burn directly due to UVA, but your skin can age. So you will not receive a warning. Without noticing it, you can even tan a little bit. That is why it is wise to protect yourself with a day cream with SPF or an anti-sunscreen product when you are exposed to direct sunlight a lot behind glass. [! 169786 => 1130 = 3!] 3. How can you properly prepare your skin for the sun?

1. Exfoliate your skin regularly; blood circulation is thus well started and dead skin cells are removed. Do not exfoliate the skin on the day of the sun, as you can burn more quickly Always apply an anti-sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go into the sun and apply it every two hours. Get used to the sun slowly Drink plenty of water while tanning to prevent your skin and the rest of your body from drying out After every shower or after sunbathing, lubricate your skin with a moisturizing or nourishing body lotion or aftersun.

2. Exfoliate your skin regularly; blood circulation is thus well started and dead skin cells are removed. Do not exfoliate the skin on the day of the sun, because you can burn more quickly Always apply an anti-sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go into the sun and apply it every two hours. Get your skin used to the sun slowly Drink plenty of water while tanning to prevent your skin and the rest of your body from drying out After every shower or after sunbathing, lubricate your skin with a moisturizing or nourishing body lotion or aftersun.

4. What do I do if my skin is burned?

1. Make sure to stay out of the sun for the time being, so that the skin can recover. You can recognize sunburned skin by redness, warmth, swelling and pain. Usually there is only redness. More severe skin damage can also cause swelling and blisters.

5. Can I go in the sun with pigmentation spots?

1. Pigment is also called melanin and gives color to your hair, the iris of your eyes and your skin. The production of pigment is stimulated by sunlight, your skin becomes brown and (partly) protected against UV rays. Too much exposure to UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer. In addition, your skin ages faster, pigment cells can be disrupted and produce too much pigment and not distribute it correctly over the skin. These accumulations of pigment are called pigmentation spots.

2. Pigment is also called melanin and gives color to your hair, the iris of your eyes and your skin. The production of pigment is stimulated by sunlight, your skin turns brown and is (partly) protected against UV rays. Too much exposure to UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer. In addition, your skin ages faster, pigment cells can be disrupted and produce too much pigment and not distribute it correctly over the skin. These accumulations of pigment are called pigmentation spots.

6. What should I do if I have heat stroke?

1. With mild heat stroke - usually just nausea, dizziness and headaches - it may be enough to cool down in the shade and drink enough. In young children and the elderly it is wise to consult a doctor. Also stay out of the sun after the symptoms subside! In case of severe heat stroke, you do in principle the same and you also consult a doctor immediately.

2. With mild heat stroke - usually just nausea, dizziness and headache - it may be enough to cool off in the shade and drink enough. In young children and the elderly it is wise to consult a doctor. Also stay out of the sun after the symptoms subside! In case of severe heat stroke you do in principle the same and you also see a doctor immediately.

7. Can I sunbathe while pregnant?

1. If you follow the usual sun tips, you can safely sunbathe when you are pregnant. There are a number of points for attention: In pregnant women the hormone balance is changed, which often leads to an increase in skin pigmentation. In some women, irregular pigmentation spots on the face can occur: a pregnancy mask (melasma). Sometimes those pigmentation spots remain for a long time. In most women, the pregnancy mask disappears completely within one year after giving birth. Sometimes pregnant women are less able to tolerate heat and sun. Listen to your own body and get out of the sun on time If your belly is already a bit bigger, don't expose it to the sun for too long. A big belly burns faster. Cover it with a towel or put on a T-shirt The influence of UV radiation on the fetus is very minor. The fetus can see from the seventh month. It is not known how the fetus reacts to this, but you can avoid too bright light on your stomach by, for example, putting a towel over it or putting on a T-shirt while sunbathing.

2. If you follow the usual sun tips, you can safely sunbathe when you are pregnant. There are a number of points for attention: In pregnant women, the hormone balance is changed, which often leads to an increase in skin pigmentation. In some women, irregular pigmentation spots on the face can occur: a pregnancy mask (melasma). Sometimes those pigmentation spots remain for a long time. In most women, the pregnancy mask disappears completely within one year after giving birth. Sometimes pregnant women are less able to tolerate heat and sun. Listen to your own body and get out of the sun on time If your belly is already a bit fatter, don't expose it to the sun for too long. A big belly burns faster. Cover it with a towel or put on a T-shirt The influence of UV radiation on the fetus is very minor. The fetus can see from the seventh month. It is not known how the fetus reacts to this, but you can avoid too bright light on your stomach by, for example, covering it with a towel or putting on a T-shirt while sunbathing.

8. Is lubrication bad for the production of vitamin D?

1. Vitamin D is also called the 'sun vitamin'. Anti-sunscreen products with a protection factor SPF 15 ensure that the production of vitamin D in the skin is almost completely inhibited. For a long time it was therefore thought that excessive lubrication could cause a vitamin D deficiency. However, research shows that this is not justified. A person (including a child) with a white skin color produces a maximum amount of vitamin D within fifteen minutes a day, when exposed to the head and hands. Just playing, walking or cycling outside is enough. Longer exposure to the sun is not necessary for your daily vitamin D production. In people with a dark skin color, the production of vitamin D in the skin by the sun is much lower. They are more dependent on food and supplements for sufficient vitamin D. Do you suspect that you are deficient in vitamin D? Then go to your doctor for specific advice.

9. How do I prevent skin aging?

1. Skin aging is a natural process and cannot be stopped completely. The aging process can be slowed down by being careful with tanning. Stay out of the sun as much as possible and use skin care with a protective factor (SPF) or an anti-sunscreen product. Provide a healthy diet, avoid stress, be economical with alcohol and don't smoke.

10. How about the skin's natural protection?

1. Our skin produces pigment (melanin) under the influence of UV radiation, which ensures that our skin is thickened and we tan. This is a protective reaction of our skin against UV rays. It only offers limited protection against the dangers of the sun How long someone can sit in the sun without protection is not the same for everyone. The 'self-protection time' depends on your skin type, the degree to which your skin is used to the sun and the sun's strength. The sun's power indicates how much UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface. The stronger the sun power, the greater the chance of burning Also read: 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Sunscreen Products