Protecting the skin from strong sunlight is important in preventing skin cancer and protecting against sunburn. Fair-skinned people need a sun cream with a higher sun protection factor than people with darker skin.

It is best to slowly prepare light-coloured, sensitive skin for sun exposure, as a pre-tan offers natural protection from the sun. In good time before your summer holiday, you should acclimatise your skin to the sun a little longer each day, but without over-exposing it and always protect it with the right sun cream. Sun creams are available on the market in various forms. Emulsifier-free sun protection products are suitable for skin types that are prone to Mallorca acne or sun allergies. A sun protection spray and oil-free products are easier to apply to areas of the body with hair and are usually more popular with children. If you want to take a dip in the water, you should use a waterproof cream that stays on the skin for longer. Nevertheless, even with waterproof sun cream you should reapply regularly, as the skin is only protected for a certain amount of time.

There are two types of UV filters in sun cream: chemical and mineral. Chemical filters are absorbed by the epidermis, where they absorb UV radiation from sunlight. A mineral UV filter works physically, i.e. small mineral pigments, e.g. titanium oxide or zinc oxide, are deposited on the skin and reflect the sunlight so that the UV radiation only reaches the skin in reduced form. This sometimes leaves a white film on the skin. Chemical and mineral filters are both effective against UV A and UV B rays.

Sun creams with a chemical filter must be applied half an hour before sunbathing so that the chemical reaction can take place. Mineral filters work as soon as they are applied to the skin. Sun creams should always be applied generously, especially to children, whose skin is even more sensitive than that of adults. Nose, lips, ears, scars and bald heads should not be forgotten.

The protection time depends on the sun protection factor of the sun cream. However, you should never stay in direct sunlight for longer than three quarters of the self-protection time, as sunburn can occur even before this.