Which sun protection factor is sufficient?

For all uncovered parts of the body we recommend a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. It complements clothing and shade but does not replace them.

What are sun terraces?

This is the name for the parts of the body on which the sun falls particularly intensely; which ones they are is explained on the page on skin cancer.

I take medication regularly. What do I need to bear in mind?

Some active substances increase the skin's sensitivity to light, so that it reacts with redness more quickly. Whether this applies to your preparations is stated in the package leaflet; if in doubt, ask us or your pharmacy.

Is consistent sun protection enough to prevent skin cancer?

No. Sun protection lowers UV exposure and with it one important risk factor. Predisposition, skin cancer in the family and a large number of moles are unaffected by it. That is why a regular screening examination, as a rule once a year, and checking your own skin are part of it.

Sun safety rules

Ten rules for dealing with the sun. They help to limit the skin's UV exposure and are part of preventing skin cancer.

Overview

Frequent sunburn, cases of skin cancer in your own family and a large number of moles raise the risk of developing skin cancer. Predisposition and moles cannot be changed; the skin's UV exposure can. That is why protection from the sun is the part of prevention that you hold in your own hands.

Children in particular need adequate protection from the sun. Infants in their first year of life should if at all possible not be exposed to direct sunlight. In adults the so-called sun terraces carry the greatest load, the areas on which the sun falls particularly intensely: the bridge of the nose, the skin around the eyes, ears, lips, chin, shoulders, back, buttocks and the tops of the feet, as well as the scalp in people going bald.

The following rules apply in everyday life just as much as on holiday. They replace neither regular screening examinations nor checking your own skin; they complement both.

Areas of application

Children, infants in their first year of life in particular
Fair skin type and frequent sunburn in the past
Many moles, or moles that look unusual
Skin cancer in your own family
After skin cancer that has already been treated, or with actinic keratoses
Regular use of medicines that can increase sensitivity to light
The first days of a holiday in the sun
Heavily sun-exposed parts of the body (sun terraces), such as the scalp in people going bald

What to expect

Clothing and shade are the basis of sun protection. Sunscreen goes on the parts of the body that remain uncovered.
Sun protection lowers UV exposure but does not rule out skin cancer. Regular screening examinations and checking your own skin therefore remain important.
If you are unsure which protection suits your skin type, ask us during your consultation.

Risks & notes

Some medicines make the skin more sensitive to light. If you take medication regularly, ask us or your pharmacy whether this applies to your preparations.
Have new, growing or changing skin lesions assessed promptly, even if you follow the sun safety rules consistently.

10 golden sun rules

If you expose yourself to the sun, please observe the following rules:

Avoid any reddening of the skin.
Wear sun-tight clothing (textile sun protection).
Protect all uncovered parts of the body with a sufficient sunscreen (at least SPF 30).
During the first days of your holiday, stay in the shade in particular.
Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before sunbathing.
Avoid the midday sun and give your skin a break now and then.
When bathing, use water-resistant sunscreens.
Watch out for photosensitising medicines if you have to take medication regularly.
Do without perfume and deodorants when you go into the sun. Together with UV light, their fragrances can encourage pigment spots.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from intense sun as well.

Frequently asked questions

Which sun protection factor is sufficient?: For all uncovered parts of the body we recommend a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. It complements clothing and shade but does not replace them.
Do the sun safety rules also apply to children?: Yes, they apply to children to a particular degree. Infants in their first year of life should if at all possible not be exposed to direct sunlight. Older children need adequate protection, above all through clothing and shade.
What are sun terraces?: This is the name for the parts of the body on which the sun falls particularly intensely; which ones they are is explained on the page on skin cancer.
I take medication regularly. What do I need to bear in mind?: Some active substances increase the skin's sensitivity to light, so that it reacts with redness more quickly. Whether this applies to your preparations is stated in the package leaflet; if in doubt, ask us or your pharmacy.
Is consistent sun protection enough to prevent skin cancer?: No. Sun protection lowers UV exposure and with it one important risk factor. Predisposition, skin cancer in the family and a large number of moles are unaffected by it. That is why a regular screening examination, as a rule once a year, and checking your own skin are part of it.