How do sunscreens work?

The sun protection in the creams is created by UV filters. There are two modes of action here: Mineral UV filters largely adhere to the surface of the skin. They reflect and scatter the incident UV light like tiny mirrors. Chemical filters convert UV rays into heat on the skin. They penetrate the skin more deeply and form a protective film that converts the harmful sun rays into harmless infrared light - i.e. heat. Chemical filters are suspected of having a hormonal effect. In natural cosmetics, only mineral – i.e. physical – filters are used.

What does the sun protection factor stand for?

The sun protection factor indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned. This allows the so-called self-protection time to be extended. However, applying cream more often does not extend the time.

Is sunscreen harmful to the environment?

You can tell from the ingredients how environmentally friendly it is. Fragrances can be problematic because they can trigger allergies, environmentally harmful microplastics and chemical UV filters. To ensure that as little sunscreen as possible gets into the environment and water, it is best to apply the sunscreen half an hour before swimming. Some UV filters are said to have hormone-like effects on aquatic life. The UV filters oxybenzone and octinoxate are questionable.

How harmful is the sun for the skin?

UV rays can cause serious long-term damage to the skin. While the upper layer of skin regenerates, damage to the tissue may remain. Frequent sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer because the skin remembers sunburns.

How much sunscreen do I need to apply?

For an average body, around 30 grams of cream per application is assumed to actually achieve the specified sun protection factor.

How well does waterproof sunscreen protect?

Basically, “waterproof” for sunscreen only means that at least 50 percent of the cream must still be on the skin after bathing. The only solution: reapply.

How long does old sunscreen last?

Many sunscreens have a shelf life of twelve months after opening. After that, the ingredients in the old sunscreen lose their effectiveness and you endanger your skin if you continue to apply it. So: It is better to dispose of tubes that have been opened after twelve months.

Can harmful substances be created when packages are opened?

Be particularly careful with products with chemical UV filters: The chemical UV filter octocrylene, for example, can degrade during long-term storage and form a carcinogenic substance - the possibly carcinogenic molecule benzophenone. No benzophenone can only be detected in octocrylene-free products.

Sunburn: Which home remedies help?

To relieve the symptoms of sunburn, many people swear by chamomile as a home remedy - but chamomile is highly allergenic. Silica can help and aloe vera lotion or gel – they cool. Alternatively, marigold also has a soothing effect. If you are sunburnt, cool down and avoid anything that further irritates the skin.

Note: This video is an excerpt from the broadcast on June 7th, 2022: https://youtu.be/Zwnj8RDLhWM

This might also be of interest: Second choice goods Complaint: goodwill or obligation?

Source: SWR – Author: Stefanie Waldschmidt


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Notes:
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