Increasing sun exposure comes at a high price: the number of skin cancers is increasing. UV radiation is the main cause of this disease and every one of us is affected by it. However, athletes, outdoor workers and people over 70 are particularly at risk. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of hospital treatments for skin cancer has risen sharply with 105,700 cases in 2021 - almost 75 percent more than 20 years earlier. Prof. Dr. Carola Berking, director of the skin clinic at Erlangen University Hospital, gives tips on how we can protect ourselves from increasing UV exposure and minimize the risk of skin cancer.
UV radiation: an invisible threat
UV exposure increases and with it the risk of skin cancer. But how can we effectively protect ourselves from too much UV radiation? “We have to become more aware of the harmfulness of UV radiation,” says Prof. Dr. Berking!
She refers to the UV index, which the German Weather Service publishes daily. The higher the number, the higher the radiation exposure.
How can we protect ourselves?
Awareness of UV radiation should be increased. For this purpose, the UV index could be displayed in public places, beaches or swimming pools, suggests Prof. Berking. The best protection? Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and postpone recreational sports to the morning or evening hours. And of course: apply sunscreen with sun protection factor 50+, reapply regularly and don't miss any spots.
UV protection in municipalities: There is a need for action
A representative Forsa survey commissioned by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) from 2023 shows that UV protection urgently needs to be improved in most cities and communities. “ Politicians and city planners are called upon to give the population more opportunities to find a place in the shade ,” says Prof. Berking.
Vitamin D versus skin cancer: The dilemma
UV radiation is not only harmful - it also helps our bodies produce vitamin D. So how can we ensure sufficient vitamin D levels in the blood while protecting ourselves from the sun? “To replenish the stores, all you need to do is expose yourself to the sun about three times a week with unprotected forearms or face. “But not longer than 5 minutes if you have light skin ,” advises Prof. Berking.
UV filters: how harmful are they really?
Talk of dangerous UV filters such as octocrylene often causes uncertainty. “A sunscreen usually consists of several filters and not of a single one in a very high dose, but of many filters in a very low dose, which reduces the risk of toxic damage ,” explains Prof. Berking.
Preparing for the Sun: What Works and What Doesn't?
It used to be said that you had to eat a lot of carrots to get your skin used to the sun. But Prof. Berking makes it clear: “Consuming foods containing carotene is healthy, but ineffective as UV protection. It is better to use the sun consciously and avoid reddening of the skin. “
Quick fact check
| claim | Fact check |
|---|---|
| UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. | Correct . The World Health Organization confirms that 90% of skin cancer cases are due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. |
| Sunscreen creams with sun protection factor 50+ offer effective protection against UV radiation. | Correct . According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a sunscreen with SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays. It is important to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. |
| Going out into the sun three times a week for about 5 minutes with unprotected forearms or face is enough to ensure adequate vitamin D levels in the blood. | This statement can vary. Required sun exposure can vary greatly depending on latitude, time of day, season, skin type, and many other factors. However, in practice it is often recommended to expose your face, hands and forearms to the sun for around 10 to 30 minutes two to three times a week. Sun protection should be used for longer stays. |
| Consuming foods containing carotene has no effect on the skin's UV protection. | Correct . While foods containing carotene provide many health benefits, there is insufficient scientific evidence to suggest that they provide significant protection from UV radiation. |
| UV filters in sunscreen products are harmless within the specified limits. | Correct . The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitor the safety of sunscreens. They have determined that UV filters are safe in the amounts used in sunscreens. |
Climate change is unavoidable, but we can change our behavior to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation. By being aware of when and how to protect ourselves, we can help combat the increasing risk of skin cancer. It's in our hands.
Sources:
Also read:
- Fact check: Sunscreen – how often, how much, which sun protection factor?
- Tips for protecting children from sun and heat
- Fact check: This is how I protect myself properly from the sun
- Sunglasses: Be careful with supposed bargains abroad
- Weather and climate: decoding the differences and understanding the interactions between the two natural phenomena
Notes:
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