Sunny spring days entice us outdoors, but even in mild temperatures, UV radiation should not be underestimated.
Why sun cream and co are important now.
People usually only think about sun protection when it gets really hot. But UV radiation is invisible and does not depend on the air temperature.
Even on cool days, there is a risk of damage to health.
The sun emits high-energy ultraviolet rays of various wavelengths: The UV-C component is completely absorbed by the ozone layer. In contrast, up to ten percent of UV-B radiation reaches the earth’s surface, while the UV-A component passes through the atmosphere almost unhindered.
Direct consequences
– Reddening of the skin up to sunburn, swelling, blistering, itching, pain
– Sun allergy with wheals and blisters
– Inflammation of the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye (e.g. snow blindness)
– Suppression of the immune system
– Formation of vitamin D (the only known positive biological effect of UV radiation)
Late effects
– Eye damage such as cataracts or uveal melanoma (eye tumor)
– Accelerated skin ageing
– skin cancer
The intensity of UV radiation depends on the time of year, time of day and latitude.
It is more intense in the summer months than in winter, and is most dangerous during the day at midday.
In addition, the radiation intensity increases the closer you get to the equator.
Without sun protection, the UV rays penetrate the skin and eyes and can cause damage.
The main cause of reddening of the skin is UV-B radiation, which mainly penetrates the epidermis, whereas UV-A radiation reaches the deeper layers of the skin.