UV protection: maintaining skin and eye health

UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun can cause serious health damage, including sunburn, premature skin aging, skin cancer, and eye damage. Therefore, it is important to take effective protection measures against UV radiation all year round, and especially in the summer and during peak hours (10:00-16:00).

Ways to protect against UV radiation:

1. Avoiding sun exposure during peak hours:

• As much as possible, avoid being in the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when UV radiation is strongest.
• If it is still necessary to go outside during these hours, you should seek shade, such as under trees, sheds, or umbrellas.

2. Protective clothing:

• Long clothing should be worn, preferably in dark colors, that covers most of the body.
• A wide-brimmed hat will provide protection for the face, neck, and ears.
• Sunglasses with UV protection will protect your eyes.

3. Using sunscreen:

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
• Apply the cream 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Be sure to apply the cream generously to all parts of the body exposed to the sun.

4. Child Protection:

• Children are particularly sensitive to UV radiation, so it is important to ensure maximum protection for them.
• They should be dressed in long clothing, a hat and sunglasses, and they should be regularly applied sunscreen.
• Their exposure to the sun should be limited, especially during peak hours.

5. Environmental awareness:

• Surfaces such as sand, water, and snow reflect UV radiation, so it is important to ensure protection in these places as well.
• UV radiation also penetrates through clouds, so it is important to use protective measures even on cloudy days.

Important to remember:

• Excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause serious health damage.
• Taking simple protective measures can significantly reduce the risk of these damages.
• A dermatologist should be consulted about additional protective measures, especially for people with fair or sensitive skin.