Sun protection - care, protection and daily routine

There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are extremely short-waved and blocked by the ozone layer, so they aren’t a concern. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis and can cause sun allergies and premature aging. They’re the main contributors to wrinkle formation. UVB rays reach only the outer layers of the skin and are responsible for tanning - but they’re also the main culprits behind sunburn and DNA damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how long a product protects your skin from harmful UV radiation. There are different levels of protection:

• For basic protection, SPF 6–10 is enough – ideal for skin that’s not very sensitive.
  
  
• SPF 15–20 provides medium protection, suitable for everyday use.
  
  
• SPF 30–50 offers high protection – great if you're exposed to strong sunlight, especially in summer.
  
  
• SPF 50+ is ideal for very sensitive or fair skin and should not be skipped in those cases.
  
  

To begin with, it is important to know that reapplying sunscreen does not prolong protection from UV rays. This means that you cannot stay in the sun longer just because you reapply sunscreen. The protection is only maintained, which means that your protection is not lost for this exact period of time. Sweat and water can quickly cause the effect of the sunscreen to wear off over time. To prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to reapply every two to three hours or when you get out of the water.

The answer is simple: yes! If you're out and about every day, you're also exposing your skin to the sun every day. Even if you can't see the sun and it's cloudy, you shouldn't do without sun protection. Because UV rays are always present, regardless of whether it's sunny, cloudy or cold.

If you’ve done everything right so far, your entire body - from your scalp to the tops of your feet - should now be protected with sunscreen. But there’s one area people often forget: the lips. So why do lips need special sun protection?

Your lips are particularly vulnerable to UV damage because they react much more quickly to sun exposure. Unlike the rest of your skin, lips don’t produce melanin, which makes them more prone to UV-related damage, dryness, and cracking. UV rays are also a major trigger for cold sores, as excessive sun exposure can weaken the immune system and activate the herpes virus.

To properly protect your lips, you don’t necessarily have to apply your regular sunscreen to them (though you absolutely can). There are UV-protective lip balms specifically designed for this purpose — long-lasting and ideal for dry, chapped lips. The Nourishing High Protection UV Stick SPF 50 from Gun Ana, for example, is a great option. It not only shields your lips, but also nourishes them — and it can be used on the face, body, scars, and tattoos too.

If you love wearing lipstick, you can use UV protection as a base. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture of your lipstick. Alternatively, go for a lipstick that already contains UV protection.

Using lip moisturiser with UV protection is the first step you should take to protect your lips from UV rays. It's best if you also put on a sun hat with a wide brim so that your lips are protected from the sun (yes, it might not be the most stylish option - a cap works too… but let’s keep that between us 😉). If your lips still feel irritated despite protection, stay out of direct sunlight between 12 and 3 PM - UV levels are at their peak during these hours.

Everyone’s skin is different, and so are their needs. There’s a huge variety of products out there – what matters most is not the brand, but how well the product suits your skin.

Apply your daily moisturizer first, then your sunscreen - don’t combine both into one product. A combined product usually compromises on both protection and skincare. You want 100% of each.

• For oily skin: Go for lightweight or mattifying formulas to avoid shine.
• For sensitive skin: Choose mineral-based sunscreens with no harmful additives.

The difference between a mineral sun cream and a chemical sun cream is simple:

• Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat.
  
  
• Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin, acting as a physical barrier that reflects UV rays away

With so many sunscreen options out there, it’s easy to lose track and wonder: which one is actually the best? We’ve put together a small selection of our personal favorites - there’s something here for everyone.