What does the UV Index say?
The UV index is a simple measure of the strength of the sun’s UV radiation. The higher the UV index, the stronger and more harmful the solar radiation. With a high UV index, we get sunburned faster than with a deep one. With the help of the UV index, we can better assess the solar radiation and take suitable measures to protect ourselves from the dangers of UV radiation. The UV index is displayed either as a currently measured value or as a forecast.
The UV index is represented with a number and a drawing. The number shows the strength of the UV radiation. The drawing to the right shows the appropriate protective measures for this value. The higher the UV index, the better we have to protect ourselves.
What does the UV index mean specifically for my skin?
The skin has a certain amount of self-protection to protect itself from dangerous UV rays. The length of time we can stay in the sun without getting sunburned is not the same for everyone. Depending on how much of the brown pigment melanin the skin has, it is lighter or darker. Light-skinned people get sunburned more easily than dark-skinned people. Every person should know their skin type and protect themselves accordingly. There are six skin types, with types 1 to 3 being the most common in our part of the world. The behavior of the skin when exposed to UV rays is decisive for the skin type, ie the tendency to sunburn resp. which tanning behavior the skin shows.
Children have very sensitive skin and are always classified as skin type 1.
Skin type 1: very light, extremely sensitive skin, freckles, light eyes and light hair, no tanning.
Skin type 2: light, very sensitive skin, light eyes, light hair, very slow tanning.
Skin type 3: medium light, sensitive skin, light or dark eyes, brown hair, easy and slow tanning.
Skin type 4: tan, less sensitive skin, dark eyes, dark hair, quick and deep tanning.
Skin type 5: dark, slightly sensitive skin, dark eyes, black hair.
Skin type 6: black, slightly sensitive skin, black eyes and black hair.
Sun protection is absolutely necessary for skin types 1 and 2 even at medium UV radiation intensity (UV index 3-5).
How do I protect my skin from harmful UV rays?
In order to specifically prevent sunburn, you should know your own skin type (see above). The lighter the skin, the faster it burns. Therefore, the sun protection factor of the cream against sunburn must always be adapted to the skin type.
It is just as important to know the current UV index of the area where you are outdoors. Here, too, the higher the UV index, the more dangerous the sun’s effects on the skin (see UV Index Switzerland). In addition to the right sunscreen, you must always ensure that you wear appropriate clothing. The sun hat protects the head. The headgear with neck protection ensures that even the sensitive neck does not burn.
If the UV index is high, long-sleeved tops and long pants should be worn. If the UV index is very high, sunburn can only be effectively prevented if the sun is avoided.
Good to know:
Time: The rays in Switzerland are most intense in summer between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Reflection: Depends on the material: snow, sand and water reflect and strongly amplify the UV rays. For example, snow reflects 40-90% of UV rays, water 10-30% and sand 5-25%.
Tips to prevent sunburn
- Prepare your skin for the sun early, for example with the Pre-Sun Bioactivator from Method Brigitte Kettner.
- Take your time tanning. Don’t try to speed up tanning by rubbing milking fat or olive oil on yourself. Those who are at risk of sunburn should better get their skin used to the sun slowly. Increase your exposure to the sun day by day and never forget to apply sunscreen.
- Keep in mind that if you stay in the sun for a long time, it is necessary to refresh the sunscreen every two hours. If you go swimming, be sure to reapply sunscreen after swimming.
- If possible, use a mineral sunscreen, such as the Sun + Light Protection SPF 20 or the Sun + Light Protection SPF 30 from Methode Brigitte Kettner, because unlike chemical sunscreens, this can be applied several times and the sunscreen time can be extended as required. We explain the difference between mineral and chemical sun protection in our beauty blog .
- If you get sunburned quickly, you shouldn’t tan in the sun, but in the shade. Because the UV rays do not reach their full strength under the parasol, the tanning process is slower, but also gentler on the skin. Nevertheless, you should not do without the sunscreen even in the shade.
- To avoid the overly intense rays of the sun, you should take a lunch break from sunbathing. Stay indoors when UV rays are at their strongest between 11am and 3pm.
- It also helps to prevent sunburn if you give your stressed skin a break from sunbathing. Alternate regularly between sun and shade. This gives the skin time to recover between the individual phases of the sun.
- If you take medication regularly, be aware of the side effects. Psychotropic drugs, antibiotics and medicines for diabetes can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light and thus increase the risk of sunburn.
- Don’t forget to moisturize and nourish your skin after sunbathing. This is a simple and gentle way of prolonging your summer tan. The new After Sun Lotion Lemon by Methode Brigitte Kettner is ideal.
What is a heat wave?
The Federal Office for Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss adopts the American definition of a heat wave.
They combine air temperature with humidity and calculate a heat index.
If the heat index exceeds a fixed value for three or five days, we speak of a heat wave.
Heat Index: The severity of the heat is calculated based on temperature and humidity.
And this is how you can read the table:
Take the outside temperature and the humidity and determine the felt temperature in the table. The higher the perceived temperature, the more difficult it is for us to endure the heat and the greater the danger to our body.
A small example: At a temperature of 33 degrees and a humidity of 60 percent, our body feels a temperature of 40 degrees. This is already very stressful, exhaustion is quite possible.
What are the symptoms of heat stress?
- High body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- weakness/fatigue
- headache
- muscle cramps
- Dry mouth
- Confusion, dizziness, impaired consciousness
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
How can I protect myself from a heat wave?
- Avoid physical exertion
- Keep your home and body as cool as possible
- Drink a lot (at least 2 liters per day)
- Eat refreshing, cool food
- Compensate for salt loss during and after physical activity
- Do not leave people or animals in parked cars
Swell:
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
MeteoSwiss
sonnenbrand-tipps.de
