The sun is coming earlier – are you prepared?

How does an early start to summer affect our skin health?

An early start to summer draws many people outdoors and boosts mood and activity. At the same time, the first strong sun rays increase the risk of damaging your skin and weakening its natural protective function.

Especially in spring and early summer, your skin is often not yet acclimatised to higher UV exposure. Even a short time outside can cause unpleasant skin reactions – including dryness, redness or sunburn. Many underestimate that UV exposure can be significant even in mild temperatures and cloudy conditions. People with sensitive skin or special care needs now require targeted sun protection to effectively prevent premature skin ageing, pigmentation spots or allergic reactions.

From what UV index do you need sun protection?

From a UV index of 3, experts recommend using sun care products. The UV index indicates how intense the ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth’s surface is. This level is often reached even on slightly cloudy or cool days – frequently without you noticing.

After the winter months the skin is particularly sensitive because it has formed less natural protection. Even short periods outdoors can lead to redness or irritation without UV protection. Natural and plant-based sun care products provide gentle care and effective protection. It is worth making sun protection a fixed part of your daily skincare routine early on, especially if you like to be active outdoors, play sports or are mobile in your daily life.

Those who now consciously use effective sun protection can enjoy the first sun rays with peace of mind and create the best conditions for healthy, well-cared-for skin. For people with sensitive skin or special care needs, early prevention is the key to a worry-free spring.

City, beach or mountains: how do protection strategies differ?

Depending on your surroundings, different protective measures apply. In the city you are usually exposed to less UV radiation than at the beach or in the mountains. Nevertheless, asphalt, glass and other reflective surfaces can intensify the sun’s rays. A light sun protection is therefore recommended in everyday city life as well – along with wearing sunglasses and using moisturising care.

At the beach, solar radiation is particularly intense because sand and water reflect UV rays back onto the skin. Using a high sun protection factor is essential at the seaside, especially during the first sunbath of the year. After swimming or sweating, regular reapplication is advisable. Those who opt for natural, water‑resistant sun care products with plant-based ingredients also offer ideal protection for sensitive skin. 

In the mountains the sun’s rays hit the skin more intensely, because for every 1,000 metres in altitude, UV radiation increases by about ten percent. Even in cool or cloudy weather, self-protection must not be neglected, as snow and rocks reflect sunlight as well. A very high sun protection factor, lip care with UV protection and covering clothing reliably protect you against sunburn and irritation.

Are there differences in sun protection for face, body and hands?

Different body areas have specific sun protection needs. The face is exposed to the sun daily and is particularly sensitive. Use a special, lightweight UV protection for your face that is non-greasy and cares optimally. Such facial care products often contain valuable moisturisers and soothing ingredients that do not burden the skin.

For the body, richer sun care products are suitable, as the skin there is less sensitive and tolerates more moisture. Make sure to apply enough cream to your shoulders, legs and back to ensure comprehensive protection. If you prefer natural or plant-based products, you will find a wide selection for every skin type in the pharmacy or drugstore.

The hands are easily forgotten in everyday life but are particularly sensitive to UV rays. A dedicated hand sun protection that absorbs quickly while nourishing is therefore a valuable component of comprehensive sun care.

What does the ideal daily sun care routine look like?

To keep your skin healthy and youthful over the long term, it is recommended to apply a sun protection with an SPF matched to your skin type every morning. The face and other uncovered body areas benefit especially from a light, non-greasy sun care that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

If you spend extended time outdoors, engage in sports, work in the garden or commute on foot, renew sun protection several times a day, ideally after sweating or drying off. Match products to the different needs of face, body and hands so that every body part stays well protected and cared for.

Sensitive and dry skin in particular benefit from UV protection with gentle formulations and moisturising ingredients. Plant-based alternatives are often very skin-friendly and pleasant to apply. In this way sun care becomes a valuable everyday routine and effectively protects you from light-induced skin damage.

With a well thought-out sun care routine you can fully enjoy the first sun rays and ensure a radiant, healthy complexion over time. Integrating high-quality sun protection into daily life increases wellbeing and preserves natural beauty – all year round.

Safe through spring: practical tips for starting out in the sun

• Pay attention to suitable sun protection already during the first time outdoors, because skin is particularly sensitive to UV radiation after the winter months.
• Choose a sunscreen with a sufficiently high SPF that suits your skin type and apply it generously to all uncovered skin areas.
• When applying, do not forget small, often overlooked areas such as ears, neck, the top of the feet and the hands – these areas are often underestimated and particularly prone to sunburn.
• If you have sensitive skin or value gentle care, prefer sun care products with plant-based or natural ingredients.
• Apply sun protection about 20 minutes before going outside so that the ingredients can work optimally and develop their full protective effect.
• Renew sun protection regularly, especially after sweating, swimming or drying off, to ensure continuous protection.
• Remember to protect yourself in everyday life as well, because UV rays can pass through window glass and affect your skin even indoors.
• Combine nourishing UV protection with moisturising skincare in your daily routine to keep your skin supple.
• Prefer sunny hours early in the morning or late afternoon and avoid the intense midday sun to protect your skin from peak radiation.
• Combine sun protection with covering clothing, a hat and sunglasses to effectively protect particularly sensitive areas such as the scalp and eyes.
• Pay attention to your lips, as they are often forgotten but very susceptible to sunburn – a lip balm with UV protection is a simple and effective addition.
• Do not use expired sunscreens, as their protective factor can degrade over time – check the expiry date before first use.
• For active people or those who sweat a lot, there are special water- and sweat-resistant sun care products that remain effective during activity.
• After sun exposure, use soothing after‑sun products to relax the skin, rehydrate it and support recovery processes.
• Do not be deceived on cloudy days: up to 80 percent of UV rays penetrate the cloud cover – protection is therefore always advisable.
• For children and people with very sensitive skin, it is worth choosing particularly gentle sun care products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
• Give your skin enough time to adapt: start the first sunny days with shorter periods outdoors to gradually acclimatise the skin to sunlight.
• A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables with antioxidant ingredients supports your skin from within and helps protect it against environmental stressors like UV radiation.

By thinking about skin protection from the first rays of sun and treating the sun with care, you will enjoy the warm season with noticeably greater wellbeing. Natural skincare and awareness of your skin's individual needs help prevent irritation or long-term damage. With the right sun protection, an early start to summer becomes a relaxed time full of energy and joie de vivre!