What to do if you are allergic to the sun? 5 tips for a carefree vacation

June 21 is the official start of summer and also Sun Protection Day. Why is this day so important? Because too much sun burns our skin, promotes the formation of free radicals and causes inflammation. 

We should therefore remind ourselves once again how important adequate sun protection really is.

Attention (solar) radiation!

Millions of Germans, Swiss and Austrians have already booked their vacation. What many of them already know: An allergy to the sun is usually packed along and turns out to be a nasty companion. The unusually strong UV rays can turn a trip to the sun into torture for the first few days. People with sensitive skin often react to the high UV radiation with undesirable symptoms. 

Don't leave your skin health to chance and prepare yourself accordingly!

 

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➤ About 10 - 20 % of all people in our latitudes suffer from sun allergies!

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How does a sun allergy develop?

Scientifically, it is not a real allergy, but the symptoms are very reminiscent of one. The skin is overwhelmed and releases histamine. And it is precisely this hormone that causes inflammation. In addition, the strong UV rays cause more free radicals to form in the skin, which at some point the body has difficulty fighting on its own. 

The result? The skin reacts with irritation, redness, itching and pustules.

Important: If you have a sun allergy, you must consistently avoid the sun! Cool the affected areas and use moisturizing lotions.

 

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➤ Sun allergy affects women more often than men!

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How to prevent an allergy to the sun

1. acclimatization: Get your skin used to the sun step by step. The current weather is ideal for this

2. not too long: avoid spending too much time in the sun

3. avoid additives: Avoid cosmetics with many additives, as these can have a negative effect on the skin in combination with UV rays

4. sun protection: use sunscreen, but also make sure you use your own protection and stock up on vitamin D

5. right nutrients: support your body with the right nutrients

Calcium for sun allergy

• According to dermatologists, calcium in combination with vitamin D can protect against sun allergies.
• Calcium helps to block the histamine and thus alleviate the symptoms.
• Best taken 2-4 weeks before the vacation

Astaxanthin in the fight against free radicals

• Considered one of the most powerful antioxidants
• Powerful radical scavenger
• The antioxidant improves the skin's protective systems against harmful free radicals
•  Best taken 2-4 weeks before the vacation

 

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➤We are particularly at risk after prolonged absence from the sun and when exposed to high levels of UV radiation!

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Conclusion

When you go on vacation, you want to enjoy it to the full. There is absolutely no room for an annoying and painful sun allergy. So prepare your skin in good time to avoid any nasty surprises.

 

Sources (in English):

Yuan, J. P., Peng, J., Yin, K., & Wang, J. H. (2011). Potential health-promoting effects of astaxanthin: a high-value carotenoid mostly from microalgae. Molecular nutrition & food research, 55(1), 150–165. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201000414

Davinelli, S., Nielsen, M. E., & Scapagnini, G. (2018). Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients, 10(4), 522. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10040522