Sun protection in winter

If you enjoy the sun in winter, especially in the high mountains, you must pay special attention to sun protection. Do not forget that not all skin areas are completely covered by the thick clothing. The parts such as lips, cheeks, nose and earlobes are then particularly susceptible to UV radiation and endangered by sunburn, which, like any skin burns, can do a lot of harm. Important for the holidays in the mountains: at the beginning of the ski holiday, the skin is usually not used to intense sun, so an effective sunscreen is generally advisable especially in the first days of vacation.

Even if it is grey and foggy in the valley, you should never go up to the ski area without sunscreen. The higher you go, the thinner the air and thus the atmospheric protective layer between the sun and the skin. In addition, the snow reflects the sun's rays and increases their intensity up to 90%. The usual warning sign (heat sensation), as felt for example in the summer, stays away, because you feel the sun significantly weaker due to the low temperatures and thicker clothing.

Why is sun protection not only with UV-A and UV-B filters, but also with infrared protection important for the skin?

The most important source of infrared radiation is the sun. The infrared radiation makes up the largest part (about 50%) of the total solar radiation, but infrared rays, just as UV radiation is invisible to us. The latest studies show that, like UV rays, infrared rays can accelerate skin ageing and lead to long-term sun-related damage. It is therefore important to protect our skin not only from UVA and UVB rays, but also from infrared rays.

Infrared light is known to promote the formation of a reactive form of oxygen (ROS) in the cell’s (mitochondrial) power plants located in the subcutaneous tissue. This leads to increased production of collagen-degrading enzymes. Therefore, it is useful to stop these enzymes (MMPs) with a separate sunscreen in order to protect the connective tissue fibers from this indirect damage and consequently from the development of wrinkles. The "normal sunscreen" protects with its UV filters from the UV-A and UV-B radiation but not from the infrared radiation (IR-A), which is able to penetrate into deeper skin layers. There it produces decomposition products and free radicals, which, among other things, cause visible, premature aging. Damage to the genetic material DNA in the cell nucleus, is particularly dangerous because it can lead to skin cancer.

Hannelore Thoma, our skin care expert recommends using the Face Guard Advanced as an innovative sunscreen concentrate with SPF 30 against premature photoageing. In addition to containing photostable UVA and UVB filters and the cell protectant ectoine®, the emulsion now provides effective protection from IR radiation too. Face Guard Advanced contains Thermus thermophilus ferment, i.e. a biotechnologically obtained enzyme, which fights against IR-induced damages. It weakens inflammatory reactions, improves hydration and defends the skin against oxidative stress. The ectoine® in the formula also supports the skin’s natural protective mechanisms. Ectoine® has been proven to shield the cells in the body’s largest organ from environmental influences such as dryness, heat, cold temperatures and UV rays.

This light emulsion is suitable for all skin types and can be combined with any day care cream.