Actinic keratoses

Tips to prevent actinic keratoses

Avoid sun

• Do not stay out in the sun without any protection.
• The sun is at its most intense in the midday period from around 10.00 am to 4 pm. Try to avoid staying out in the sun at this time.
• The intensity of the UV radiation depends on the sun's angle of incidence, not on the heat or brightness. Shadow length is thus an indication of the sun's intensity. Long shadows indicate less intensive sunlight; short shadows indicate very intense sunlight. Therefore, the risk is greatest at around the start of the summer and it is identical two months before (in April) and two months afterwards (in August).
• Avoid reflective surfaces such as water, sand, concrete and white painted surfaces. (Clouds and fog do not protect; on the contrary, they can actually increase the UVB radiation).
• Avoid artificial UV rays (solariums, home sun).

Wear protective clothing

• Protect your skin with clothing. Wear hats, tops with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts when you are out in the sun.

Use sunscreen agents properly

• Use sunscreen agents with a high UV protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) that offer protection against UVA radiation in addition to UVB protection. Please note, however, that no sun cream offers complete protection.
• Apply the sunscreen agent at least 30 minutes before exposure to sun.
• To maintain the light protection, the sunscreen agent must be reapplied several times.
• With sunscreen agents, the following applies as an exception: A lot helps a lot. The more you apply, the better the protection. If you apply the agent too thinly, the UV protection factor is reduced. Apply twice as much as you are accustomed to applying of your skincare products.
• In particular, the sun terraces of the body (forehead, nose, cleavage, hands, etc.) should be carefully covered with sunscreen agent.
• Use the UV protection agent the whole year, even in winter.