Daily Sun Protection is as Important in Switzerland

A little about UV rays (ultraviolet rays) and skin cancer in Switzerland

• Switzerland has the highest skin cancer rate in Europe and ranks 3rd on the global scale.

• Every year in Switzerland, around 2700 people develop melanoma (skin cancer). This corresponds to almost 7% of all cancers.

• In the mountains, UV rays are even more harmful. Snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays.

• We are often unaware of how exposed we are to rays and how strongly it can affect us. Unfortunately, UV rays are not visible to our eyes.

UV rays penetrates the skin and is the cause for a range of acute to long-term skin damage.

• A distinction is made between three types of rays: UVA, UVB and UVC rays. However, minor affects are caused from UVC as the majority of UVC rays do not pass through the ozone layer.

UVA

UVB

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, thus is the major contributor for premature skin aging, such as wrinkles, sagging, and brown spots.

These rays are present every day and all year round, even in winter!
Unfortunately, we cannot grasp the impact sun exposure has on us as we cannot feel the UVA rays when it damages our skin.

Every time you are exposed to UVA rays, your skin loses a little more elasticity and firmness. These rays can even damage the cornea of the eyes.

Did you know that UVA rays can also penetrate through windows and glass? Only if your windows have a special UVA protection film, you will always be exposed to UVA rays through the windows. Whether you are in the car driving or sitting at your desk by the office window.

UVB rays are powerful! These rays are the reason for sunburns and are considered more aggressive than UVA rays. Even though they ‘only’ penetrate as far as the epidermis layer of the skin, they play a major role as causers of skin cancer.

These rays are not always consistent in strength though. The UVB intensity highly depends on many different factors such as the season to the time of day. In Switzerland, we have the strongest rays in the months of summer. However, in Switzerland we still need to stay cautious even in the winter time. In particular if we are in the mountains, the UV index high in the higher altitudes and additionally the snow can reflect up to 80% of the UVB rays. Even on a cloudy or overcast day, the rays continue to penetrate through.

SPF50+ sun protection daily

(Protect all parts of your skin, in particular the face, hands and décolleté)

In spring, summer, autumn and winter – The entire year!

Do you cycle to work?

Do you take your dog out for walks?

Do you enjoy sports and outdoor activities?

Are you exposed to sunlight through glass? Whether in your car, the train, in a restaurant or office?

Have you thought about sun protection?

The main recommendations for sun protection are:

Try to stay in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Protect yourself by wearing a hat, sunglasses and appropriate clothing

Apply sunscreen