Safe in the sun
The most important goal of sun protection is to prevent skin cancer. However, since even very good sunscreens are never entirely unproblematic for health and the environment, they should be used as little as possible.
Therefore we recommend: Stay in the shade, wear UV shirts/shirts (also when swimming) and put on hats or caps. If you do need to use a lotion, make sure you apply it correctly: let it absorb well before going into the water so that it doesn't wash off right away. And choose the sun protection product wisely. Here are some tips:
- Pay attention to the declaration and avoid the following substances: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalates.
- Fragrances are unnecessary additives.
- Some manufacturers already voluntarily label their products as "Without hormonally active additives - basis: EU priority list, www.vki.at/hormoninfo".
- If you are holidaying by the sea, look for labels such as "reef safe" or "in accordance with the Hawaii Reef Act" - a full list of substances to avoid can be found here: Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide | Save the Reef
The Association for Consumer Protection tested sunscreens and after sun lotions again this year. Of course, it was evaluated whether the stated UV protection is maintained, but also whether harmful substances are contained. The good news is - the sun creams are getting better! You can find the results online under Test Sonnenschutzmittel: Welche Produkte ab Lichtschutzfaktor 30 sind empfehlenswert? | KONSUMENT.AT or Test After-Sun-Pflegeprodukte: Zu viel versprochen? | KONSUMENT.AT