Let’s talk about sun protection: What UV rays do to the body

The sun will remain a double-edged sword in 2025: While it plays a part in our outdoor leisure activities – walking, hiking, picnicking or trips to the countryside – it not only provides light and warmth, but also poses a health risk that shouldn’t be underestimated. UV radiation affects our skin every day – silently, continuously and often with long-lasting consequences. Despite all the information out there, many people still continue to underestimate the dangers of too much sun. UV radiation never takes a break – not even on cloudy days or during brief periods outdoors.

Sun protection – something we’ve known about for a long time

The fundamental measures required to protect against UV radiation are widely known: apply plenty of sunscreen, wear protective clothing and seek shade. Numerous blog articles and news reports have repeatedly highlighted these points. Yet even today, we still encounter statements such as:

„A little bit of sun won’t do any harm.“

„It’s not really that sunny.“

„I’m only going out briefly.“

Such statements might seem understandable in everyday life – but they entail health risks that should not be underestimated.

What UV rays can do – in the short and long term

UV rays can take effect in very different ways – sometimes immediately, sometimes only years later. The most common health implications include:

• Sunburn and inflamed skin
  • This is probably the most well-known and common consequence of too much exposure to the sun. The skin becomes red, inflamed and may be painful. Sunburn is a warning sign that the skin has been exposed to too much UV radiation.

• Sun allergies or phototoxic reactions
  • UV light can trigger skin reactions such as redness, itching or rashes in sensitive individuals – whether through direct exposure to sunlight or in combination with certain medications or cosmetics that increase sensitivity to light.

• Skin ageing caused by loss of elasticity
  • UV rays damage the structural proteins of the skin and result in wrinkles, loss of elasticity and an overall aged appearance.

• Skin cancer – now one of the most common types of cancer in Germany
  • The risk of skin cancer increases significantly over the long term, particularly as a result of repeated or intense UV exposure. These include various forms such as basal cell carcinoma, spinalioma and the dangerous malignant melanoma. Sunburns at a young age significantly increase this risk.

• Eye diseases
  • UV radiation can inflame the conjunctiva, cause cataracts and damage the retina. Looking directly at the sun can cause irreversible damage to the eyes and, in the worst case, blindness.

Sun protection – as essential as a seat belt

There is no doubt that sunlight has many positive effects: It stimulates vitamin D production and boosts our mood. It should not be forgotten, however, that it also carries health risks. Much like we use seatbelts in cars, sun protection should become second nature – not as a chore, but as a necessary precaution. UV rays are invisible, but their effects are proven to be serious. Anyone who does not use sun protection is taking a risk that could be avoided – with potential health consequences that may only become apparent years later.