Health: 9 tips for optimal UV protection for sailors

How to deal properly with the shady sides of the sun:

Tip 1

Avoid the midday sun (UV-B radiation).

Tip 2

Use a sun protection cream that is at least "medium" to "high" effective in both the UV-A and UV-B ranges (from protection factor 25). Ideal: liposomal lotions such as Daylong ultra, extremely water-resistant and non-greasy.

Tip 3

Always use a sufficient dose of cream. The protection factor stated on the packaging is only achieved if you apply 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimetre of skin to be protected. Rule of thumb: a good two finger-lengths from the tube for each face-neck-head, each arm, décolleté-breast, stomach, each upper and lower leg, upper and lower back.

Tip 4

Patients with fair skin (skin type 1-2), sailors in Mediterranean or tropical waters or people with skin reactions and diseases that can be caused or worsened by UV radiation/sunlight should use a "very high" protective medical sunscreen. Further information can be found at: www.uv-schutz.info. Such diseases can be: polymorphic light dermatosis, Mallorca acne, lupus erythematosus, skin cancer or early forms such as actinic keratoses.

Tip 5

Sun cream should be used every day, even on cloudy days! 80 per cent of UV radiation still passes through cloud cover. In the shade it is still 50 per cent.

Tip 6

Apply sun cream at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.

Tip 7

Also apply cream to frequently neglected areas (e.g. neck, ears, hairless head, back of hands). And don't forget your lips ("sailor's cancer", see YACHT 10/12). Actinica is the only medical product with proven efficacy in the prevention of various forms of light skin cancer.

Tip 8

Re-cream. If affected by physical activity such as bathing, mechanical friction from clothing or sweating, the sun protection function may diminish and the product must be renewed.

Tip 9

Wearing UV-resistant clothing can also protect you from the sun's rays.

The author

Dr Claas Ulrich is head of the Skin Tumour Centre at Berlin's Charité hospital. The internationally recognised dermatologist has been associated with sailing since his training in Kiel.