Sun protection: Growing awareness, little routine

A recent survey by the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) shows that sun protection in autumn and winter is still not a matter of course for many people in Germany.

Sun protection all year roundDefinitely! Because despite the lower angle of the sun and low temperatures in the cold season, UV radiation is also present in winter. and can damage the skin.

However, a recent study shows representative survey des Personal Care and Detergent Industry Association (IKW) – carried out by Lönneker & Imdahl rheingold salon -, that Everyday sun protection is still not a given for many people in Germany at a hunt.

The findings

Photo: © IKW

Over half (54,2 percent) of Germans aged 18 to 74 stated in the survey that It is generally advisable to avoid using sunscreen in autumn and winter.Almost half (48 percent) think that sun protection is less important in winter than in summer – 46,8 percent of those surveyed associate sun protection exclusively with summer, beach or swimming pool.

Knowledge is the opposite of behavior. 

58,8 percent of Germans say that they Nowadays, more attention is paid to sun protection than before. This applies to 65,1 percent of women and 52 percent of male respondents. Nevertheless Only 17,7 percent act preventively. and use sunscreen daily when they are outdoors. "There seems to be a clear trend." gap between knowledge and behavior “Sun protection is increasingly perceived as important, but it is not yet a fixed routine – especially not in winter,” the IKW notes.

So Especially during the colder months, very few people pay attention to routine sun protection. (Women: 28,4 percent; men: 21,6 percent). "The difference is even more pronounced among young adults: men between 18 and 29 years of age protect themselves even less frequently than women of the same age," according to the industry association. Incidentally, 33,4 percent agreed with the statement that they only use sunscreen in the colder months if they are spending extended periods outdoors, for example, on a skiing holiday.

More education and less underestimation are needed. 

As the survey results show, Sun protection in winter has not yet become a regular part of many people's everyday lives"However, UV radiation is not just a summer issue," he emphasizes. Birgit Huber, Head of Department of the competence partner Beauty care in the IKW. "UV rays are effective all year round. And especially in winter – for example, in reflective snow or during longer stays outdoors – it´s It is important to protect the skin.."

According to the survey Younger people in particular underestimate the intensity of the winter sun. More frequently than older people. "Around a third of those under 29 have underestimated UV radiation in winter and consequently gotten sunburned on their face. The figure is significantly lower for those over 60," explains the IKW.

Further information on sun protection from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) can be found at [website address]. ikw.org/beautycare/knowledge/sunprotection-everything-about-the-sunprotection-factor and ikw.org/beautycare/knowledge/the-science-behind-cosmetic-sunprotection!

Video: IKW promotional film

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Source: German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW)DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!