What skin types are there?
More effectively assessing sun exposure

Properties

Every skin has its own natural exposure time. That is the time interval in which the skin does not suffer any damage. In our latitudes, the individual skin types can be divided into 4 categories:

Skin type 1

Generally has noticeably fair skin, with freckles, often blue eyes and red or light-blond hair. After approx. 5–10min in the midday sun, this skin type already develops sunburn.

Skin type 2

This type is moderately tanned, yet has fair skin and gray, green or blue eyes and blond or dark-blond hair. The skin turns red after approx. 10–20 min if not accustomed to sun.

Skin type 3

Tans progressively, usually has dark-blond or light-brown hair and gray or brown eyes. This skin type can stay in the sun for approx. 30 min before sunburn begins.

Skin type 4

Remains largely protected from sunburn thanks to light-brown skin, mostly has dark hair and brown eyes, and tans quickly and intensely. The skin only begins to develop redness after approx. 40 minutes of sunbathing.

Calculating one's individual sun protection time

Each type of skin has its own maximum exposure time. The following formula enables you to more accurately assess your own responsible approach to sun exposure:
Own maximum exposure time x sunscreen factor = possible time spent in the sun

Example Skin type 1: 10 min x SPF 20 = 200 min = 3 hrs 20 min possible time in the sun. Then the skin's protection time is used up for the day. That's why despite the use of suncreen, you should not spend too much time in the sun.