Lip care & UV protection

For everyday life in Central Europe, an SPF of 30 is generally completely sufficient, such as with the Aqua Non Stop Facial Lotion SPF 50+ or similar products with medium protection, as long as you're not exposed to direct sun for hours. We recommend SPF 50, as in the Aloe Vera Sunscreen SPF 50+ or the Non Stop Body Spray SPF 50, for fair skin types, longer time outdoors, near water, in the mountains, or with generally increased sun sensitivity, for example due to certain medications or pre-existing conditions. Important to know: the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 in actually filtered UV radiation is smaller than the numbers suggest; the amount applied and regular reapplication are at least as decisive for actual protection. For children or very fair, sun-sensitive skin, SPF 50 is generally the safer choice. Year-round basic protection with SPF 30 on the face, supplemented by SPF 50 for intense sun days, covers all situations for most people.

Apply sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, so the protective film can fully build up before UV radiation takes effect. Use enough product generously, for the face that's about a teaspoon; many people apply far too little in everyday life and therefore don't reach the SPF stated on the packaging. Reapply every two hours during longer time outdoors, as well as after swimming, heavy sweating, or towel-drying, even with products labeled 'water-resistant' such as the Non Stop Body Spray SPF 50. Don't forget frequently overlooked spots such as the ears, neck, tops of the feet, and the part in your hair, which are just as prone to sunburn as more exposed body areas. After sun exposure, a soothing after-sun product such as the After-Sun Milk or the Sandorini After Sun Lotion helps calm the skin and provide extra moisture.

After-sun products such as avril's After-Sun Milk or cmd Naturkosmetik's Sandorini After Sun Lotion are specifically formulated to soothe the skin after sun exposure, provide moisture, and support the natural regeneration process, often with cooling or anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera. Even if you reliably applied sunscreen during the day, skin loses additional moisture from sun, wind, and salt water, which is why a richer after-care in the evening is definitely worthwhile. After-sun care is especially recommended after more intense sun days, such as on vacation, while it's usually not strictly necessary for normal everyday life with brief sun exposure. With visible sunburn showing redness or pain, you should additionally cool the skin and, for severe discomfort, seek medical advice; normal after-sun care doesn't replace medical treatment for pronounced sunburn. For everyday use, your regular moisturizer from our Creams & Oils category is usually enough.

Yes, in a wide selection: Mossa Naturkosmetik offers year-round, natural sun protection with the 365 Days Defence Natural Sunscreen, and avril adds the After-Sun Milk to the range. cmd Naturkosmetik carries several natural lip care products, such as the Lip Care Stick with Lime Kernel Oil, the Lip Balm with Coconut, and the Tea Tree Oil Lip Care, as well as the Black Cumin Oil Skin Balm for facial care. Newwell and GEODERM are positioned as attractively priced and with vegan sun protection formulas respectively. These products are generally clearly labeled 'organic' or 'natural' and frequently rely on mineral rather than chemical UV filters.

Mineral UV filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sit on the skin like a physical shield and reflect UV rays; they work immediately after application and are considered especially well tolerated for sensitive skin as well as for children. Chemical UV filters, by contrast, penetrate the skin and convert UV radiation into heat; they usually absorb more invisibly and don't leave a white cast, but need about 20 to 30 minutes to take effect before full protection is in place. For very sensitive, redness-prone, or allergic skin, mineral filters, as used by many natural cosmetics sun protection products, are often the better-tolerated choice. For everyday use under make-up, many people prefer chemical filters, since they can be applied more lightly and inconspicuously. Both filter types are effective when applied correctly; the choice is ultimately a matter of skin tolerance and personal texture preference.

For acutely very dry, chapped lips, an intensively nourishing product such as Eucerin's SOS Lip Care is suitable, specifically developed for heavily stressed lips and can be applied several times a day. For daily care, milder lip care sticks such as the one with lime kernel oil or cmd Naturkosmetik's Lip Balm with Coconut are usually enough, which preventively protect against drying out, especially in cold, wind, or dry heating air. It's best to apply lip care several times a day rather than waiting until your lips are already chapped; preventive care is significantly more effective than repairing afterward. Avoid frequent lip licking, since saliva further dries out lips as it evaporates, an effect that paradoxically intensifies rather than relieves the feeling of dryness. If lips remain persistently very chapped and painful despite consistent care, it's also worth checking your fluid intake and, if in doubt, getting a quick medical check, since a nutrient deficiency can also be behind it.

For children and very sensitive skin, we generally recommend mineral sun protection formulas with a high SPF of at least 50, since mineral filters are better tolerated and less likely to cause skin irritation than chemical alternatives. La Roche-Posay's Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+ for Sensitive Skin is specifically formulated for this target group and avoids many potential irritants. Children's skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin and therefore needs especially reliable, frequently reapplied sun protection, ideally supplemented by clothing, a head covering, and shade at midday. Always test new sun protection products on children and sensitive skin first on a small area of skin before applying them over a larger area. Keep in mind that babies under six months should generally avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible and be protected primarily through clothing and shade rather than sunscreen; if in doubt, we recommend consulting a pediatrician on this.

Specialized sun protection brands such as La Roche-Posay and other dermocosmetic providers in our range stand out with clinically tested, highly effective formulas specifically tailored to sensitive or pigment-spot-prone skin. Natural cosmetics brands such as avril, cmd Naturkosmetik, and Mossa, by contrast, rely on mineral filters, plant-based oils, and certified organic formulas, especially for lip care. Newwell covers sun protection and anti-spot care attractively priced and vegan. Which direction suits you best depends on whether you're looking for clinically tested effectiveness for a specific skin problem, certified natural cosmetics with mineral filters, or an attractively priced basic range.