Skin and skin types
Sun protection for bald heads
No hair to provide some natural protection from the sun: For those with bald heads, giving the scalp sufficient time, care and the right products to protect it from excessive UV exposure is essential.
Strictly speaking, hair itself is a form of sun protection. As a natural protective screen, it protects the scalp from sunburn and the health issues that arise from this, such as premature aging and, the worst-case scenario, skin cancer. The degree of protection depends on the volume and quality of the hair. Thin hair allows more harmful UV rays through to the scalp than thick hair. And for those with a bald head? The conclusion is obvious: there is nothing on top to stop the UV rays.
The need for sun protection has now caught on with people. Awareness of this important part of your personal care routine is growing steadily. However, one part of the body still gets forgotten too often: On sunny days, the burning celestial body beats directly down onto it. The risk of contracting actinic keratosis (a cornification disorder and precursor to skin cancer) and skin cancer is greater for men and women with a bald head.
The body’s sun deck
- Scalp – Forehead – Bridge of the nose – Chin
- Ears – Upper lip – Cleavage – Shoulders
- Neck – Arch of the foot
The scalp is sensitive and delicate. Too much sun and UV rays can lead to harmful sunburn on the head just like on the face, arms or legs. Many people only start worrying about taking the proper care when they feel the effects on their scalp – including burning, itching and flaking.
A hat is always worthwhile
People with bald heads should pay special attention to the sunscreen that they use. The body’s "sun deck" consists of those areas of the body that are especially exposed to the sun’s rays. The scalp in particular, being one of these areas, needs more UV protection. However, the scalp is often neglected when it comes to applying a sufficient and even amount of sunscreen. The ears and neck are also some of the areas on the body that are not always sufficiently protected. If you simply don't like the feeling of putting sunscreen on your head, there are many products with a high sun protection factor that feel different and have different consistencies. It is better to experiment than read the theory. Find the right product and do something good for your scalp.
And even though we're mainly talking about those with bald heads here, the same applies to men with receding hairlines, hairstyles involving extreme partings, or a full head of hair that is very light. Keep sun protection firmly in mind! By the way: If you aren't bald, “only” have short or light hair and want to avoid putting emulsions, creams or lotions in your hair in general, you can still protect your scalp with a sun spray.
In addition to suitable sun protection products, the advice that you would give for a baby or toddler applies to bald-headed individuals: Wear a hat, cap or headscarf, preferably made from fabrics that are also UV protected. As a result, no UV rays reach the hair or scalp, thus providing the ultimate form of protection.
Factors that may adversely affect a healthy scalp include:
Another priority: warding off sunstroke
Another benefit that shouldn't be overlooked? It also protects you from sunstroke. This type of heat damage occurs when the head, throat and neck have been exposed to sunlight and IR radiation for a lengthy period of time. Heat radiation, which is simply too intense when sunstroke occurs, irritates the cerebral membrane, or meninges, and in the worst case can even cause inflammation.
This is the recipe for having a bright red head at the end of the day. Dizziness, headaches, nausea and slight confusion can create a feeling of discomfort. Although your body temperature may feel higher, sunstroke does not cause a rise in temperature. In extreme cases, it may lead to unconsciousness or a cerebral edema. More information: People and the sun: We react in many different ways
In general, of course, it is important to think about sun protection, particularly protecting your scalp, at other times, not only on your summer vacation. You need to protect your head during all outdoor activities. Follow the example of the many athletes who wear a cap when practicing their hobby outdoors (such as golfers, hikers, marathon runners). Those who drive a convertible shouldn't be left out here, either. It doesn't matter whether it is spring, summer, autumn or winter: Sunscreen should be used all year round, especially for individuals embracing the bald-headed look.
How does sunburn make its presence felt?
Enjoyed a little too much sun and your scalp has been exposed to too many UV rays? The symptoms are basically the same as those you have likely felt before on your back, arms or legs.
However, as the scalp is considerably more sensitive and also thinner than other parts of the body, the sensation of tightness, redness and pain on contact with the skin can be much more noticeable. If you are feeling severe pain, blistering, headache and/or nausea, then these are indications that you have been seriously affected by the sun.
Types/classes of scalp - We can distinguish between:
- Normal/healthy scalp
- Itchy scalp
- Oily scalp
- Dry + sensitive scalp
- Flaky scalp
If you have severe sunburn or sunstroke, you should immediately seek medical treatment in order to relieve the pain. It’s best to avoid the many recommendations on the Internet. Did you also see the one about onions and lemon juice? If so, then delete these “home remedies” from your list.
Sun and UV rays always equal stress for the scalp. It is important to keep a cool head here. If you have “caught” a slight sunburn that “only” affects a small area of your body, rapid cooling can provide enormous relief. Use a wet towel or, if available, a cooling gel and cover or smooth into the burnt area. There are also special creams for these cases, which are very beneficial for the skin. These can be obtained from the pharmacy. If your scalp starts to peel, leave it alone and avoid picking at it.
Even without sunburn, skin needs care
After sunbathing, give your skin its own form of relaxation. The formulations found in after-sun products – most of which are very light – contain antioxidants and provide the skin with moisture, release tension and cool it as much as it needs. The skin absorbs these products quickly, helping it to relax in no time. A word of warning: It is better to avoid the use of greasy creams that create a protective film so that the skin can more easily release the heat stored over the course of the day. If the cream is too rich or heavy, this causes the heat to build up.
Protecting ourselves from the sun doesn't mean we don't love it. Quite the opposite: But we want to enjoy it when it is beating down on us.
Products added to catalog 
Something went wrong. Could not add products to catalog!