Free sunscreen for everyone: model from the Netherlands conquers Germany!

Free sunscreen for everyone: model from the Netherlands conquers Germany!

In recent years, the number of skin cancer cases in the Netherlands has more than doubled. One more reason to think intensively about the topic of sun protection. As merkur.de reports, the country is already using innovative measures to counteract this. Free sunscreen dispensers are provided at various locations such as beaches, schools and festivals. This initiative aims to make sun protection easier for everyone and to educate children in particular about the importance of applying sunscreen.

The idea comes from the Venlo-Venray hospital, which installed disinfectant dispensers on the beaches during the corona pandemic. Now these dispensers are filled with sunscreen to reduce sunburns and their consequences. In the municipality of Katwijk on the North Sea, 120 primary schools are already equipped with the dispensers, and these practical helpers can also be found in parks and at large events.

Education is the key

Dermatologist Karen van Poppelen highlights the importance of sun protection, especially given that around one in five Dutch people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The main cause of this is sunburns, which are often underestimated. To raise awareness, children in schools receive learning packs with information about the risks of skin cancer.

Education is just as crucial as providing sunscreen. tagesschau.de reports on the places where the donors can be found, including the seaside resorts of Domburg, Zoutelande and Egmond. These measures are not only taking place in schools, but also at parks and festivals, where every visitor will soon have the opportunity to stock up on sunscreen at any time.

A model for Germany?

In Germany, however, sun protection usually remains a personal matter. The hautkrebspraevention.de points out that a comprehensive range of sun protection options is also urgently needed in this country. However, there is still a lack of political will to adapt the Dutch model. Such an initiative could not only increase awareness of sun protection, but above all make children and young people aware of the importance of protecting themselves from sunburn and skin cancer.

In addition to sunscreen dispensers, it is recommended that people with fair skin and children use at least SPF 30. And not even that: the cream should be applied generously and regularly 30 minutes before sunbathing. Even though sunscreen helps protect against sunburn, it is often not enough to greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, protective clothing and shade also play a major role.

Overall, it is to be hoped that Germany can learn from the Netherlands and introduce similar programs to promote the skin health of its citizens. Awareness of the dangers of the sun should reach every generation and especially affect the youngest.