Sun and UV
You can't see ultraviolet light, and your skin doesn't feel it right away. Learn how to use the UV index from the weather forecast and why shade and clothing are the foundation of protection.
skin in good order: a skin care reference without myths
Ginger Slim — the “skin in good order” reference
Skin is the body's largest organ, and it works around the clock: it holds in moisture, separates us from the outside world, and reacts to cold, water and sun. Caring for it can be calm and free of complicated rituals. Here you'll find simple habits, clear explanations and honest answers to the question of when it's better to see a dermatologist.
Good skin care is usually boring: shade at midday, warm water instead of hot, moisturizer after washing, and paying attention to changes. Big promises tend to get in the way more than they help.
Where to start
Dryness and irritation
Cold wind, indoor heating and frequent hand-washing dry out the skin. We look at how to wash your hands gently and why moisturizing after water matters so much.
Ingredients and labels
What's printed on a package is written for shoppers, not doctors. We show how to read the ingredient list and the claims without taking big words at face value.
When to see a dermatologist
A new or changing mole, a spot that won't go away, itching that keeps you up at night — these are reasons for an in-person exam. Questions for the doctor are gathered in a separate section.
Reference sections
- Topics
Topics in four groups: sun and light, water and cold, care and ingredients, skin changes. Plus the article catalogue.
- Prevention
Caring for your skin every day: the UV index forecast, shade, gentle cleansing, moisturizing and sleep.
- Methods
Sun protection, cleansing and moisturizing, calmly keeping an eye on your skin, and photos for comparison.
- Research
Where knowledge about skin comes from, how to read the promises on a package, and why skin care myths persist.
- Questions
Questions about sun, dryness, irritation and moles that are worth discussing with a dermatologist or primary care doctor.
- Glossary
Skin words in plain language: from epidermis and melanin to patch test and placebo.
- Sources
What this reference is based on, how we select information, and where the limits of our texts lie.
A summer day without sunburn: five steps
Check the UV index in the forecast
Many weather apps show it right next to the temperature. According to WHO recommendations, sun protection is needed at a UV index of 3 and above, and extra protection at 8 and above.
Spend midday in the shade
The strongest rays come in the middle of the day. It's easier to move a walk, gardening or a trip to the beach to the morning or evening, and to look for shade around midday.
Dress for the sun
Light clothing that covers your shoulders and arms, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses protect more reliably than any product on bare skin.
Apply sunscreen as directed — and reapply
Sunscreen only works if you use enough of it and it hasn't washed off. How much to apply and how often to reapply is on the label; after swimming or sweating you usually need to put on a fresh layer.
Take a look at your skin in the evening
Redness and stinging by evening are a sign that your protection wasn't enough. Note which areas were affected so you can cover them better next time. For a severe burn with blisters, chills or weakness, see a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Are you cosmetologists or dermatologists?
No. We are the editorial team of a reference site: we retell generally accepted information about skin care in plain words. We do not examine skin, give consultations or perform procedures.
Which cream should I buy?
We don't name specific products or brands. It's more useful to look at criteria: whether the product suits your skin type and purpose, whether the ingredient list is clear, and whether the label has directions and warnings. Try any new product on a small patch of skin first. If you're unsure, ask a dermatologist.
Does ginger help you lose weight?
We don't give advice on weight or diet — that isn't what this reference is about; the site's name simply came with the domain. If you're concerned about your weight, talk it over with your primary care doctor.
My mole has changed — what should I do?
Show it to a dermatologist at the earliest convenient time and don't try to assess it yourself. Before the visit, you can photograph the mole in good light and recall when you noticed the change. Don't remove, burn off or otherwise injure a mole on your own.
About the project
A different magazine used to be published on this domain, and later unrelated spam pages appeared here. None of that material has been kept or is reproduced here, and the current reference has no connection to it. The site's name stayed with the domain.
Today Ginger Slim is an independent reference on everyday skin care for people without medical training. We explain how to protect yourself from the sun, cleanse and moisturize your skin gently, read a label, and notice the changes that are worth showing to a dermatologist.
See also
- Topics
Topics in four groups: sun and light, water and cold, care and ingredients, skin changes. Plus the article catalogue.
- Prevention
Caring for your skin every day: the UV index forecast, shade, gentle cleansing, moisturizing and sleep.
- Questions
Questions about sun, dryness, irritation and moles that are worth discussing with a dermatologist or primary care doctor.
- Sources
What this reference is based on, how we select information, and where the limits of our texts lie.
Sources
- WHO — Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide
- General dermatologist recommendations on skin care
This page reflects generally accepted views on skin care as of the date it was prepared. If your skin behaves unusually or something worries you, make decisions together with a dermatologist, not based on the text of this reference.