Beware of the mirror effect

The sun’s rays can easily reach you by reflection, so it’s possible to burn even when you are in the shade.

Pretty reflections;ugly effects

The sun’s rays reflect off all bright surfaces. Whether you are at the beach, in the countryside or on the mountains, it’s likely that there will be a surface near by that will reflect sunlight on to you. It could be the sand, the surface of a lake or a covering of snow.

When you’re on the beach, be careful of the sand, especially if it is a light colour. Its reflections can be so pronounced that you could burn, even if you sit all day in the shade.

Watch out for reflections off water

If you spend the day on the water in a boat, there’s even more danger of sunburn, because the sparkling surface of the water acts like a mirror. Should your skin also get covered in spray, the tiny droplets of water will increase power of rays. So be doubly careful. You are not even safe spending the day in the countryside: be careful of the surfaces of rivers and streams, white rocks and bright stones.

Did You Know?

• The wind can also be unforgiving.
• It not only dries out the skin, but also has a cooling effect on the skin, which reduces the sun’s heat and can easily make you forget how strong it really is.

Key Facts

• The sun’s rays reflect off all bright surfaces, so they can reach you even when you are sitting in the shade.
• Beware of white sand at the beach, the water around you in a boat and light-coloured rocks in the mountains.