For billions of years, the sun has been the driving force behind all life on Earth. It makes seeds sprout, forests grow, oceans flow and shapes the way we live. Without its light there would be no plants, no animals, no food, no colours – and no us. Its energy reaches deep within us: its light and warmth lift our mood, restore our strength, draw us outside and connect us with others. Every ray of sunshine reminds us that we are alive – and invites us to enjoy life.
The sun in Switzerland
is something special. Hardly any other country combines so many different altitudes in such a small area – from lakeshores to 4000 metres peaks. With every metre of elevation, we come physically closer to the sun: the air gets thinner, the radiation more intense, the light clearer.
Here, the sun can be experienced almost all year round. In summer, its rays are reflected in the waters of lakes and rivers; in autumn, it accompanies us on hikes – often above a sea of fog – through colourful forests. In winter, it sparkles on the snow of the ski slopes, and in spring, it fills cities, parks and meadows with new life. This way, we encounter the sun here constantly anew – yet always as a powerful source of energy in our everyday lives.
Even though we cannot see HEV, UV and IR rays, they penetrate our skin to different depths depending on the wavelength and can damage it in various ways. The short-wavelength UVB rays reach all layers of the epidermis (outer skin) and are considered primarily responsible for sunburns and skin cancer.
The less energetic UVA rays, on the other hand, are barely absorbed by the outer skin and penetrate deeper into the dermis (the skin's connective tissue). They cause skin aging, can cause sun allergies, and contribute to skin cancer.
Long-wavelength IR rays provide a pleasant feeling of warmth but are also responsible for heat strokes and sunstrokes, as well as contributing to skin aging. They can penetrate all the way into the deepest skin layer, the subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis).
HEV is the scientific term for blue light (High Energy Visible), and it represents the short-wavelength visible spectrum of daylight. HEV light can generate oxidative stress (free radicals). These free radicals damage skin cells, destroy cell structures, and impair the production of collagen and elastin, which can contribute to premature skin aging. Furthermore, HEV light leads to age spots through hyperpigmentation and promotes hyperpigmentation in melasma and in dark spots following inflammation, such as acne.
