NIVEA SUN sun care experts Dr Frank Schwanke and Ralf Hagens discuss the unique collaboration with Thomas Leveritt and provide us with insights into the development of the popular NIVEA SUN sun care range.

HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE FIRST VIDEO FROM THOMAS LEVERITT? WHAT TRIGGERED YOUR INTEREST IN HIS ART PROJECT?
We became aware of the video shortly after he had published it on YouTube. The visual design and the emotional aspect persuaded us immediately.


HOW DID YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH THOMAS?
The first contact with Thomas was made by email by one of our employees in the Research and Development department. We wanted to contact him to find out which techniques he had made use of in his video. After this initial contact, our NIVEA SUN team simply called him directly to discuss the possibility of a joint project.

YOU WERE ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH UV VIDEOGRAPHY. FOR WHAT PURPOSES IS THIS TECHNIQUE BEING USED BY BEIERSDORF?
We have already applied this method for the visualisation of UV-based pigment spots on the skin


HOW DOES UV VIDEOGRAPHY WORK? WHY CAN’T WE SEE THE SAME THING ON NORMAL IMAGES THAT WE CAN ON UV IMAGES?
This type of videography makes it possible for us to visualise the invisible UV part of sunlight. Plus it shows us the interaction between the UV light and the skin. Normally this part of the light spectrum cannot be picked up by regular cameras. For this reason a modified camera and a series of filters are necessary to display only the UV light. You can use this camera on a normal summer day outside or in closed rooms with the use of special UV lighting.


WHAT CAN BE SEEN ON THE UV IMAGES?
Skin pigmentation is emphasised with UV videography. When compared with normal lighting, lighter skin appears very pale and darker skin even darker. An uneven, spotted pigmentation is a sign of UV damage and occurs above all in areas that are subject to regular UV rays – for instance on the face or the hands.


WHY DOES SUN CREAM LOOK BLACK ON UV IMAGES? WHY DO SOME OF THE SUN CREAMS NOT LOOK BLACK ON THE IMAGES?
Most sun protection products absorb the UV light with the help of chemical UV filters, so they absorb the incoming UV light. For this reason, the UV filters in the UV videography appear dark. A physical UV filter, in contrast, functions in a different way. These filters reflect the UV light like a mirror. Skin that has had a physical UV filter rubbed in therefore looks lighter than unprotected skin. It can even look truly white.


HOW DOES SUN CREAM WORK? WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO APPLY SUN CREAM?
Sun cream protects the skin from UV rays. Organic UV filters absorb photons in a certain wavelength range and turn the energy into infra-red rays. Physical filters disperse, reflect and absorb the UV rays. We combine several UV filters with different levels of maximum absorption in order to ensure the best possible protection over the entire spectrum of potentially dangerous wavelengths, which are all within the UV range.

HOW DO YOU DEVELOP A PRODUCT WITH AN SPF?
UV sun protection products are based on a very complex formula. On the one hand, they have to contain a multitude of filters so that they can offer the necessary protection from UVA and UVB rays. On the other hand they also have to fulfil the requirements of the consumers – skin is to feel supple and soft and receive an appealing appearance. In order to achieve these different goals and to develop products that fulfil their task and feel good on the skin, substantial specialist knowledge in the area of formula development is required. The products of the NIVEA SUN series Moisturising Sun Sprays, for example, combine a large selection of UV filters with effective moisturising ingredients. Other products, in contrast, only contain liquid UV filters, oils and sensoric ingredients in addition. These products produce a more supple texture, but still offer the same immediate and highly effective protection.


WHAT IN YOUR OPINION HAS BEEN THE MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCT IN THE AREA OF SUN PROTECTION?
Already early on Beiersdorf developed a method to ensure a balanced UVA and UVB protection. With this UVA/UVB filter system Beiersdorf laid the foundation for today’s officially recommended COLIPA method, which is increasingly establishing itself as a global standard. Another milestone was the development of our extremely user-friendly sun sprays and ultra-light lotions that make easier, more pleasant and comfortable sun protection possible for the customer. One of the pioneering innovations from Beiersdorf is a sun protection lotion (NIVEA SUN Protect & Bronze) that offers effective protection and also stimulates the skin’s own melanin production to achieve a natural and long-lasting tan.

WHAT DIRECTION DO YOU SEE THE AREA OF SUN PROTECTION DEVELOPMENT GOING IN THE FUTURE? HOW DO YOU PLAN TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE PRODUCTS ALREADY AVAILABLE?
We're definitely seeing a trend towards higher sun protection factors, which is due to people’s awareness of the damage to skin being caused by the sun. The innovations in the area of sun protection are first and foremost in the textures, the feel on the skin and the application of the products. Sun protection products can be comfortably applied when they have a supple texture. For instance, this is the case with NIVEA SUN Protect & Refresh Sun Spray, which also has a pleasant refreshing effect. In addition, we are continuing to work on improving the water resistance of our already especially long-lasting water-resistant products for children. We would like to make sure that parents no longer have to worry about sun protection when their children keep coming out of the water only to go back in again. Another area for innovation is the application of agents to support the natural tanning process of the skin. Many are frequently confronted with the dilemma of wanting to protect themselves from the sun while at the same time desiring a natural tan. For this reason NIVEA SUN developed the products of the Protect & Bronze series. These products contain an active ingredient that promotes the formation of the skin’s own tanning agent, melanin.

WHAT IS THE CAMPAIGN “NIVEA SUN MAKES THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE” ABOUT?
This campaign was initiated by NIVEA SUN and artist Thomas Leveritt to inform people about sun-related skin damage with the help of UV videography. The video shows how sun protection absorbs the UV rays and allows the skin to appear darker. We hope that this campaign helps us to educate people about the consequences of subjecting their skin to UV rays without protection. Our goal is to promote the responsible use of sun protection.


WHY DOES NIVEA FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT THE RISKS OF UV RAYS?
For more than 55 years, NIVEA SUN has stood for effective sun protection and is now the leading global brand in sun protection. As the current global market leader, we are addressing the topic of skin protection and care more intensely than anyone else. Unfortunately, there are still many people all over the world who do not sufficiently protect their skin when they subject it to UV rays. Our research results show that one of the main reasons for this is the lack of understanding about both the impact of UV rays on the skin and the way sunscreens work. Therefore, we want to promote consciousness of the need for sun protection with the campaign, so that people can safely enjoy every moment in the sun.

WHAT IS THE PRIORITY GOAL OF THIS CAMPAIGN?
With this campaign, we would like to show users of sunscreens that they are doing the right thing, but when it comes to the many people who don’t use them, we’d like to highlight how important it is to protect yourself from UV rays. We have filmed people with a UV camera to illustrate what effect the sun has on skin and how sunscreens protect it. Besides this technical part, we’ve also recorded the reactions of people at the moment when they become aware of the impacts. The genuine and authentic reactions of the people filmed play a central role in the campaign, helping to convince more people to protect their skin from the sun.


AREN’T THE RESEARCHERS AT NIVEA FALLING BACK ON SIMILAR TECHNIQUES TO ILLUSTRATE UV DAMAGE? COULDN’T THEY HAVE CONDUCTED A SIMILAR CAMPAIGN WITHOUT THE HELP OF THOMAS LEVERITT?
Although this technique was not unknown to us, we have followed the artistic creativity of Thomas from the very beginning and were absolutely fascinated by it. Thomas Leveritt uses the UV cameras in a unique way to interact with people. He is in a position to show in a realistic and emotional way how UV rays impact the skin and how sun protection can contribute to minimising their consequences. But what is most important is that he manages to bring forth and record genuine and authentic reactions from people. He is also very present in the Social Web community and is well-respected there for his work. His video “How the sun sees you”, which he simply uploaded to YouTube, has been seen by 14 million people in just one month. Thus, a very large audience already knows him and the message he would like to convey.


HOW DID THIS COOPERATION COME ABOUT?
In August 2014 Thomas Leveritt published his video “How the sun sees you” on YouTube. In it he used an amazing method to show what effect UV rays have on the skin, and how you can counteract it with the help of sun cream. Shortly after Thomas had published his video, we contacted him and quickly noticed that our views were very similar. We then agreed to use this technique and to further develop it together. Thomas is basically the inventor of this technique. We believe that the genuine and authentic reactions of those filmed to their own pictures can convince more people to protect their skin from the rays of the sun.


HOW DOES A UV CAMERA WORK?
We can illustrate the invisible UV part of sunlight with this camera. It also shows us the interaction between the UV light and the skin. Normally, this part of the light spectrum cannot be picked up by normal cameras. For this reason, a modified camera and a series of filters are necessary to make only the UV light visible. You can use this camera on a normal summer day outside or in closed rooms with the use of special UV lighting.

WHAT ARE UV CAMERAS NORMALLY USED FOR?
Beiersdorf is already using this method to develop new sun protection products to make the pigment spots caused by UV rays visible on the skin.


IS A SMARTPHONE CAMERA OR A DIGITAL CAMERA ALSO CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SUCH IMAGES?
No. UV cameras use a special filter that makes it possible to capture only the UV light. Smartphone cameras and compact digital cameras use a similar filter that blocks out these rays.


WHAT EXACTLY CAN BE SEEN ON THE IMAGES?
Skin pigmentation is emphasised with UV videography. When compared with normal lighting, lighter skin appears very pale and darker skin even darker. An uneven, spotted pigmentation is a sign of UV damage and occurs above all in areas that are subject to regular UV rays – for instance on the face or the hands.


DO PEOPLE WITH LOTS OF FRECKLES AND SPOTTY PIGMENTATION NEED TO BE WORRIED?
Spotted skin is a sign that the skin was previously subjected to too many UV-rays. Babies and toddlers mostly have a uniform skin colour on UV images. The faces of adolescents already demonstrate major irregularities on UV images. These dots, which are reminiscent of freckles, become more visible in later life.

WHO IS THOMAS LEVERITT?
Thomas Leveritt was born in Scotland, grew up in Texas and attended a boarding school in England. After his double qualifications in Cambridge, he received an army scholarship from the Regiment of the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards and a Queen Mother Bar scholarship from the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. His experience as an aid worker in Bosnia during the war moved him to become an artist. He worked mostly as a painter and was awarded for his work by the Royal Society of Portrait Painters with the Carroll Medal for Portraiture. The founding of a company to import the Bosnian beer Sarajevsko Pivo to the United Kingdom inspired him to write his novel “The Exchange-Rate Between Love and Money”, for which he was awarded the Somerset Maugham Award for Literature. He has also worked as a screenwriter, VFX supervisor and a director.

IS IT REALLY SO DANGEROUS TO SUBJECT YOUR SKIN TO UV RAYS WITH NO PROTECTION?
The sun is humanity's most important resource. Sunlight reaches into the body through sensory cells in the eyes and the skin. There it stimulates our immune system and helps us to fight off infections. In addition, it promotes our well-being and strengthens breathing, the blood flow and circulation as well as our metabolism. Without the sun, our body cannot produce vital Vitamin D. Sunlight also has an extremely positive effect on our psyche. But as we all know, almost every good thing also has a bad side. Short-wave UVB rays not only initiate the production of melanin responsible for a suntan, but also cause sunburns and DNA damage. UVA rays play only a minor role in sunburns, but can cause sun allergies and long-term damage to the connective tissue, which can lead to premature aging of the skin.


HOW DO I SELECT THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR ME?
To select the right SPF, you should first of all consider your skin type, the season and the region. It’s also important to pay attention to a sufficient UVA protection level, as well as the aspects of water resistance and immediate protection. You should then select your preferred mode of application (e.g. spray, lotion) and the desired sensory/additional benefits (e.g. moisturising, refreshing or tan-activating).

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISTAKES THAT YOU CAN MAKE WHEN APPLYING SUN PROTECTION PRODUCTS?
When applying sun protection there are five basic principles to take into account:
1. Use a sufficient amount of the sunscreen. For adults, it’s recommended that a quantity of two tablespoonfuls is applied (about 36 ml). If you apply less, the sun protection is drastically reduced. 
2. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen at least every two hours to develop the full protective effect of the product. 
3. Above all, protect the areas that are especially impacted by the sun. This especially applies to the so-called 'sun terraces' like the nose, shoulders, ears, chest or head, that are particularly susceptible to UV-rays and therefore should be carefully protected with the highest possible SPF.
4. Don’t stay in direct sunlight over the noon hour, but instead seek out a protected area in the shade. At this time of day, the UV rays are so strong that the skin’s own protection is considerably reduced.
5. Do not use a lower SPF to achieve a stronger suntan. You will tan even if you use a sun cream with a high SPF, since sufficient sunlight reaches the skin.


WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT RULES FOR SUNBATHING? HOW MUCH SUN CREAM DO I HAVE TO APPLY TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE PROTECTION?
It’s very important that you don’t underestimate the power of the sun. UV-rays produce a high amount of energy. Insufficient protection can therefore lead to aging of the skin and sun allergies. 

However, sunlight also has a very positive effect on our mood and our immune system – especially after the short and cold winter days. Make sure you have sufficient protection when you would like to enjoy the sun: Choose the right sun protection factor, use a sufficient quantity of sunscreen (about 36 ml for an adult) and refresh the sun protection every two hours.


WHAT IS BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT – SUN MILK, SUN LOTION OR SUN SPRAY?
Today we can choose from a series of sun protection products that all boast different sensory characteristics and types of application. However, to guarantee the appropriate protection, you should observe the following rules of application for each product: sufficient SPF, the right quantity and repeated application. No matter whether a cream, spray or gel – you should always choose the product whose application appeals the most to you.


WHAT DIFFERENCES ARE THERE BETWEEN ALL THE PRODUCTS THAT ARE ON THE MARKET FOR SUNSCREENS?
The SPF of a NIVEA Sun Lotion SPF 30 is comparable with the SPF of a NIVEA Face Cream SPF 30 since the SPF-measuring procedure is standardised to a high degree and thus is similar for each product. However, the products can boast differences when it comes to water resistance, the sensory qualities and the moisture content.


HOW DOES NIVEA GENERALLY WORK TO DEVELOP NEW PRODUCTS WITH A SUN PROTECTION FACTOR?
UV sun protection products are based on a very complex formula. On the one hand, they have to contain a multitude of filters so that they can offer the necessary protection from UVA and UVB rays. On the other hand, they also have to meet the requirements of the consumer – the skin should feel supple and soft, and provide an appealing appearance. In order to achieve these different goals and to develop products that fulfil their task and feel good on the skin, substantial specialist knowledge in the area of formula development is required. The products of the NIVEA SUN series Moisturising Sun Spray, for example, combine a large selection of UV filters with effective moisturising ingredients. Other products, on the other hand, contain liquid UV filters, oils that are easy to work in and sensory additives. These products therefore produce a more supple texture, but still offer the same immediate and highly effective protection.


WHAT WAS NIVEA SUNS’S BIGGEST INNOVATION?
In its early years, Beiersdorf developed a method on to ensure a balanced UVA and UVB protection. With this UVA/UVB filter system Beiersdorf laid the foundation for today’s officially recommended COLIPA method, which is increasingly establishing itself as a global standard. Another milestone was the development of our extremely user-friendly sun sprays and ultra-light lotions that make sun protection easier, more pleasant and comfortable for consumers. One of the pioneering innovations from Beiersdorf is a sun protection lotion (NIVEA SUN Protect & Bronze) that offers effective protection and also stimulates the skin’s own melanin production to achieve a natural and long-lasting tan.