If you plan to go to a sunny place, you should protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Extreme heat and the UV rays emanating from the sun can cause a lot of damage to your skin and overall health.
Some of the most common problems that arise are related to the skin. Moreover, infants, kids, and seniors are more at risk. Most skin cancers occur due to exposure to these UV rays. The main UV rays that harm human beings are UVA and UVB rays. Hence, most people will tell you not to go outside from 11 am-4 pm.
Here are some ways to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays:
Find Shade Outside
If you can avoid being outdoors under the direct sun, you can help yourself. UV light is the strongest from 11 am-4 pm. You can see when the sun is in its strongest form with a simple test. When your shadow is shortest when outside, the sun is at its strongest. You should be more careful on the beach or snow.
Snow, sand, and water reflect the sunlight and UV rays alongside. So, your exposure is high in such areas. If you are in the pool, cooling yourself, you are also exposed. So, it is always better to stay in the shade under such circumstances. Additionally, UV rays are also present in cloudy weather. So, do not think that you are in a safe zone on such gloomy days.
Make Your Traveling Vehicle Safe
If you think you are safe in your vehicle while commuting, think again. Most vehicle window glasses block the UVB rays. However, a smaller portion of UVA rays still manages to pass through and come in contact with you. Thus, you are facing some damage inside as well. A car tinting service can help you here. If you put it up on the windows, you may save yourself from the harmful UVA rays.
It is also useful in preserving the interiors of the vehicle. Your interiors, like seat covers and upholstery, will be less affected if you install such a protective layer. Moreover, your vehicle will last longer and have some resale value. However, you have to check the state laws before going ahead with it.
With Proper Clothing
When you know that you will be out in the sun for a long time, you should wear proper clothing. Clothes can provide a lot of protection from UV rays. Wear lighter colors in the daytime. It will reflect the harmful rays of the sun. Dark-colored clothes are best avoided in the sun, as they absorb the harmful rays. If you are wearing a swimsuit, you are more likely to be affected. This is because wet clothing absorbs more sunlight.
Moreover, a tight weave can stop the rays from coming in contact with your skin. Sun-protective clothing is also available that comes with a special coating. You should check the labels for the UPF mark, which stands for UV protection factor. The higher the UPF, the higher will be the protection. You will be amazed to know that some laundry detergents can also coat the clothes with a layer of UPF.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen lotions are the simplest effective ways to protect against UV rays. It acts as a filter against the sun’s rays. Hence, you should consider it as a part of your daily skincare regime. You will come across various types of sunscreens. They come in lotions, gels, creams, and sprays. Additionally, you can also find them as ingredients in some cosmetics. Sunscreens are labeled with an SPF. It is the sun protection factor we are talking about here. You must always ensure to use a sunscreen that has SPF 30 or more.
Sunscreens with an SPF15 can only filter 93% of the rays, and SPF 30 filters out 97% of the rays, and so on. Higher the SPF, the more protection you get. However, they come with different longevity cycles. You may have to re-apply them again and again after regular intervals. You can also choose water-resistant sunscreens if you plan to dive inside the water. Pay proper attention to the application. Most people apply it to all the exposed parts of the body.
Wear Sunglasses
You also need to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. The skin around the eyes is delicate, so you need to ensure that they do not dry out. Long hours in the sun can lead to wrinkles as you tend to squint in the sun. Go for sunglasses that have a UV coating on the lenses. They are better than dark-colored ones. Wearing larger frames can provide better shade.
You can adopt a few of these practices to stay safe from the sun. Sunlight is essential for Vitamin D production, but you get it only during the morning. Hence, you have to be cautious about the time you are exposed to the sun.
