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Sunscreen is an obvious choice if you're heading to the beach in July, but regular sun protection is just as important year-round.
Skin cancer is mostly caused by UV rays and can have serious health consequences. One of the best ways to protect your skin is to use a daily SPF and reapply it every two hours.
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Applying sunscreen daily can help prevent wrinkles and discoloration associated with premature aging and reduce the likelihood of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer. 1.
The most efficient sunscreens contain chemicals that reflect or absorb harmful UV rays from the sun. There are currently 16 of these substances, called sunscreen active ingredients, that have FDA approval. 8. Avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone are some common active ingredients in sunscreens.
Make sure the broad-spectrum sunscreen you buy is labeled with UVA and UVB rays, as the latter are responsible for sunburn. Also, remember to reapply sunscreen as directed on the container, paying special attention to areas that are hard to reach, such as the back of the neck, ears, tops of the feet, and behind the knees. Another smart accessory to protect your face and ears is a hat. A spray sunscreen may be more convenient to use, but you still need to be careful to apply enough of it.
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Shade can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, whether you're at the beach, the park, or just out and about. The likelihood of developing skin cancer, leathery-looking skin, dark spots, wrinkles, and other early aging symptoms increases with each day you spend outside without sunscreen.
Dermatologists recommend shade as part of a complete sun protection routine that also includes clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. Darker skin tones also naturally have higher levels of melanin, which acts as a sunscreen for some of the UV radiation.
For all skin types, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays is essential. It should be reapplied frequently, especially after swimming or sweating. Choose a formula with an SPF of 30 or higher and make sure it doesn't leave a white, filmy residue. Remember that even on cloudy days or when the sun is low in the sky, UV radiation can still reach you. Plus, water, snow or sand can reflect the sun's rays, which can then penetrate the skin.
Wear protective clothing.
UV rays from the sun can damage the skin, causing sunburn and premature aging. The good news is that there are many ways to prevent health problems caused by UV rays, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and finding shade.
Wearing dark clothing will protect you from UV rays. Tightly woven fabrics also offer increased protection. For best results, opt for clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). This badge indicates the extent to which UV rays can penetrate the fabric and reach the skin.
UV radiation can damage skin even on cloudy or cool days. Check the UV index before going outside and try to stay in the shade as much as possible, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm. This is when UV intensity is at its highest. Bring an umbrella and cover yourself with long sleeves and pants if you can't find a shaded area.
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Sunglasses are not only a chic fashion item, but they also protect your eyes from UV rays. Over time, eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration can develop from excessive exposure to UV rays.
There are many different designs, shades and lens options for sunglasses. They can be made from glass, SR-91, acrylic or polycarbonate plastic, or a specific type of polarized lens. Plastic lenses are lightweight and scratch resistant, glass lenses offer the best optical quality and are shatterproof.
Because polarized lenses reflect light from objects, they reduce glare, making them very popular for driving and outdoor activities.
All sunglasses should be able to block sufficient UV light, regardless of color or tint. But darker lenses do not necessarily block more dangerous radiation than lighter lenses. This allows more unfiltered light to reach the eye because dark lenses enlarge the pupil.
