Ultraviolet or UV rays are the leading cause of cancer and have adverse effects on the skin. Time spent under the sun is among the best pleasures in life, but it can negatively affect your health. Most of this cancer-causing exposure comes from the sun and artificial sources like tan lamps.
The most common types of rays that affect the sun are UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are more energetic and a leading cause of certain skin cancers.
The main factors that affect UV exposure include the following:
- Time– UV rays are strongest at noon, between 11 and five.
- Altitude– most UV rays reach the ground space in high elevated areas.
- Season– UV rays are strongest during the summer and spring months.
Most people think they should only protect their skin from the sun when on a beach or pool, which is not the case. Remember, sun exposure accumulates daily, provided you are beneath the sun. The best way to protect yourself from these harmful rays is by buying a Shade Tarp, and below, we discuss how to protect your skin from UV rays.
Stay Under a Shade
Undoubtedly, staying under shade is the best way to safeguard your skin from these harmful rays. This is important between 10 AM and 5 PM when these rays are strongest. However, you should use the shadow test when unsure about how strong the rays are. Short shadows mean the rays are high, and you should look for shade.
UV rays reach us all year round, but their strength depends on various factors. Certain rays also pass through the windows, and you should tint your Windscreens to be safe.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
It is always advisable to wear protective clothing when in the sun to safeguard your skin from UV rays. Clothes have different protection levels against these rays, and you should consider long pants or skirts. Dark colors are more appropriate than light colors, and you should ensure the fabric is tightly woven.
Most cloth companies make comfortable and lightweight clothes that protect against these rays, while others have special coatings. Certain products, mainly those used in laundry detergents, increase the UPF value without changing the texture or color.
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important product applied to the skin to protect it from UV rays. However, you should note that this product is just a filter, meaning it does not block all rays. You are also warned against using this product to prolong the time spent under the sun.
This means you should regard it as your first defense but instead combine it with other remedies for the best results. Sunscreens occur in various forms; creams, lotions, sprays, and gels have the same effects.
Owning sunscreen is not enough, as you must apply it correctly for the best results. Most doctors recommend applying this substance generously while paying close attention to the neck, ears, and arms.
Buy a Hat
It is advisable to wear a hat that has a three inch bring, as it safeguards areas that are exposed to the extensive sun. It would help if you also opted for a non-reflective design, as it lowers the number of UV rays accessing your face.
A shade cap is another excellent option because it provides more protection to the neck. These items are mainly sold in outdoor supply stores and sporting goods. Baseball caps are ideal when blocking UV rays, but they leave out the ears.
Wear Sunglasses
Another way to protect your skin from UV rays is by wearing sunglasses. UV-blocking sunglasses are essential because they protect the eyes and the surrounding skin. A study has proven that extensive hours in the sun can cause certain eye diseases, especially when you do not wear protection.
The best sunglasses block 98% of UVB and UVA rays, and you should confirm that before buying. Most people assume darker glasses are ideal, but that is not always the case. Wraparound and long-framed glasses are more likely to safeguard your eyes from these harmful rays and are also available for children.
Certain sunglasses companies provide total protection from UV rays, but you should not assume unless it is clearly stated.
Keep Children Away from the Sun
Children need the most attention because of their delicate skin. They spend more time outdoors, making them more prone to these rays. Parents should ensure their children wear the right gear and have a limited time under the sun to safeguard them from these rays.
Final Thoughts
UV rays mainly come from the sun and can negatively affect your skin. The above article has discussed how to protect your skin from these rays, and more information is available online.
