Do you know how to protect yourself from ultraviolet UV rays? People often wear sunglasses to avoid annoying glare, but is this truly necessary to protect yourself and prevent sunburns and redness?
Below, we will review a few tips for protecting yourself from the sun while enjoying the outdoors.
To Protect Yourself From UV Rays
There are numerous measures that can be taken to prevent damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. We will highlight some of the most important ones.
Wearing A Hat
As confirmed by an article published in the *British Journal of Dermatology*, wide-brimmed hats constitute the most appropriate choice. Indeed, they protect our ears, nose, eyes, scalp, and forehead. All these areas are vulnerable to damage caused by solar radiation, although we sometimes tend to neglect them.
Proper Clothing
When you are outdoors, it is advisable to wear clothing that covers your entire skin. Dark colors offer better protection. Similarly, tightly woven fabrics provide superior protection compared to loosely woven ones. Furthermore, dry clothing offers greater protection than wet clothing.
Keep in mind that clothing does not completely block UV rays. If light is visible through the fabric, UV rays can pass through it as well.
Nowadays, many textile companies manufacture clothing featuring built-in UV protection. Typically, these garments bear a label indicating a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating on a scale ranging from 15 to 50+. The higher the UPF rating, the greater the protection the garment provides.
Avoid Tanning Beds
People believe that the UV rays emitted by these tanning devices are harmless, but they are mistaken. Tanning lamps emit both UVA and UVB rays. This artificial method is associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma, particularly if one begins using it before the age of 30.
If you wish to achieve a tanned complexion, several healthy options are currently available, such as tanning sprays or self-tanning creams.
The small UV lamps used during manicures to accelerate the drying of nail polish also emit UVA rays. For this reason, it is recommended to apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands before using them.
Wear Sunglasses With UV Protection
UV-blocking sunglasses are just as important as other protective measures. Recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology ensure that these lenses protect both the eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them.
- Ideal sunglasses should block between 99% and 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Check the label before purchasing to be certain:
- Those marked “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV requirements” block at least 99% of UV rays.
- Those designated for purely cosmetic use block only about 70% of rays.
If no indication appears on the label, they offer no protection against UV rays. Always look for the ANSI designation. Polarized lenses reduce glare but do not block this type of radiation.
Staying In The Shade To Protect Yourself From UV Rays
This simple measure is the best way to limit your exposure to UV radiation. It is particularly important between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when radiation is at its most intense.
To check this intensity, you can perform the “shadow test”: if your shadow is smaller than you are, the UV rays are more intense, and it is important to protect yourself.
Keep in mind that clouds do not block UV rays. Therefore, on overcast days, you must protect yourself in the same way.
Beaches and snowy areas increase the amount of ultraviolet radiation we receive, as they reflect sunlight. The rays can even penetrate water and are more powerful during the spring and summer months. In mountainous areas, radiation reaches the Earth with increased intensity.
Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen acts as a filter that does not block the entirety of UV rays. Even when used correctly, a certain amount of radiation still manages to penetrate. For this reason, it serves as a supplement that should be used in conjunction with the other measures mentioned.
The labels found on these sunscreens must be interpreted correctly. It is recommended to opt for a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50 or higher, as well as broad-spectrum protection that covers both UVB and UVA rays.
Products with an SPF of 50 filter out approximately 98% of rays, while those with an SPF of 100 filter out nearly 99%. Consequently, the higher the rating, the more minimal the difference becomes. No sunscreen offers total protection.
They are available in many forms:
- Aerosol sprays.
- Lotions
- Lip balms.
It is also important to check the product’s expiration date before opening it. Once opened, it remains effective for only one year.
Sunscreen should always be applied before makeup or insect repellent. It should be applied to the face, ears, hands, neck, and any area of the body not covered by clothing.
If you are going to be exposed to the sun, it is recommended to reapply it every two hours, or after exercising, working, swimming, or playing.
Protecting Yourself From UV Rays
It is important to observe basic protective measures to prevent injury caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, particularly when exposed to heat and sunlight.
The darker the skin, the greater its capacity for self-protection. Consequently, individuals with light-colored eyes and white, red, or fair skin are the most sensitive. However, this does not mean that any skin type should forgo using sun protection or adopting the necessary precautions.