Protect your skin from the sun

Now that it is the summer season, people usually go for fashionable clothes that vary from short and sleeveless to barely there in order to fight the summer heat. But, before heading out to your perfect summer getaway, make sure that you are really prepared.

More than the temperature, you need to be careful of the Ultraviolet rays (UV) that comes from the sun. Are you aware that typical summer clothing that exposes the skin is making you prone to sun burns and skin aging that may lead to skin cancer? Before you panic and return your entire new outfit to the store, here are some items to protect yourself from the sun.

Sunscreens with sun protection factor or SPF will protect you from different degrees of sunburn. Knowing the right product and how to properly apply the sunscreen will prevent an undesired tan. Apply sunscreen very liberally throughout your exposed skin 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen to soak and take effect. Also, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours when staying outdoors for a long time because perspiration can wash away the sunscreen. The same goes after taking a bath or after swimming.

Sunglasses will be useful and widely sold this season. However, you should be smart in buying them. Do not just be attracted to the tint and shade of the sunglasses because it is only designed to affect the visible light or glare hitting your eyes, and not protect you from the UV light. Cheap sunglasses may even increase the risk of cataracts and develop cancer called ocular melanoma. So, when buying sunglasses make sure it is designed to block UV rays.

Proper protective clothing, which is ideally loose long-sleeved shirts and long pants, will give you minimum sun exposure while allowing air to flow through. Not your style? Well, there are available fashionable clothes that have Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF that functions similar to SPF. UV rays can penetrate clothes through the tiny holes of the fabric. If your clothes are not labeled with UPF, you can test the fabric by holding it out about 8 inches from your eyes towards the light. If visible light can pass through the holes, so can UV rays. Choose fabrics that are tightly knit and loose to be sun safe and fresh.

Umbrella can also be a good protection from the sun. Using the same rule in choosing the right fabric with UPF, check the material used for the umbrella. While some umbrellas are already labeled with UPF, umbrellas with a tightly weaved material are the same. Umbrellas with plastic coating also have high UPF because plastics absorb UV rays.

Going over your list of summer must haves, you are ready to bask in the sun with your additional sun protection items. Enjoy summer with your skin protected.