Sunlight isn’t evil. It’s a great source of Vitamin D and it can even help improve your mood, especially if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder. However, sunlight does have its dangers including painful sunburns, premature aging and skin cancer. If you’re planning to spend time outside, it’s wise to protect yourself from harsh ultraviolet rays. The following four tips should help you get started.
Choose Your Outdoor Hours Wisely
The sun’s rays tend to be at their most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Stay inside between these hours or, if you have to be out, take extra precautions.
Use Sunscreen
If you’re going to be outside for any length of time, wear sunscreen, even in cloudy weather. For best results, pick a brand that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or above. Double check the expiration date before using the sunscreen – it does lose its effectiveness over time. Apply at least one full ounce of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you leave the house. Reapply generous amounts of sunscreen every two hours or if your skin is wet from heavy perspiration or going swimming.
Choose Appropriate Clothing
Your best bet is loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing made from tightly woven fabrics. Some clothing comes with UPF ratings – the higher the number, the greater the protection. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a good way to check the weave of the fabric is to place your hand between a single layer of fabric and a source of light. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the weave is too loose to provide much protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Wear Wraparound Sunglasses
Wraparound sunglasses from the Optometrists Clinic Inc are better than regular sunglasses or contact lenses because they help protect the sensitive skin around the eyes. According to the American Cancer Society, glasses labeled “UV Absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” block 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Those labeled as “cosmetic” block only 70 percent. If the glasses are not labeled, don’t make assumptions about the protection they offer based on how dark the shades are. The UVA/UVB protection comes from coating with an invisible chemical, not the color of the lenses.
It’s a bad idea to become a hermit to avoid the rays of the sun – after all, you’re a human, not a vampire – but it’s a good idea to take sensible measures to protect yourself from getting too much direct sunlight. A little care now can save you a lot of health problems down the road.