We all know the damaging effects of the sun—exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to aging skin and is the main cause of skin cancer. However, staying under the shade 24/7 isn’t a feasible option; hence, exercising caution and preventive measures will help a great deal in protecting you and your family from the harmful effects of the sun.

How can you protect yourself from the sun, or more specifically, from its UV (ultraviolet) radiation? Here are some essential tips:

To protect oneself from the sun, accessorize!

Limit time in the sun
The sun’s rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Avoid going outdoors during these hours because this is when the sun is at its peak. When outside, choose to be in areas where you can’t directly see the sun or the open sky as much as possible.

Use sunscreen
Many types of sunscreens are on the market, but whichever product you choose the most important thing to note is its Sun Protection Factor or SPF. The SPF number, which ranges from 2 to 60, gives you some idea of how long you can stay in the sun without burning. The higher the SPF number, the better.
Generally, it’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen—one that offers UVA (the penetrating, harmful component of UV) and UVB (the tanning component of UV) coverage—with at least an SPF 15. Apply liberally to all areas of the body that aren’t covered by clothing about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply after swimming, toweling dry or participating in any vigorous activity that causes heavy perspiration, as these reduce the actual SPF value of many sunscreens, even those that are water-resistant.

Also, sunscreens have different ingredients or different combinations of the same ingredients. To know which brand suits you, and to avoid allergic reactions, test the product first by applying a small amount to a limited area of your skin.

Wear sun-protective clothing
Clothing is designed to protect our skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, but not all clothes are created equal. Research has shown that a simple white cotton T-shirt only offers the same protection as applying a sunscreen with SPF 5. The amount of skin covered, the weight, type and color of fabric, and the tightness of the weave determine the amount of protection clothes provide for our skin.

As important as knowing a sunscreen’s SPF, we must also be aware of UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This rating indicates how much of the sun’s UV radiation penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. A number of manufacturers, especially in Australia, in New Zealand, in South Africa, and in the United States, now offer sun-protective clothing, which is manufactured from ultraviolet fabric, with a minimum rating of at least UPF 15. The highest rating so far is UPF 50+. Clothing that has met this standard will carry a label stating its UPF rating.

Realistically, it’s not necessary to go and buy clothing made from specially manufactured sun-protective fabric, as these may be unavailable and more expensive than ordinary clothing. Knowing how to choose what clothes to wear is just as significant. A simple test is to hold the article up to a window or lamp and see how much light gets through. Less light filtering through means greater protection. 

Here are some simple tips to protect yourself from the sun with the clothes you already own:

۰Wear dark clothing instead of white as darker colored fabrics are more effective in blocking out the sun.

۰Choose clothes that are made from tightly woven fabrics. Clothes made from 100 percent polyester, satin or silk, denim, and unbleached cotton are the best choices.

۰Coverage is an important consideration, so long-sleeved tops, long pants and skirts, and shirts with high collars and necklines provide better protection.

۰What you do while wearing clothing can also make a difference. If the fabric gets stretched, it will lose some of its protective ability because it becomes thinner and more transparent to light. Wet clothes also reduce sun protection, so cover up with dry clothes immediately after swimming or getting wet.

Accessorize!

Wear well-designed sunglasses when outdoors. Choose a pair that fits comfortably on your face and whose lenses are rated 99.5-percent UV blocked. Furthermore, the shade or tint should not be too light and is uniform, not darker or lighter in spots.

Hats offer sun protection too. Opt for broad-brimmed hats which shade the face, ears, and back of the neck. Other hats, like baseball caps or sun visors, can also provide protection—just remember to use sunscreen on your ears and nape. Choose hats that are easy to keep on, are cool, and allow airflow.

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Read the article in the latest edition of The Big C.