🌞 We have some great Winter Sun Tips for you…
What is SPF and What are the Different Forms of Sun Protection?
It’s no secret that the sun and sunlight are good for people in many ways, but too much exposure can bring harm. Skin cancer is on the rise in the UK, with rates increasing faster than any other cancer in the country. Around 16,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year, and by 2025, that number could reach nearly 20,000. These numbers may be frightening, but that doesn't mean you should constantly be afraid of going out and having a fun time on a sunny day. As long as you’re ensuring you’re shielded continuously in various ways, you can stay out under the sun for longer and lessen your chances of skin complications.
Here is what you need to know about sun protection…
What is SPF?
The sun’s rays come in two kinds of waves: long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short-wave ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and cause your skin to age prematurely, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns. Because sun exposure can cause damage quickly, protecting the skin is essential for skin and overall health.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It measures how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is needed to burn protected skin relative to the amount it takes to produce a sunburn on unprotected skin. If a sunscreen says it's SPF 15, you can spend around 150 minutes under the sun instead of ten minutes without the protection.
How to protect yourself from the sun
In case you're not a fan of sunscreen or you simply don't have any on you, here are some ways to protect yourself from UV radiation…
👒 Stay in the shade
One of the best ways to minimise damage from UV rays is to avoid them as much as possible. Avoid staying out under the sun for too long. Find shade under an umbrella, a tree, or some shelter. The sun’s rays are usually at their strongest from 11 in the morning to around 3 in the afternoon, so try not to be out for too long during these times.
👗 Plan a skin-friendly outfit
Sunny days and hot weather often make us want to wear less clothing, but that’s not so great for the skin. When going on holiday, in particular, dressing appropriately for the beach is a must. While not in the water, you can wear a cover-up, a loose long-sleeved shirt, or a flowy pair of trousers. It’s an excellent way to stay stylish while protecting yourself from the sun. Rash guards or swimsuits with more coverage, on the other hand, can help protect more of your skin while swimming.
🧢 Wear a hat
Wearing a hat is a great protective option and brings shade wherever you go. A wide-brimmed hat made of sturdy material can cover your face, ears, and neck from the sun. A visor or cap is also ideal for keeping UV rays away from your face and eyes, but you should wear clothes that can protect the back of your neck for good measure.
