Before you head out to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine, here's what you need to know about keeping your skin safe in the sun.
6 simple ways to protect your skin in the sun
1. Always use sunscreen
Sunscreens are assigned a number of systems that protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays called SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
The higher the number, the more protective the product is. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15, even on cool or cloudy days.
Broad-spectrum on the product label means that the sunscreen filters out ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, largely causing premature aging and skin cancer. UVB rays affect the surface of the skin and cause sunburn.
Don't forget to apply a thick layer of sunscreen on all exposed skin. You can get help applying it to hard to reach places like your back.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using sunscreen:
・Sunscreen will lose its effectiveness
Reapply if you're out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or drying off.
・Sunscreen Expiration Date
Sunscreen without an expiration date will have a shelf life of about three years, but its life will be shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
2. Wear UV-protective clothing
Normal clothing does not protect against UV rays. Choose clothing with a UPF rating of 50 or higher, which indicates optimal protection from UV rays. UPF 50+ will protect from more than 98% of UV rays.
3. Avoid strong sunlight
Try not to schedule outdoor activities around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
4. Find a shady spot
You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under umbrellas, trees, or other areas.
Even if you are in a shady area, make sure to protect your skin by using sunscreen or wearing UV protective clothing.
5. Wear a hat
For the best protection, wear a hat with a fringe around the face, ears, and back of the neck.
Use tightly woven fabrics, such as canvas, which are great for protecting your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes to let sunlight through. A bold colored hat can provide more effective protection.
If you wear a cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck. Wear clothing that covers the area, use sunscreen, or stay in the shade.
6. Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from the effects of sunlight.
You can also wear sunscreen over your regular clothes for UV protection. Claclac offers UPF 50+ sun protection, so if you don't want to get sunburnt please visit the Claclac Shop .
Sunscreen is a basic protection measure, but additional methods are still needed.
Please read this article if you are interested in methods other than sunscreen: Protect your skin from UV rays instead of sunscreen