UV Protection for a Healthy, Protected Skin
When considering sun protection, your top priority is likely guarding your skin against the aging effects of UV rays. However, there are a many other reasons why UV protection is essential for the health of your skin.
Melanoma skin cancer, caused by sun-related dermal damage, is the most prevalent form of cancer in the US. By protecting yourself from the sun, you can effectively lower your chances of developing melanoma while keeping your skin healthier for longer too.
Tips for Effective UV Protection
Dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology recommend following these tips to protect yourself from the sun all year around. They suggest:
- Using a quality clinically-tested sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to any part of your body that will be exposed to the sun, and reapply frequently as per its instructions or if you have been in contact with water.
- Seeking shade wherever possible, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are their strongest.
- Dressing to protect yourself from the sun. Specialists advise that you cover as much of your skin as possible. In summer you always have the option to wear linen long-sleeved clothes or wearing dark fabrics, which offer more protection than lighter hues. Dry clothing also offers more sun protection than wet clothing.
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat. This is an excellent way to cover your face, ears and neck, the skin of which is particularly susceptible to sun damage.
- Opting for sunglasses with UV protection. Read the label on any pair of sunglasses you are thinking of purchasing to ensure that they provide adequate sun protection. Large-framed or wraparound sunglasses are also more effective at blocking UV rays, and could help to prevent the appearance of crow’s feet and discoloration of your delicate under-eye skin.
