Keys To Protect Yourself From UV Rays

Do you know what are the keys to protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) rays? It is common to wear dark glasses that prevent the annoying reflection of the sun, but is this what is necessary to protect yourself and avoid burns and redness?

Below we will see some concepts to take into account when taking care of sun exposure and being able to enjoy the outdoors at the same time.

Measures to protect yourself from UV rays

There are many measures to take into account to prevent damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. We are going to highlight some of the most important ones.

Wearing a hat

As the article published in The British Journal of Dermatology confirms , wide-brimmed hats are the most suitable. This is because they protect our ears, nose, eyes, scalp and forehead. All these areas are susceptible to damage from solar radiation, although sometimes we forget about them.

Proper clothing

When we are outdoors, it is advisable to wear clothing that covers all of our skin. Dark colors are those that give us more protection. Those fabrics with a closed weave also offer more protection than those with a lighter weave. Likewise, when the clothes are dry they protect more than if they were wet.

Keep in mind that clothing does not completely block UV rays. If light can be seen through the fabric, UV rays can also pass through it.

Today, there are many textile companies that manufacture garments with UV protection. They usually have a label that indicates the value of FPU (protection factor against ultraviolet radiation) on a scale of 15 to 50+. The higher the FPU, the more protection it provides.

Avoid tanning beds

People consider that the UV rays from these tanning equipment are not harmful, but they are wrong. Sunlamps emit UVA and UVB. The use of this artificial method is associated with a higher risk of suffering from melanoma, especially if one begins to use them before the age of 30. This is evidenced and published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

If you want to have a tanned look, there are currently several healthy options such as self-tanning spray or cream, for example.

Small UV lamps used in manicures to speed up the drying of nail polish also emit UVA rays. For this reason, it is recommended to put sunscreen on the back of your hands before using them.

Also read: 6 habits that help you protect your skin against cancer

Wear sunglasses with UV protection

Sunglasses that block UV rays are just as important as other protective measures. Recommendations from the American Academy of ophthalmoloy ensure that these lenses protect not only the eyes themselves, but also the delicate parts around them.

Ideal glasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Before buying them, you have to check the label to confirm this:

• Those that indicate ” UV absorption up to 400nm “, or ” Meets ANSI UV Requirements ” mean that they block at least 99% of UV rays.
• Those that indicate that they are for cosmetic use only block, approximately 70%.
• If the label says nothing, it does not provide UV protection. Always look for an ANSI tag. Polarized lenses reduce flare, but not this radiation.

You may be interested: How to choose good sunglasses

Staying in the shade to protect yourself from UV rays

This simple measure is the best way to limit UV light exposure. It is especially important between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the radiation is most intense.

To check this intensity, you can perform the shadow test : if the shadow is smaller than yourself, UV rays are the most intense and it is important to be protected.

Keep in mind that clouds do not block UV rays. Therefore, if the day is cloudy, you have to protect yourself in the same way.

The beach and snowy areas are areas that increase the amount of UV radiation we receive because they reflect sunlight. The rays can even pass through the water and are most powerful during the spring and summer months. In the case of mountainous places, the radiation reaches the ground being more powerful.

Apply sunscreen

Sunscreen is a filter that does not block all UV rays. Even using it properly, some radiation is received. For this reason, it is a complement that must be used together with the rest of the measures mentioned.

The labels on these protectors must be read correctly. The recommended thing is a saline protection factor (SPF) greater than or equal to 50 and with a broad spectrum of protection, both for UVB and UVA.

Those with SPF 50 filter about 98% and those with SPF 100, about 99%. Therefore, the higher the number, the smaller the difference. There is no sunscreen that provides total protection.

They are available in many forms:

• Gels
• Creams.
• Aerosol sprays.
• Lotions.
• Ointments
• Lip balms.

It is also important to check the expiration date of the product before opening it. Once opened, it lasts only one year.

The protector is always placed before makeup or insect repellent, in the case of using these. It should be applied to the face, ears, arms, neck and any area of ​​the body that is not covered by clothing.

If we are going to stay exposed to the sun, it is advisable to reapply it every 2 hours, or after exercising, working, swimming or playing.

The importance of protecting yourself from UV rays

As we have said, it is essential to take into account basic protection measures to prevent damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, especially in times of heat and sun exposure.

The darker the skin, the more capable it is to protect itself. Therefore, people with light eyes and white, red or blonde skin are the most sensitive. This does not mean that all skin types must use sunscreen and take the necessary measures.