When applied according to the product's instructions, sunscreens provide maximum protection from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Always be sure to choose a SPF (sun protection factor) that offers the maximum protection for your skin type. But remember that no product will work if you fail to apply it every time you go outside. For around the clock skin protection, UPF sun protection clothing could be the answer. The maximum rating which blocks over 97.5% of the sun's UV radiation is UPF50+; make sure you get a certification tag with your sun protection clothing item.
The sun can reflect off many different surfaces including sand, snow and cement and UV rays are present even on cloudy days. With these facts in mind, the best way to provide maximum sun protection is to develop a habit of applying your sun protection sunscreen products whenever you go outside, reapplying them as often as necessary, ad wear sun protection clothing with UPF50+ UV rating.
Sun protection. More than skin deep
One thing you'll realize about most sun protection sunscreen products is that they're not formulated for all body parts. They're great at protecting the skin, but what about the eyes, lips and hair? The sun can cause serious damage to the eyes and has been associated with the development of cataracts.
The lips too are extremely delicate and they'll easily burn if not protected from the sun. Lips that are dry and chapped neither look good nor feel good. Applying a product containing zinc offers maximum sun protection. Lip balms, conditioners and lipsticks that have a SPF of at least 15 are also good choices.
The sun can damage hair, too. We sometimes don't realize this because we don't 'feel' the effects. But we can see the effects. Dry, dull, frizzy hair doesn't only result from excess chemical processing. Sun damages hair and harsh pool chemicals and salt only worsen the problem.
Other types of sun protection
Sun protection doesn't always come in a bottle. UV protective clothing, sun hats and sunglasses are all just as important in blocking the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. So is seeking shade whenever possible. Here's a rundown on other types of sun protection.
Some clothing and swimsuits manufacturers now produce a protective clothing line with a UPF or ultraviolet protection factor. Designed for those who spend a lot of time outdoors such as surfers, sailors, golfers, hikers, fishers, and others, these clothes are stylish and functional. You'll find protective clothing for all members of the family, including infants. Even if you can't find or afford clothing with UPF, tightly woven fabrics and dark colors are effective at blocking out the sun's harmful rays. And dry clothing blocks out more UV rays than do wet. Of course, long sleeves and pants offer maximum sun protection, but who wants to wear that much clothing when out in the sun? make sure you ask for UPF50+ ratings when purchasing UV protective clothing.
Hats protect hair, eyes, face and the tips of ears. Wide brims offer the most protection and will actually help cool you off. Legionnaire caps (with long back flap) provide good sun protection for the back neck. Sunglasses are an absolute must when outdoors. When selecting a pair, make sure the label specifically states that the lenses offer UV protection otherwise they'll be useless. As a general rule, the bigger the lens, the more sun protection. Wrap-around styles offer the most protection because they block sun radiation that can hit the eyes from the sides. And they're trendy too!
The answer has a lot to do with a person's skin type. Other factors can influence the end result such as taking certain prescription medications and using certain types of skin care products, so let's take a closer look.
When skin is exposed to the sun without adequate sun protection, the exposure causes melanin, the pigment in the body that gives skin its color, to rise to the surface of the skin. One of the roles melanin plays is protecting skin from the sun. People with light or fair skin have less melanin whereas people with dark complexions obviously have more melanin. Since melanin protects the skin from the sun, it makes sense then that those with less melanin have less protection and vice versa. Darker-skinned individuals tan more often than they burn, but not always.
Because a burn takes a few hours to develop, most people don't realize they may be burning. They might not reapply sunscreen or cover up if they're not feeling burned. Unfortunately, it's usually not until later that they realize just how bad the situation is.
What to do when you get sunburned?
In addition to the embarrassing skin color you get from sunburns, there will be other symptoms. You might feel nauseous and dehydrated, and dizzy or light-headed. After a few days, sunburned skin will begin to peel and unlike what many people think and hope, sunburned skin will not develop into a tan.
There isn't much you'll be able to do to alleviate the above symptoms of sunburn. You'll definitely want to put on minimal, loose-fitting clothing as any rubbing against the burn will be painful. A pain reliever such as aspirin or acetaminophen will help minimize pain and discomfort. Keeping the body cool is the best thing for sunburns so fill a tub with cool or tepid water and soak. And promise yourself that next time, you'll use sun protection!
Do not immerse your body in a tub full of vinegar or rub the burn with butter. These remedies have been around for years but they're not effective ways to treat sunburns. In fact, it's often advised not to apply lotions or creams because you never know whether the product will intensify the pain or relieve it. And some products, including butter, might trap the heat and cause more discomfort.
If the sunburn is accompanied by blisters, you may have a severe second-degree burn. Blistering is normal after a few days but right away it's usually a sign that the sunburn is bad. In this case, it's advisable to seek medical attention right away.
J Edmond Souaid has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Care, Wrinkles and Dry Skin. J Edmond have been working in the sun protection clothing industry for several years. The main aim is to raise awareness of the sun' UV radiation and it's effect on human skin. Find out more about. J Edmond Souaid's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.