We all know SPF is the best and most effective way to protect your skin while out in the sun. There’s no doubt you should be applying and re-applying sunscreen throughout the day, but there are also a few other ways you can, and should, be protecting yourself if you’re serious about sun protection. Protecting your skin from the sun without sunscreen is important because prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen provides an extra layer of defense, but other measures like seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours are also crucial. Check out these methods that can be used in conjunction with SPF to ensure you’re protected:
1. Sunglasses
UV rays can damage your eyes which is why it’s important to wear sunglasses when doing anything out in the sun, especially driving. Sunglasses with UV protection can help shield your eyes and eyelids from harmful rays and help prevent things like cataracts. Redheads typically have fair skin and light eyes, which can make them more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps shield their eyes from harmful UV rays and reduces the risk of sunburns on the delicate skin around the eyes. It’s an important precaution for maintaining eye health and preventing discomfort.
2. UV blocking sun sleeves for driving
If you spend a lot of time driving, you need UV-blocking sun sleeves. Your car window blocks out most of the UV rays but not 100%, and if you’re driving with the windows open, you’re fully at risk. UV sun sleeves slip on covering your arm from wrist to shoulder. They are lightweight and breathable but keep your arm protected.
3. Wide brim hats
Baseball caps might help to shield your eyes and forehead, but they leave your cheeks exposed. Wide-brim hats are the best way to protect your face, neck, and chest from UV rays. Keeping a wide-brim hat in your car is a good way to plan for a sunny day. It can also be thrown on should you not be able to re-apply your sunscreen. The best hats for sun protection are wide-brimmed hats, such as floppy hats, sun hats, or even certain styles of baseball caps with extended brims. These hats provide shade not only to your face but also to your neck and shoulders, helping to protect these areas from sunburn. Look for hats with a brim of at least 3 inches to ensure adequate coverage. Additionally, hats made from UPF-rated fabrics offer an extra layer of protection against harmful UV rays.
4. UPF clothing
Covering up with clothing is a great way to protect your skin from the sun. Throw on some pants or a skirt after getting out of the pool, and add a shirt or shawl to protect your arms and legs. Wearing full-coverage clothing in the summer can get hot and some clothing lets UV light through. Opt instead for UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing that’s made to keep your skin protected.
UPF clothing works by blocking the majority of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Similar to SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in sunscreen, UPF measures the effectiveness of fabric in protecting against UV radiation. UPF clothing is typically made from tightly woven fabrics, treated with UV-absorbing chemicals, or designed with special coatings to block or absorb UV rays. This helps reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin, providing an additional layer of protection against sunburns and skin damage.
5. Umbrella
When you’re out and about in the spring and summer months, you must have the option to get out of the sun and into some shade. There might not always be shade where you are, so bring your own. A small personal umbrella or parasol is great for shading yourself on a sunny day.
Protecting oneself from the sun’s harmful UV rays is crucial for maintaining skin and eye health. Sun exposure can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. By wearing sunscreen, hats, and UPF clothing, individuals can minimize the risk of skin damage and discomfort while enjoying outdoor activities. Additionally, sunglasses with UV protection are essential for safeguarding eye health and reducing the risk of conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Consistent sun protection measures provide long-term benefits, especially for redheads with fair skin and light eyes, who may be more susceptible to sun damage. Overall, prioritizing sun protection is vital for preserving overall well-being and reducing the risk of sun-related health issues.
Rock it like a Redhead!
RELATED POSTS
READ: Ask a Redhead: Best Sunscreens + Redhead Sun Safety 101
READ: 6 Clean & Affordable Sunscreens Redheads Can Wear Under Their Makeup
