UV Protection – Long Sleeves Aren’t Only for Winter
As we’re in the middle of Spring and Summer is coming at us full force, we have to be wary of the conditions outside. Many of us might have forgotten what it’s like out there since our quarantine episode has lasted over a year! Here are some ways to protect yourself from the glaring sun and those cancerous UV rays.
Sunscreen & Sunblock
There’s quite a huge population still wearing masks and we do not know when this order will be entirely lifted. But that doesn’t mean you should skip the sunscreen. Oftentimes, the neck, lips, and ears are overlooked and will fall victim to those burns. Sunscreen should be applied before makeup and insect repellents and reapplied every 2 hours. Most sunscreens are effective to block UVB rays (which cause sunburn) but to block UVA rays require a sunblock that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These last two ingredients literally reflect the UV rays back off from your skin.
Shade
Isn’t Vitamin D good for us? Yes, it is! But constant exposure from the sun is not the best way to consume this essential vitamin. Keep in mind that UV rays can still find you by reflecting off of the ground or other surfaces such as water, sand, buildings, through your office window (and snow, where applicable). Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day as UV rays also creep through the cloud cover. Seek shade and cover from these factors to further protect yourself.
Protective Clothing
Along with slathering on the sunscreen, wearing protective clothing is recommended. This includes sunglasses and hats. It may seem counterintuitive to wear long sleeves during these hot months, but there are instances where longer sleeves make sense. If you’re chilling on a boat, a 100% cotton long sleeve allows better air flow and is easier on sensitive skin. But if you’re actually sailing or doing other strenuous activities such as hiking, then you would benefit from using a poly blend for moisture wicking and durability. SpectraUSA’s Unisex Long Sleeve T-Shirts 3055 comes in both 100% cotton or a poly blend and a variety of colors. Wearing a long sleeve will also buy you more time between sunscreen applications.
Enjoy more of these sunny months by protecting yourself!
