Rain or shine, the sun’s rays can be equally as harmful.
The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation that penetrate the ozone layer, UVA rays, which cause wrinkles and skin cancer and UVB rays, which cause sunburns.
UV rays reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand and snow, and are strongest during late spring and early summer in North America. The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. DST are the most hazardous for UV exposure in the United States.
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For the past 70 years, melanoma has been on the rise for fair-skinned individuals.
Scientists theorize UVA light penetrating through building windows may lead to mutations and a breakdown in Vitamin D(3), which protects the skin against melanoma.
About 1 in 5 all-day moisturizers that advertise SPF protection actually guard against UVA rays.
READ: Love Your Skin like You Love Your Hair: Hydrate & Moisturize
How To Pick The Best Sunscreen
The FDA has implemented a four-star system for UVA protection with 1 being the lowest and 4 the highest degree of protection.
Manufacturers are required to include this rating system on their sunscreen labels and cannot falsely advertise their products as being “chemical-free,” “waterproof,” “helps prevent skin damage,” or any SPF design greater than 50.
Adults require the equivalent of a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover their body. All skin exposed to the sun should be covered, including the ears, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and top of the head if needed.
Additionally, many people don’t realize that by spending hours in the sun, their hair often gets neglected. Hour’s worth of the sun’s rays hitting a person’s hair can cause it to become dry and brittle.
Thankfully there are products like Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray Broad, a hair sunscreen with SPF 30 that helps to add moisture and extra shine while protecting your hair from excessive heat.
READ: The Spray that will Rule Your Summer-Time Hair
Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours and after swimming.
Look for sunscreens with the following ingredients: Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Niacin, and Vitamins C and E.
Protect Your Skin and Eyes from Dangerous UV Rays
Sunglasses are also very important. Studies show that exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and growths on the eye, including cancer.
Pick frames that are as wide as your face and snug behind the ears, made with plastic or high-quality metals such as titanium, and have a UV protection rating of 400 and remember to get darker shades if your eyes are light-sensitive.
You are your best advocate. Treat your body well and make sure to protect your skin against UV rays that could turn deadly, which is why, in sickness and in health, sunscreen is a must!
This article was written by Avni Parekh.
