Staying Safe in the Sun

According to the World Health Organization, there exist three types of ultraviolet radiation. These include UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is the least of our worries as it does not have a chance to reach us on Earth because it is filtered by the planet's atmosphere. On the other hand, UVB does make its way through, and while it does not reach superficial layers of the skin, it does contribute to aging and skin cancer development. UVA is the type of radiation we need to worry about most as it is responsible for the majority of radiation we receive from the sun's rays. It also reaches deeper layers of the skin and is thought to be responsible for skin cancer as well.

Unfortunately, the SPF in sunscreen is incapable of measuring protection from UVA rays. It only measures UVB. This is good because it is the UVB that causes sunburns. This is bad however, because UVA rays can damage collagen, cause wrinkles as well as skin cancer. Morever, the current sun protection factor (SPF) was implemented three decades ago. We are well aware that the sun of the 70s and 80s was less invasive than the sun of today.

That said, wearing sun protective clothing that covers the skin is the safest alternative to sunscreen aside from avoiding the sun altogether. Researchers say the type of clothing worn in the sun can make a big difference in terms of the sun protection factor (SPF) it provides. Dry, tightly woven fabrics like denim, wool, and polyester provide more sun protection than wet or loosely woven, thin fabrics like cotton, linen, acetate and rayon. Safe-sun wear may include wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved bathing suits, hoodies, and sun glasses with medium to dark lenses. And even if you don't wear the optimal sun-protective clothing, organic linens and cottons in light shades feel great against your skin and still provide better protection than the typical sleeveless shirts and short shorts.

When it comes to time spent outdoors, ultraviolet radiation is at its most potent between the hours of eleven in the morning to four in the afternoon. If possible, plan your outdoor activities around these times or minimize time spent outdoors during these peak hours. Think about swimming indoors, taking a yoga class, or playing a sport in an indoor gym. A walk in the early morning and late evening would be best for the outdoor activities of the day.

On a final note, it is never too late to start protecting your skin. Sunscreen helps, but don't let it give you a false sense of security. Instead, start exploring sun-protective clothing and doing research on sunscreens. Not all are created equal.

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