5 Ways to Use Sun Protection

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the country, with more than five million people diagnosed every year. While sun protection is important, there is no time like the start of summer to call attention to some risks associated with excessive sun exposure.

Importance of Sun Safety

Sun safety is important to people of all ages and ethnic groups. Spending a little time in the sun is great for your body and mind, providing valuable vitamin D, which is important for the body when it comes to calcium absorption.

However, spending too much time unprotected in the sun can lead to detrimental outcomes to your health. Skin cancer risks are the most pressing matter, but too much time in the sun can also have other associated risks as well.

How to Protect Yourself from Too Much Sun Exposure

Fortunately, by following a few safety precautions, skin cancer is preventable. Some basic steps when you know you will be spending time outdoors can drastically reduce your risks of skin cancer, as well as other types of damage to the skin and body.

Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the easiest lines of defense when it comes to skin cancer. Even though sunscreen doesn't offer an all-protective shield, it can be combined with the other efforts listed throughout this article, which can really make a difference. Opt for a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against both UVB and UVA rays. The higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the greater the level of protection. So be sure to opt for a product that offers SPF 15 or more.

Be sure to wear sunscreen on the areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, and legs. If you are wearing a sleeveless tank top or bathing suit, make sure not to forget sunscreen on your back. Apply a thicker layer and repeat the application if you are out in the sun for two hours or longer. It is worth noting that sunscreen with a higher SPF should be reapplied if you have plans to stay in the sun all day.

Seek Out Shade

When outdoors, try to spend as much time in the shade as possible. Shade from an overhead tree or awning is a good option because this keeps you out of direct sunlight. Even though this may not completely block you from the sun, it can make a difference.

Because skin cancer awareness has grown much more over the last several years, commercial shade structures have become increasingly more common in public areas. Outdoor shade structures can be found in many forms, such as umbrellas over park benches, cantilevers over outdoor bleachers, and sails over playground equipment. Shade structures are great for open, sunny areas that don’t have shade readily accessible. Many people like to use shade structures over spectator seating at baseball games or even at local parks.

Wear Protective Clothing

Protective clothing can be a good line of defense against UV rays. Long-sleeved shirts, pants or long skirts, and even wide-brimmed hats are good options when spending long hours outdoors. Fabrics that are tightly woven tend to be more UV-resistant, and darker colors are better at protecting your skin than lighter colors. You can also find special clothing that is specifically designed to improve UV protection.

Use Protection in Highly Reflective Areas

Cold weather days can be a bit deceiving. It is easy to assume the sun is not such a big concern when the temperatures are cooler, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Snow and ice can actually reflect UV rays and make exposure an even bigger concern than usual. In fact, snow can be more reflective of UV rays from the sun than water. Don't forget to protect your skin and eyes from the sun even when the ground is covered in snow.

Plan Your Park Furniture in Shaded Areas

Sun protection is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy skin and preventing the harmful effects of UV rays. By incorporating the four effective ways we've discussed in this blog post, you can enjoy the great outdoors while safeguarding your skin from potential damage. Remember, a consistent sun protection routine not only reduces the risk of skin cancer but also keeps your skin looking youthful and radiant.

If you're seeking shade for expansive areas, explore the array of shade solutions available at Superior Shade. Need more than just shade options? Get in touch with our team to discuss our site furniture products from benches to picnic tables and more. Our knowledgeable experts are delighted to address your unique outdoor furniture requirements.