Sun Protection 101

Why is daily sun protection so important?

The warmth of the sun on your skin can be inviting, but beneath its comforting rays lurk potential dangers. Exposure to UV radiation increases your risk of skin cancer, and it’s estimated that about 90% of the skin’s premature aging comes from cumulative sun exposure. You get the most sun exposure when you’re not thinking about it, likely during your day-to-day routine.

The most effective action you can take for your skin's well-being is daily sun protection, and it's always wiser to prevent sun damage than to address it later. The best sun protection for you is the one you’ll want to wear each and every day. Here are five essential sun protection tips to keep your skin safe and radiant:

5 Things to Know about sun protection

1. The Power of Sunscreen:

Sunscreen used to be the telltale sign that summer had arrived during childhood, and now, it's a crucial part of our daily skincare regimen. If you haven't yet made sunscreen a daily habit, this is your cue to keep reading and get started. If you're already on board, great! Let's ensure you have all your sun protection needs covered. 

Sunscreen is a topical product that helps protect against sun damage by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a numerical rating that indicates the extent to which a sunscreen can delay the onset of sunburn when applied correctly compared to unprotected skin. For example, if you apply a sunscreen with SPF 30, it means that it will take you 30 times longer to burn than if you were not wearing any sunscreen at all under the same sun exposure conditions.

When selecting a sunscreen, it's essential to ensure it's broad-spectrum, offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, remember to wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather, and reapply every two hours.

2. There are two types of harmful UV Rays:

Understanding UV radiation is key to effective sun protection. An easy way to distinguish the two is this: UVA rays are associated with "aging" and UVB rays are associated with "burning". Although both types of rays can have overlapping effects, such as causing burns and premature aging, UVA rays primarily contribute to the formation of fine lines and dark spots, while UVB rays play a more prominent role in the development of skin cancers and sunburns. UVA rays make up 90-95% of the UV rays that reach us on earth.

2. The role of UPF Clothing:

Your clothing choices matter in the battle against UV rays. While it may seem that any fabric serving as a barrier between you and the sun offers protection, it's important to note that typical wardrobe items like cotton t-shirts, linen button-downs, and activewear provide minimal shielding if they aren't UPF rated. Even if you aren’t burning under your shirt, UV radiation is still damaging your skin. This is why UPF clothing is your best defense against the sun.

UPF ratings measure how effectively a fabric can block UV radiation. Solmate products are UPF 50+, blocking 98% of UVA & UVB rays. Clothing with higher UPF ratings provides better protection, however not all sun-protective clothing is created equal. Solmate’s materials are carefully chosen for their sun protective qualities, such as weave, weight, composition and natural UV resistance, meaning no chemical additives are used that wash out over time.

Tip: Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection add extra layers of defense. And if you’re feeling like an overachiever, you can even layer SPF under your UPF clothing. 

4. Seasons change, sun protection is forever

Put simply, sun protection should not be confined to specific seasons or sunny days. To safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and maintain long-term skin health, adopting sun protection as a year-round lifestyle is crucial. 

UV rays exist year-round and while their intensity may vary with the seasons, they can penetrate clouds and still reach your skin. UV rays can even bounce off surfaces like snow, sand, water, and pavement, intensifying exposure. Prolonged UV exposure, even during non-peak months, can lead to cumulative skin damage over time. This damage may not manifest immediately, but it can result in premature aging, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Melanoma, in particular, is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer.

Sun exposure is not limited to outdoor recreational activities or vacations either. It occurs during everyday tasks like commuting, walking the dog, or spending time near windows. UV rays can even penetrate car windows, making it crucial to wear sun protection for daily protection while driving.

5. Don't delay the dermatologist

While prevention is crucial, it's equally important to monitor your skin's health. Perform regular self-exams to check for any unusual moles or changes in your skin. And don't forget to schedule annual skin check-ups with a dermatologist.

Tip: If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, such as new or changing moles, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection can make a significant difference in skin cancer treatment.

good suncare is good skincare

In conclusion, sun protection is a year-round commitment to your skin's health and beauty. By understanding the power of SPF, differentiating between UVA and UVB rays, embracing UPF clothing, making sun protection a daily habit, and staying vigilant with skin check-ups, you can enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin radiant and protected.

Remember, your skin is your body's largest organ, and taking care of it now will pay off in the long run. So, wear UPF clothing, slather on that sunscreen, throw on a wide-brimmed hat, and enjoy the great outdoors responsibly!