Sunscreen filters the UV radiation that passes through to your skin. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects from UVA and UVB, with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen gels are good for hairy parts of your body, like your scalp. Sunblock creates a physical barrier between the sun and your skin. Look for broad-spectrum, an SPF of at least 30, and ingredients like octyl salicylate and methoxycinnamate, and octocrylene. [1] X Research source Apply sun-protective lotions about 30 minutes before going outdoors, and use at least an ounce of sunscreen at each application. Reapply after swimming, activities that caused you to sweat, or every two hours. [2] X Research source Most sunscreens will block your pores, so get one specifically made for facial application if you have oily or acne-prone skin. [3] X Expert Source Kimberly TanLicensed Esthetician Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.
Nose Tips of your ears Scalp Lips Eyelids
Because you only apply makeup once in the morning, you can’t rely on it for all your sun protection. Use SPF makeup in conjunction with your other sun precautions. You should still apply a base layer of sunscreen to your face before applying makeup.
Wearing sunscreen to be in the car is also important, because UV also passes through car windows.
Sun-protective clothing will have a UPF rating that measures how much protection it offers. Look for something with a UPF rating of at least 30, and make sure to wear long sleeves, long pants, and high collars to protect the most amount of skin. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source For regular clothes that aren’t UPF rated, dark clothes with a tight weave will provide more protection than light colors and open weaves.
Be wary of straw hats and hats with open weaves that still allow the sun through. Look for hats with total coverage brims or veils that protect sensitive areas like the ears and back of the neck. If you want to wear a baseball hat or hat with minimal coverage, pair it with a sun-protective veil or bandana that will cover exposed areas. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
Some of the most reflective surfaces are water, snow, sand, and concrete. [10] X Research source
Salmon Halibut Algae Nut oils Chia and hemp seeds
Tomato paste Vegetable pasta sauces Roasted red peppers
Avoid chocolate that has milk added to it, as this can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb all antioxidants.
You can check the UV index in your area on local weather reports, or websites like the Sunburn Map, and the World Health Organization’s UV Index webpage. A low UV index is between 0 and 2, and indicates that you don’t really have to worry about sun protection. A moderate UV index is between 3 and 7, and this means sun protection is required. A high UV index is 8 and above, and means that you should take extreme precautions to protect yourself. An extremely high UV index is 10 and over. When the sun is this strong, you should stay indoors whenever possible. [13] X Research source
To avoid the sun during peak times, try to schedule outdoor activities and trips for the early morning or late afternoon instead of midday. It’s not always possible to stay inside when the sun’s rays are at their most intense, but if you must go out, take precautions to protect your skin. This is especially true when the UV index is moderate or high. The sun is stronger in the summer months, but you do still have to worry about sun protection in the winter. This is especially true if you like to ski, for instance, because the air is thinner at higher altitudes, and this means the sun is stronger.
Tall trees with dense leaves Buildings Roofed structures like gazebos and patios
Be careful, however, that you are still wearing sunscreen and protective clothing under the umbrella, because UV will still reflect off a number of surfaces. The larger the umbrella the better, because a bigger umbrella will protect you from more reflected UV.
