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What do I Need in UV Protection?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Anyone who spends time in the sun, even for short periods of time, stands to benefit from some type of UV protection. UV protection includes chemical formulas, apparel, and glasses designed to protect the skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. The first step in selecting the right kind of UV protection starts with understanding UV rays.

The sun emits ultraviolet rays, which are a type of light energy. These rays can be separated into three different categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Both UVA and UVB rays are implicated in damage to the skin cells and the increased risk of skin cancer. While UVC rays can cause damage to the skin and are considered the most hazardous of the ultraviolet rays, they are completely absorbed by the ozone layer. As such, they do not reach Earth’s surface or the skin.

Wearing sunglasses that protect against UV rays can help protect the eyes.
Wearing sunglasses that protect against UV rays can help protect the eyes.

The most widely given advice concerning UV protection is to avoid languishing out in the sun; sunbathing is not good for the skin. Many experts recommend participating in indoor activities from about 10 AM until about 4 PM each day, as this is when rays from the sun are most intense. When a person must participate in outdoor activities at this time of day, it is wise to wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and a covering for the legs, such as a long pair of pants or a long skirt. These things can provide UV protection.

The face, neck, lips, and eyes need protection from UV rays.
The face, neck, lips, and eyes need protection from UV rays.

Sunscreen can play a major role in UV protection. It is usually best to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection; this means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 is typically the minimum that is recommended. The sun protection factor can be found on the labels of sunscreen and other products; it indicates about how long a person can stay in the sun and remain free of burning while wearing the product. Those with very fair skin or who burn easily may do better with a higher SPF.

Darker skinned people still need UV protection.
Darker skinned people still need UV protection.

While many people remember to wear sunscreen, many forget to protect their lips and eyes from UV rays, but these areas are vulnerable too. As such, it is a good idea to use a lip screen as well, choosing one that has an SPF of at least 15. Many lipsticks and lip glosses have sunscreen added to them for this purpose. It’s also a good idea to wear wraparound sunglasses that provide complete protection from UV rays, as the eyes are particularly vulnerable. UV rays can damage the retina and even make a person more likely to develop cataracts as he ages.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • Wearing sunglasses that protect against UV rays can help protect the eyes.
      By: Thorsten
      Wearing sunglasses that protect against UV rays can help protect the eyes.
    • The face, neck, lips, and eyes need protection from UV rays.
      By: soupstock
      The face, neck, lips, and eyes need protection from UV rays.
    • Darker skinned people still need UV protection.
      By: Maridav
      Darker skinned people still need UV protection.
    • Regularly applying sunblock will help keep skin looking younger longer.
      By: Maridav
      Regularly applying sunblock will help keep skin looking younger longer.
    • Hats, sunglasses, and rashguards can protect against UV rays.
      By: Karen Roach
      Hats, sunglasses, and rashguards can protect against UV rays.
    • The Sun is the source of UVA and UVB rays, which can damage skin and eyes.
      By: Albo
      The Sun is the source of UVA and UVB rays, which can damage skin and eyes.
    • Sunbathers often ignore advice about UV protection.
      By: vsegda22
      Sunbathers often ignore advice about UV protection.
    • A broad spectrum sunscreen works to block both UVA and UVB rays.
      By: Nobilior
      A broad spectrum sunscreen works to block both UVA and UVB rays.
    • It's wise to wear a wide-brimmed hat that can provide UV protection while outdoors.
      By: Christian Schwier
      It's wise to wear a wide-brimmed hat that can provide UV protection while outdoors.