It feels great to be outside in summer, but, unfortunately, the sun’s powerful rays can damage your skin. With no skin protection, in the short term, you may have to cope with a scorching sunburn. However, even if you avoid a burn, sun exposure can cause long-term consequences to lurk unseen within your skin. Photoaging is the term used to describe the action of the sun that prematurely ages your skin and can lead to skin cancer.
Photodamage occurs in the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin, meaning that it can take years before the harm becomes visible on the skin’s surface.
Keeping in the shade and applying sunscreen will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, there is more you can do. Dermatologists advise added sun protection by wearing certain clothes and accessories. Here are four must-have accessories for skin protection in the summer.
1. Sunglasses with Good UV Protection
Sunglasses are a very important accessory to protect your eyes from the sun and prevent UV-related eye injuries. Here’s what to look for to provide your eyes with maximum protection.
- Always buy lenses that offer UV protection, keeping in mind that lenses that look dark do not necessarily provide this feature. This means that you must read the label before making a purchase.
- Sunglasses with large frames or a wraparound style offer more sun protection than other types, such as aviator glasses from Mouqy.
Eco-friendly Sunglasses
If you are looking for prescription or nonprescription sunglasses, acetate glasses is what you can opt for. The unique manufacturing process of acetate frames results in richer colors and patterns and can last longer when compared to metal or plastic frames. This makes the frames perfect for sunglasses. What’s more, acetate is a renewable material sourced from cotton plants and wood pulp making it both eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.
2. Sun-Protective Clothing
When it comes to sun protection, not all garments are created equal – some types of clothing provide superior UV protection over others. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Cover up as much skin as possible with lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts to give you greater protection from the sun.
- Look for clothes made from dense fabrics in dark or bright colors. Dark colors offer more protection than lighter hues. For example, a denim shirt with long sleeves or denim jeans provides a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of approximately 1,700. In contrast, a white T-shirt with short sleeves provides an SPF of only about 7.
- Avoid open or loose weave fabrics, such as lace or mesh.
- If you’re at the pool or beach, dry clothing gives you more sun protection than a wet bathing suit.
- Look for clothing with built-in sun protection – an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) number on the label.
3. Sun Hat
The right kind of hat is an effective way to protect your face and neck from the sun. Here’s what to look for when choosing summer headgear:
- A wide brim, which will protect not only your head and neck but also your ears.
- Don’t go for a baseball-type style or a straw hat with holes, as these don’t offer you enough protection.
- Choose a hat with pull-down neck protection if you are hiking at a high altitude where the sun is much stronger.
4. The Right Shoes
If you like to wear sandals or flip-flops or go barefoot on the beach, be sure to apply sunscreen liberally to all parts of your feet. Alternatively, a pair of light sneakers will offer more protection. A right pair of shoes ensures comfort and keeps your child away from danger. don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your exposed ankles if you are not wearing socks.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. If you have more questions about the best way to prevent skin cancer, look for a board-certified dermatologist. And, no matter how careful you try to be when out and about in the summer, get a skin check once a year just to be on the safe side.
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