Posted by Stingray International on 19th Aug 2016
A Guide to Sunscreen and Sun Protection
How to Stay Safe from Harmful UV Rays and Have Fun
The great outdoors is an ideal place to enjoy the fresh air, exercise or meditate. The sunshine is something that can energise the body, improving our wellbeing. Staying outdoors and getting enough amount of sunshine can increase serotonin and vitamin D levels. Thus, it reduces certain cancers, diabetes and boosts the immune system. In fact, the sunshine is the best source of vitamin D for newborn babies. Going to the beach and taking a refreshing plunge can also be a relaxing way to recover from a long workweek. It can also be a great way to get sun exposure to help improve our health.
However, despite the fact that the sunshine is essential for our health, it can also be the cause of some health problems. This is especially true if you are overexposed to the sun’s UV rays. Hence, it is very important that you should be responsible enough in protecting your skin from the sun whenever you go outside. Putting on sunscreen lotion is very important before going out in the sun.
Whether you are going for a long walk or a short run, it’s important to apply sunscreen lotion to the exposed areas of your skin. Also, when you are planning a swimming trip to the beach, it’s important to include a sunscreen lotion. Choosing a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 will give you some protection against the harmful sun rays.
There are also sunscreen lotions that are water-resistant. This is ideal especially if you are going swimming where your skin gets wet or jogging if you sweat a lot. Using enough amount of sunscreen on your skin 30 minutes before going out is advisable. Reapplying a generous amount of it on your skin every 2 hours can give you added protection as well.
It’s important to remember that putting on sunscreen lotion is not only ideal when you are taking a break on the beach, it is also advisable during days when you are going outdoors. Even if you’re not going to jog or take a dip in the sea, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen especially if instances require you to stay outdoors most of the time.
Sunscreen is indeed a great solution to protecting yourself from sun damage. However, there are tons of brands out there and some of them contain chemicals that may be unsafe for your skin. This makes it cumbersome for you to choose which brand will be suitable for your particular skin type and at the same time effectively preventing sunburn. Most sunscreen brands claim to be “all-natural” and “clinically tested”. However, some of them only use these statements as a marketing tactic and to lure more consumers.
That’s why it is prudent that before purchasing a sunscreen lotion you must read its label and the ingredients it contains. The most common hazardous chemical found in sunscreen lotion is the hormone disruptor oxybenzone. This chemical agent is often linked to skin damage and endocrine imbalances. Another harmful ingredient that may possibly be found in sunscreen isretinyl palmitate (vitamin A).
Moreover, don’t let the higher SPF levels that top out at 30-50 SPF mislead you in choosing the best sunscreen. Take note that brands advertising sunscreen products higher than these can be misleading. Opt for mineral (zinc-based and titanium-based) or natural-based sunscreens. Contrary to the chemically-formulated sunscreens which absorb the UV rays, natural or mineral-based effectively reflect sunlight away from your skin. Most importantly, don’t skip reading the label every time you shop for sunscreen. Doing this saves you from suffering further skin damage.
In addition to sunscreen lotion, there are also other essential ways you can protect yourself from the hazardous effects of the sun. This includes wearing sun protection clothing. Make sure that the various pieces of sun protection clothing you choose are specially designed to protect you from the sun. You should choose sun protective clothing that is weaved tightly enough to block harmful rays. This sun protection clothing is specially designed to suit various needs. There are choices for children and as well as for adults. Be sure to choose the ones that are manufactured by high quality and trusted manufacturers.
Sun protective clothing might be an ideal and intuitive option when it comes to protecting yourself from sun damage. However, this is not enough. Take note that your head is also prone to sun exposure. Over exposure to the sun without covering your head can be extremely dangerous. Apart from the sun-protective clothing to cover up your body, you will also need a protective covering for your head. This is where sun protection caps come in handy. Choose caps that are made of high-grade materials that can effectively protect your head from the harmful UV rays. Most of these sun protection caps come in various sizes that can fit children and adults comfortably.
If you want the highest quality sun protection clothing and sun protection caps, check out Stingray. We are the leading and authentic sun protection clothing company in Australia. We take pride on the highest ratings we have earned for our range of UV protective clothing in blocking harmful UV rays. We provide excellent protection so you can have fun under the sun without worrying about its harmful effect on your skin as well as your overall health.