Ultraviolet (UV) radiation released from the sun has several long-term damaging effects on human health. We need to follow UV safety guidelines mentioned here. Read on…
The ultraviolet (UV) light is present in the soft glow of the sun but we cannot see it. This invisible light is bad for our skin and eyes. Earth’s atmosphere has one protective ozone layer which is capable of blocking out maximum UV rays radiated by the sun. However, that safety shield of ozone is thinning out fast due to various reasons. As a result, we are now at a higher risk of direct contact with ultraviolet light than ever before.
The signs of chronic damage caused by UV rays may not be visible instantly but will show up over the years. Skin problems, skin cancer, cataracts in the eyes, are some of the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
Hence, adequate UV safety measures are essential before going out in the sun.
Use Sun Protection Clothing
Wear full sleeves clothes, full pants and covered shoes in order to minimize the damage caused by sunlight. The more you cover yourself up the better is the protection against ultraviolet radiation. Make sure your clothes are made of densely woven, thick fabrics.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes. Loose-fitting clothes do not allow UV light to pass through. Whereas, once you wear tight clothes, its fabric will stretch out and create gaps. UV rays penetrate through these gaps and affect your skin. Besides, loose clothes bring a lot of relief from excessive perspiration.
Use Sunscreen Lotion/Gel
Keep in mind sunscreen is not a beauty product. It saves your skin from various damaging effects of harsh UV radiation like sunburn, suntan, sun spots and risk of skin cancer.
Buy the Right Sunscreen. You can choose a creamy sunscreen lotion or a gel-based one. Sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) value 30 or higher is essential for long hours of UV protection. Check the SPF value from the label of a sunscreen bottle.
Apply Sunscreen Correctly. Apply the lotion generously all over the exposed parts of the body 15 minutes before going out. One time application of sunscreen cannot ensure ultraviolet protection for the entire day as it wears off with sweating. Reapply it after every 2 hours and after washing your face.
Use Sunglasses
This is one of those UV safety measures which we often ignore. Goggles / sunglasses are not optional styling accessories but are essential for eye protection. Buy good quality UV safety goggles with a label “100% protection against UV 400” on it. Sunglasses filter out intense glaring sunlight. It also acts as a protective shield for the thin and sensitive skin surrounding your eyes.
Use a Hat
Your stylish hat is indeed a useful accessory that builds a strong defence against scalp burns. It also protects hair strands from drying out under the sun. Select a hat with a brim which is wide enough to cover up your face, ears and neck area. An ideal sun protection hat should have a brim width of 3 inches.
Use an Umbrella
After taking all the abovementioned UV safety measures, grab an umbrella before going outdoors on a sunny day. There are umbrellas available for ultraviolet protection. You will find a silvery fabric coating underneath the canopy in these umbrellas. It reflects out harmful UV rays and some of the heat as well and thus keeps you cool in sweltering heat.
UV Safety Measures for Small Babies and Children
Babies who are less than 6 months old should not be under direct sunlight at all. If they have to go out during the day, suitable cover up is necessary.
Kids should wear full sleeves clothing, wide brim hats and UV protection goggles. Sunscreen lotion for sensitive skin of kids is available in the market. Apply it in the form of a thick coat on their face, neck, shoulders, back, hands, legs and feet.
Ultraviolet Protection – What Not to Do
Try to avoid going out in the sun during peak hours. UV radiation is at its peak between 10 am – 4pm. Long hours of sun exposure during this time can be harmful.
Don’t skip sunscreen on a cloudy day. The sun is hidden behind the clouds but it is still radiating UV radiation which is reaching us.
WRAP-UP NOTE: You cannot keep yourself away from sunlight altogether. It is not even advisable. We need sunlight to prepare Vitamin D in our body. Include these UV safety measures in your daily routine for best protection and step out for essential outdoor activities.
