| The sun's rays reflect off a wide variety of | | | | You don't always have to use sun protection that |
| different surfaces; even off things such as | | | | comes in a bottle. Wearing protective clothing |
| cement and snow. The sun's UV rays are | | | | such as hats and sunglasses can play just as a |
| prevalent even when it is cloudy outside. Keeping | | | | significant role in blocking damaging ultraviolet rays. |
| these factors in mind, one of the most sure fire | | | | Another simple solution that doesn't require much |
| way's in maintaining maximum protection from | | | | effort is to seek shaded areas when outside |
| the sun's rays is to make a regular habit out of | | | | wherever possible. So let's go over some of the |
| applying sun screen whenever venturing outdoors. | | | | different ways we can protect ourselves while in |
| Be sure to reapply it as often as necessary to | | | | the sun. |
| keep a consistent level of protection throughout | | | | Wide brim hats will protect our hair, our face, the |
| the day. | | | | tips of our ears and deflect some of the rays |
| Make sure when applying a sun screen product | | | | hitting out eyes. Wide brim hats not only offer |
| you carefully read the manufactures instructions in | | | | the most protection but actually help us keep cool |
| order to get the maximum protection from the | | | | as well. A good pair of sunglasses are a necessity |
| sun's ultraviolet rays. Take note of the SPF (sun | | | | when spending time outdoors. Make sure when |
| protection factor) when choosing a sun screen for | | | | selecting a pair of sunglasses that the label |
| your skin type. SPF is the primary indicator of | | | | explicitly states that the lenses used are designed |
| how much protection a particular product will | | | | to offer maximum UV protection. If they don't |
| provide. It's important to remember that no | | | | state this fact then they'll be useless for our |
| product will work if you forget to actually apply it | | | | protective needs. A common rule of thumb is |
| to your skin whenever you go outside. This is | | | | that the bigger the lens, the more overall sun |
| fairly common of people even when they are | | | | protection you are receiving. Sunglasses that |
| carrying sun screen with them all the time. | | | | Wrap around your head offer the most potential |
| Sun protection is more than just skin deep | | | | protection because they even block any rays |
| Not all sun protection products are formulated to | | | | from making contact with your eyes from the |
| protect all of your body parts. Some are ideal at | | | | sides of your head. |
| protecting the skin, but how about protecting | | | | It is becoming a common practice for clothing |
| your lips or what about your eyes and hair? The | | | | manufacturers to produce a protective clothing |
| sun can be extremely harmful to the eyes and | | | | line with inherent UPF and ultraviolet protection. |
| can cause serious damage when unprotected. This | | | | This type of clothing is primarily designed for |
| has also been linked with the formation of | | | | people who spend large amounts of time |
| cataracts. | | | | outdoors. Such as avid hikers, fishers, golfers, |
| Our lips are extremely fragile and delicate and | | | | kayakers and many other outdoor enthusiast. |
| they will burn easily if you do not take precautions | | | | These clothes provide the ideal balance between |
| to protect them from the sun. When our lips are | | | | style and functionality. You can find protective |
| chapped and dry, they don't look appealing nor do | | | | outer wear for any member of your family, even |
| they feel good. Using a zinc based product will | | | | the little ones. If your on a tight budget or can't |
| offer a maximum level of protection. If using | | | | find any clothing with UPF, another option would |
| Lipsticks, Lip balms, and conditioners make sure | | | | be to wear tightly woven fabrics and dark colors. |
| they have a minimum SPF of at least 15. | | | | These are also quite effective at reducing your |
| The sun can also damage hair. We often do not | | | | exposure to the sun's harmful rays. A small |
| realize this or we take it for granted because we | | | | factoid is that clothes that are dry block out |
| don't 'feel' its effects immediately. But we sure | | | | more UV rays than those that are wet. |
| can see them. Our hair can become dull, dry and | | | | Obviously, the combination of long sleeves and full |
| frizzy. Most people think this only happens from | | | | length pants will offer maximum protection, but |
| excess chemical processing. | | | | this isn't really practical since who wants to wear |
| Other forms of sun protection | | | | that much clothing when it's sunny outside? |