Protect yourself from harmful UV radiation
Avoiding the sun when it’s burning the brightest is the first step you can take to protect yourself and prevent solar keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancer. Try to stay out of direct sunlight between 10 am and 2 pm and avoid artificial sources of UV light such as tanning beds.Sometimes staying out of the sun just isn’t an option. Luckily, there is a whole range of products that can help you stay protected in the sun.
List of sun protection equipment:
- Sunscreen: Use sunscreen (Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15+ or more) before you go out, and liberally re-apply often as sunscreens can wear off. If you go swimming or do activities where you sweat, water-resistant sunscreens are recommended.
- Cosmetics: Cosmetics with sun protection allow you to protect your face from the sun without compromising cosmetic features.
- Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses with UV protection lenses to reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage.
- UV-protective clothing: Clothing is the most effective form of sun protection. The more skin you cover, the better protected you are. It is possible to get UV-protective clothing. It is made of fabric with a UV protection factor (UPF) of 50+. It is a good idea for people who are at risk or diagnosed with solar keratoses to wear this kind of clothing.
- Hats: Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes, ears, face and the back of your neck.
- Long sleeves: Wear shirts with long sleeves to project your arms from sun exposure when staying or working in the sun.
- Swimwear: Sand and water reflect the sun’s UV rays, allowing them to hit your skin twice. UV- protective swimwear is made of fabric with a UPF of 50+ and comes with both short and long sleeves. There are also full-body suits for kids.
- Sun shelters: Sun shelters (small tent, wind screen, etc.) are available with a UPF of 50+ and can protect against both sun and wind.
- Umbrellas: Umbrellas come in different sizes and most of them have a UPF of 50+.
- Marquees: Most marquees also provide a UPF of 50+ and are ideal for picnics, lunch, when working outside, camping and watching sports.