We don’t want those agonizing sunburns now do we? Let’s learn all about protecting our skin from those harmful UV rays. I just wanted to share what I learned through the years and why protecting yourself from the sun is important. Now there are lots of benefits from sun exposure like supporting our body’s vitamin D levels, strengthening your bones, killing bacteria, improving sleep quality, boosting your mood, and the like. Let’s start with the basics while you’re here. The sun produces different types of energy:

  • Visible light – which we can see as sunlight.
  • Infrared radiation – which we feel as heat.
  • UV radiation – which we cannot see or feel.

WHAT IS UV RADIATION?

UV is a form of energy produced by the sun. UV radiation is often confused with infrared radiation. The temperature, however, does not affect UV radiation levels. UV radiation can be just as high on a cool or even cold day as it is on a hot one, especially if skies are clear. Thick cloud provides a good filter, but UV radiation can penetrate thin cloud cover. And while UV radiation is higher in summer than in winter, it is still present every day of the year.

There are three types of UV radiation, categorised by wavelength: UVA, UVB and UVC.

  • UVA can cause sunburn, DNA (cell) damage in the skin, and skin cancer.
  • UVB causes skin damage and skin cancer. Ozone stops most UVB from reaching the earth’s surface, about 15% is transmitted.
  • UVC is the most dangerous type of UV. Ozone in the atmosphere absorbs all UVC and it does not reach the earth’s surface.

How long should you stay out?

Experts recommend daily sun exposure of 10-15 minutes for people with lighter skin and 25-40 minutes for those with darker skin. This is because melanin, a natural sunscreen found in greater amounts in darker skin, can make it harder to get enough sun exposure. However, it’s important to not exceed the recommended amount as it may increase the risk of sunburn or skin cancer. Sunscreen is also recommended when spending time outside, especially for longer periods. Prolonged sun exposure does not continue to increase vitamin D levels, and most people get enough vitamin D with just a few minutes of sun exposure when UV levels are 3 or above.

Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays. 

This is what I’m currently using now:

PROS

  • The fluid formulation makes it non-greasy and it beats any creams.
  • It’s easily absorbed by the skin and leaves it with a matte sheen
  • Comes in tinted fluid or invisible fluid.
  • The smell is subtle and isn’t off-putting at all!

CONS

It’s quite pricey for such a small amount. 🙁

Sunscreen should be used daily when the UV Index is forecast to be 3 or above, and should be applied 20 minutes before going outside. A sufficient amount of sunscreen should be used, with at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the front and back of the body, and one for the head. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months, and the main forms of sun protection for babies should be protective clothing, hats, and shade.

Also, if you’ve got any good recommendations for sun protection products and sunscreen, please let me know in the comments below!  I’m just sharing what I do know and have tried but if you you’d like more information here’s a couple from the Cancer Council.