Start taking measures against UV rays now
Summer is a time when families want to spend time together actively, at the beach, pool, BBQ, hiking, etc. At the same time, the intense sunlight and ultraviolet rays can be a threat.
UV rays cause skin aging and lead to various skin problems such as age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. It is also said that UV rays can cause pterygium and cataracts if exposed to the eyes for many years.
UV rays are particularly strong from May to September. This year, the season when sunburn is a worry has arrived. Get ready now and be sure to take all the necessary precautions to welcome the summer. In this article, we will introduce some useful sun protection products in detail.
What is UV radiation?
Light from the sun is divided into different types according to wavelength.
The longest wavelength is infrared, the medium wavelength is visible light, and the shortest wavelength is ultraviolet. Ultraviolet rays are sometimes referred to as "UV," so many people may have heard of it.
Ultraviolet rays are divided into three types, A, B, and C, depending on their wavelength.
・UV-A: Accounts for approximately 90% of the UV rays that reach the earth's surface ・UV-B: Accounts for approximately 10% of the UV rays that reach the earth's surface ・UV-C: Absorbed by ozone and oxygen molecules in the atmosphere and does not reach the earth's surface
In other words, UV-A and UV-B reach the surface of the earth where we live, so these are the two types of ultraviolet rays that we are exposed to on a daily basis.
We are exposed to ultraviolet rays not only through direct light from the sun ("direct light"), but also through "scattered light" that hits molecules in the atmosphere and "reflected light" that bounces off the ground or walls.
Recommended UV protection products
parasolParasols protect you from UV rays just by using them, and if you find a design you like, going out on hot days will be even more enjoyable. Combining them with sunscreen will further increase the UV protection effect, giving you a greater sense of security.
hat
A wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect yourself when jogging or playing sports. You can't use an umbrella when riding a bike, so it's a good idea to have one on hand to protect your scalp, hair, and face from the sun.
Arm covers
Arm covers are useful when it's hot and you have to wear short sleeves, or when you're riding a bicycle and can't use a parasol. It's a good idea to choose ones that have UV protection to block out UV rays, or ones that have a cooling effect.
cardigan
A light cardigan is useful when going out on a cooler day, and it's easy to wear not only outdoors but also in an air-conditioned room. Like the arm covers, if it has UV protection or is cool to the touch, it will be easy to wear in the summer.
sunglasses
When UV rays get into your eyes, they inflame the cornea, causing pain and redness. If damage accumulates, there's a risk of developing cataracts... Sunglasses with UV protection are effective in preventing UV damage to your eyes. When choosing sunglasses, be mindful of the size and shape of the lenses. UV rays can get in between the lenses and your skin, so sunglasses with larger lenses or lenses that cover your eyes are recommended.
Important points about UV protection products
What color has the best UV protection? Did you know that UV protection varies depending on the color?When choosing clothes for the summer, some people may think, "I'll buy white clothes because it's a refreshing color."
I often wear white T-shirts and blouses in the summer, but when I looked into it, I found that white only blocks 60% of UV rays!!
On the other hand, the color that is least likely to cause sunburn is black. It blocks about 90% of UV rays, but black is the king of sun protection in summer outfits because it can be too hot and is not often worn.