Your spring wardrobe should not only be stylish but also prioritize your safety. As per the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing stands out as a highly effective method for skin cancer prevention as it can help to shield your skin against sun damage. Here’s what you need to know.
How To Protect Your Skin With Your Spring Wardrobe
Hats
Wearing hats can shield various parts of your head and face from the sun. They can protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and reduce UV radiation to the eyes and face by 50%. The level of protection varies based on the style and design of the hat. For example, wide-brimmed hats or bucket hats offer greater protection compared to baseball caps.
Sunglasses
Putting on sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors is like applying sunscreen on your eyes. No matter the season, it’s important to remember that the sun’s rays can still affect your eyes, even on cloudy days. During the spring season, the sun’s UV radiation intensifies. Wearing sunglasses is essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of eye sunburn and vision issues.
Light and Protective Clothing
UPF, which stands for ultraviolet protection factor, measures the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate a piece of fabric and reach your skin. For instance, a UPF 50 material can block 98% of the sun’s rays. The main benefit of UPF clothing is that, on top of their protective qualities, they are also crafted with breathable and lightweight materials to promote airflow, ensuring your comfort in warm seasons. Certain UPF clothing may also include fabric that dries more quickly.
Sunscreen
Solar radiation, tanning beds, and sunlamps all release ultraviolet (UV) rays. These harmful rays can harm skin cells, resulting in sunburns, premature aging, and potentially skin cancer. During the spring season, it’s important to remember to apply sunscreen as the majority of the sun’s rays can still penetrate through clouds. During spring, the sun shines at a more direct angle, leading to an increase in the intensity of UV rays.
There are two ways sunscreens can protect your skin from UV rays: by absorbing them or by scattering them off your skin. Sunscreens typically include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to scatter UV light or consist of a blend of ingredients designed to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Learn More Skin Cancer Prevention Tips in Southern California
At Skin & Beauty Center, we are dedicated to providing exceptional skin cancer prevention, detection, and care at our offices in Southern California. To learn more about how to protect your skin this spring season, contact us today at (818) 842-8000.