How to Choose the Right Sun Protection

In this article

• Top Sun-Safety Tips
• All About Sunscreen
• Other Ways to Shield Your Skin

Other Ways to Shield Your Skin

• Shade: UVB rays can bounce off of sand, water, and concrete around you, so sitting under an umbrella or tree does not offer full protection from the sun. The bigger the umbrella or the denser the leaves in the tree about you, the better. Don’t rely on the shade to fully protect you.
• Hats: Hats with brims at least 3 inches wide, all around, will help protect your nose, cheeks, and neck, equal to about an SPF of 5. They also help protect your scalp.
• Clothing: Our clothes are often the best sun protection. And the more skin you cover, the better. Tightly woven fabrics like twill, denim, or spandex filter out more UV rays than “open-weave” fabrics like linen. Darker clothes also block more rays than lighter ones. When you’ll be in the sun for a long time, consider investing in clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) that states exactly how well it can protect you. A thin white T-shirt, for example, has a UPF of about 5, while a special spandex “sun shirt” or rash guard made especially for outdoor, active wear may have a UPF of 50 or more.