Steps to Protect Yourself from the Sun
The Naked Truth About Sun ProtectionAlthough the sun is always damaging to the skin, the amount of damage can be limited by a few sensible precautions:
When outside in the mid-day (10 AM – 3 PM) during the sunny season from March to October, try to find shade. When in the sun, clothes are the best protection. Sunscreen should only be used as a supplement to a broad hat (3-4 inch brim) and a shirt. Most fabrics that cannot be seen through will give reasonable protection, but the new microfiber nylons are very sun protective. SunPrecautions.com make uncompromisingly protective products. The products pictured here from other companies are especially inexpensive and breathable.  Well ventilated long sleeve microfiber treated nylon tunic shirts with full mesh back and panel under arms. Available from Coolibar.com or RailRiders.com  Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Booney Hat with black mesh crown, wide brim, terry sweatband and only 2oz. Available at REI, or GCEX Grand Canyon Expeditions Sun Protective Clothing and AccessoriesSunscreens even under ideal application guidelines still permit tanning and sun damage; the use of sun protective clothing is also recommended. Sun Protective SwimwearWearing a Lycra shirt provides significant sun protection and is not as heavy or as limiting as wearing a cotton t-shirt in the water. These garments are called rash guards or flash suits and can be purchased at dive or surf shops. The list of companies below provides a range of sun protective clothing and accessories
Long Sleeve Clothes for High Energy Activities with Heavy SweatingWaffle knit polyesters are lightweight, soft, extremely breathable and wick moisture off the skin to provide a comfortable feel even on a hot day and move moisture off the skin.
Other similar items can be found at sports and outdoor stores such as thin Coolmax over the calf sock liners which protect the lower leg when wearing shorts with almost no warming effect. Sun Safety Tips from the American Academy of Dermatology
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How to Apply Sunscreen to Get the SPF Factor on the LabelUse a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, because most people only use a third to half the amount of sunscreen needed to get the rated SPF factor. A simple rule would be to use half a teaspoon on each:
and a whole teaspoon each on the:
The SPF rating is based on UVB (causes sunburn and skin cancer) blocking ability. To be broad spectrum, a sunscreen should contain a good UVA (causes wrinkling, mottling and skin cancer) block such as Avobenzone (Parasol 1789) which is clear or zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which are slightly whitening. Some of the best products are listed below and are available for about $8- $10 for 4oz.
For the average person any sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher properly applied when wearing a broad hat and at least a short sleeve shirt will give reasonable protection, except when out in the sun for long periods of time. Sun sensitive persons with fair skin should wear long sleeves and high SPF broad spectrum sunscreens.
Car Window Glass UV FilterThese are available for car side windows as clear plastic sheets commercially installed. Call Llumar (888) 288-7443 for referral to a local dealer. Sheeting can also be applied to home windows with the added benefit of preventing glass shattering during earthquakes.
Sunscreens for Sensitive PeopleThese sunscreens contain only titanium dioxide or zinc dioxide as their active ingredients. Because these are not chemical sunscreens, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions than sunscreens with other active ingredients. Some may be harder to find than others. A good place to start is Drugstore.com
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