July is UV Safety Awareness Month.
Stars – they are just like us!
Let’s take the sun for example. The fiery ball in the sky is 4.6 billion years old – that’s the average age in star years.
And the sun is responsible for ensuring that all plants, comets and asteroids do not get out of control. Does this sound familiar?
While we show off our wide-brimmed hats to the sun, it’s also important to be aware of its harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Studies show that UV rays cause 9 out of 10 cases of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – and that melanoma rates increase in women aged 50 and over.
UVA vs. UVB rays
UV rays are natural energy generated by the sun. You can’t see them, but your skin feels them.
There are two main types of UV rays:
- UVA – long wavelengths that penetrate deep into the skin and cause premature aging and wrinkles
- UVB – shorter wavelengths that are primarily responsible for sunburns
Both types of UV rays damage the skin and both can cause skin cancer.
Luckily, there are many different products that can protect you from UV rays from head to toe.
Check out these products for UV protection
sunglasses
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Sunglasses are a real face shield when you’ve been up all night (thanks, vasomotor symptoms of menopause!) or caught up in a marathon of This Is Us.
Sunglasses also help protect your eyes from UV radiation, which can cause cataracts, eyelid cancer, and sunburned eyes. And yes, sunburned eyes are just as terrible as they sound.
The good news is that most sunglasses sold in the US block UVA and UVB rays. If in doubt, look for a label that says “100% protection against UVA and UVB” or “UV absorption up to 400 nm”.
When it comes to style, the more coverage, the better. Wraparound sunglasses take this a step further by blocking UV rays from the side.
You might consider: Fifth and Ninth Racer 72mm Polarized Wraparound Sunglasses, Sunski Strada, Quay Press Tour
Clothing with UV protection factor
iStock.com/ansazan
A simple way to protect your body from UV rays: Wear clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) of 50 or higher. A UPF 50 means the fabric blocks 98% of UV rays. And because the sun protection is built into the clothing, you never have to worry about reapplying it.
You might consider: REI Sahara Shade Hoodie, Beneunder Cooling Sun Protection Jacket, Coolibar Hydra Tie Pants
footwear
iStock.com/Lisa Blue
While we all love fun summer sandals, flip flops are the absolute highlight of shoes – they offer no protection and expose your feet to UV rays.
When walking in the sun, don’t forget to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin, including the tops of your feet and toes.
For added protection, UPF shoes and socks can help keep your feet free of skin cancer.
You might consider: Black Girls Sun Protection Sunscreen Water Shoes, Ker Sun UV Socks, Tilos Low Cut Sport Skin Socks
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