Protección contra el sol

Maximize Sun Protection

Sun protection lets you enjoy time outdoors while minimizing potential skin damage. Knowing what products to use and how to use them properly can help lower your risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

You can't avoid the sun completely, so it's important to use proper sun protection when you're outdoors. These techniques block the sun's harmful rays from reaching your skin to help prevent painful quemaduras solares. Over time, sun exposure can also cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Some methods of UV protection include:

• Protector solar

• Sun hats

• Gafas de sol

• Ropa

Sunscreen uses sun protection factor to describe how much sun protection it offers. It's expressed as a number, with options usually ranging between SPF 15 and SPF 100. The higher the number, the greater the protection.

Sun-protective clothing uses ultraviolet protection factor to indicate how much protection is offered against UVA and UVB rays. It's a measure of how much UV radiation passes through the fabric. The Skin Cancer Foundation offers the Seal of Recommendation for clothing with a UPF of 30 or higher. Clothes ranging from 30-49 are considered good, while a UPF of 50 or higher is considered to be excellent coverage.

Minimize UV Exposure

UV rays come in two forms: UVA and UVB. Both can cause skin damage, including skin cancer. UVA rays have longer wavelengths but lower energy, allowing them to reach the dermis. UVB rays have higher energy but shorter wavelengths, so they reach your outer layer of skin and cause burns.

One way to minimize your sun exposure is by avoiding the outdoors when the rays are strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When planning outdoor activities, aim for early mornings or late afternoons and evenings.

You might think you're safe from UV exposure on overcast or cool days. However, UV rays still penetrate and can cause sun damage on those days. Use sun protection and plan activities so they don't fall during the middle of the day.

Sun Safety Tips for Everyone

Applying sunscreen correctly is essential for maximizing protection. Follow these suggested steps:

• Put it on 15-20 minutes before going outside.

• Rub it in well on all exposed skin.

• Reapply every 2 hours, after you sweat or go in water.

Choose sun-protective clothing with the highest UPF you can find. Long sleeves and pants offer better coverage. Tightly woven fabrics typically offer the most protection.

For young kids and people with sensitive skin, choose products designed for those issues. Kids' sunscreen offers gentle formulas that provide ample sun safety. Mineral sunscreens often work well for people with sensitive skin. Unscented products are also beneficial.