In addition to sunscreen, those who love the outdoors would do well to invest in sun protective clothing. Exposure to UV rays can cause much more damage than causing premature aging and wrinkles. Sun exposure comes in the form of UVA and UVB rays. Both can cause sunburn and put you at risk for skin cancer. With sun protective clothing, you can get out, go for a long hike, work up a sweat, and get in the water while using sunscreen and still protect your skin from damage. By layering both sunscreen and the right clothing, you can lower your risk of genetic damage from the sun and enjoy the outdoors in comfort and safety.
1 - Invest in a hat
A wide-brimmed hat will protect your scalp, face and neck. The most common forms of skin cancer are squamous and basal cell carcinomas, and they commonly develop on your face and neck. Many stores that sell outdoor gear provide a UPF label. The Skin Cancer Foundation offers a seal of approval for garments with a certified UPF rating. Make a long-term investment in your skin with a quality hat that you can use for years.
2 - Consider a hoodie
While we tend to think of sun exposure as a way to warm us up, even a cool sunny day can cause skin damage. A Solar Shield hoodie will protect your neck, upper chest and forearms on a cool hike at high elevations. If you find that you get too warm in the hoodie, take it off for short periods of time. Keep things dry. Wet fabric may cool you, but the protective factor drops significantly when your clothes are wet. If you get wet, get in the shade until the fabric dries. If you'll be out in the cold, layer up. Go for loose fitting garments. Again, stretchy fabric loses sun protection. In addition, loose fitting clothing allows airflow and means you'll keep the garment on longer as the day heats up.
3) Nylon hiking pants are ideal
Nylon pants for outdoor use are another great way to protect your skin. A good set of outdoor activity pants will:
- protect you from scratches caused by plants along the trail
- reduce chafing at the thigh and the backs of your knees by wicking away moisture, and
- keep you from getting sunburned
4 - Get a swimsuit cover-up
Invest in a tight weave. Avoid knits and other stretchy garments; as the fabric stretches, it loses density and allows in more light. Darker colors block more UV light. Shiny fabrics will reflect UV light. So does an unbleached cotton with a tight weave. No matter your style, you can find a fabric that will protect you from the sun. Pay special attention to your upper chest; this skin is delicate and will show sun damage quickly. Sunscreen is essential when you're at the pool. While a high SPF sunscreen is a good idea, be aware that your SPF rating only refers to the blockage of UVB rays. Less intensive UVA rays, which actually penetrate your skin more deeply, are not measured by the Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, rating.
5 - Socks and shoes
Socks and shoes are surprisingly critical to sun protection. Your feet will sweat no matter how cool it is outside. Excessive sweat in the foot area just leads to an entire afternoon of discomfort. Go to the trouble of putting on wicking socks and sturdy hiking shoes. Even the most rugged sunscreen will fade out as you sweat or if you walk through water. For those who burn, a foot sunburn will ruin your outdoor fun quickly.