The beaches have some of the highest levels of UV radiation across the world because of their proximity to the equator, a thinner ozone layer, clear skies, and certain atmospheric conditions. Sun protection at the beach is always important for people of all ages. Are you wondering why? Here are the key reasons:
High UV Intensity
UV radiation intensity varies in different locations. However, regions near the equator are more vulnerable. Because of its geographical location, Australia gets higher levels of UV radiation throughout the year, not only in summer. You should understand and prioritize the UV index to prevent sunburn and skin damage while enjoying the beach.
The UV index, the measurement of UV radiation, tends to reach very high (8 to 10) and even extreme (11+) levels in Australia, mainly in summer. At such high levels, your unprotected skin may get damaged and develop sunburn in a very short period, maybe as little as 10 to 11 minutes on a summer day. Water and sand surfaces at the beach may reflect UV rays, which increases your overall skin exposure even if you are beneath a shade. You should seek shelter at the peak UV rays timing, mainly between 10 am and 2 pm, and wear UV-protected sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
Exposure During Outdoor Activities
Spending time at a beach means staying under the sun and indulging in outdoor activities for hours. Such increased exposure to UV rays increases the requirement for strong protection against the sun to prevent skin damage and severe health issues.
By wearing outfits like Sunreal days zip up towels, people can protect their skin from the sun since they can block more than 98% of hazardous UV rays. The zip-up towel hoodies are designed in such a way that people can wear them all year round, be it on beach trips in summer and swim lessons in winter. People can also wear hoodies like a bathrobe at home. The high-quality breathable cotton adds comfort to the skin.
Preventative Health
Consistent sun exposure for a long time, even without a visible sunburn, affects your skin, which may cause premature aging and eye damage, and increases the risk of developing skin cancer later. According to research, sunburn and sun exposure in childhood largely increase the risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma cancers. Besides the risks of skin cancer, consistent sun exposure at the beach can suppress the immune system.
With effective sun protection tricks, you can protect your skin from harmful UV rays while having fun at the beach. Proactive sun protection measures mitigate the risks of developing skin cancer from UV ray exposure. Thus, parents and kids should educate themselves on the necessity of sun protection to prevent the risks of developing such health disorders.
Here are some of the most effective steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun at the beach:
Wear UPF-rated and Protective Clothes
You should wear sun-protective outfits at the beach. Ensure to cover your skin as much as possible, wearing full pants, full sleeves, and tightly woven outfits.
Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Use water-resistant and broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion of at least SPF 50 on your skin. Apply it evenly 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. Reapply it after every 2 hours or more frequently after sweating or swimming at a beach.
Put on a Wide-Brimmed Hat and Sunglasses
Wear a broad hat when you are at the beach to protect your ears, face, and neck from the sun’s rays. You should also stand under shade when the UV rays are at their peak in a day. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses as they protect eyes from hazardous UV rays and prevent fatigue and eye strain. Sunglasses also help in protecting the skin surrounding your eyes from premature aging and improve vision by decreasing the intensity of sunlight.
The above sun protection measures are recommended at the beach to protect your skin, eyes, and overall health from the UV rays.
Ozone Layer Thinning
Ozone layer depletion absorbs a huge portion of the sun’s UV rays. It means more hazardous UV rays reach the Earth’s surface, which increases the risks of skin cancer and damage at the beach. So, you should focus on sun protection at the beach to prevent such health risks.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to spending time with your loved ones at the beach, you can’t escape the sun and its UV rays. However, you can combat the risks of premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer when enjoying the beach with the most effective sun safety measures. Hopefully, this post helped you learn the importance of sun protection at the beach.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
