Your Skin Isn’t The Only Thing That Needs Sun Protection

We’ve all heard conflicting arguments regarding sun exposure. On the one hand, it’s good for us and helps our bodies convert and utilize vitamin K. On the other hand, excessive sun exposure can accelerate the skin’s aging process and can even be deadly. Sun exposure can build up over years and lead to cancer, and protecting skin from UV rays is the number one method for skin cancer prevention.

But, our skin isn’t the only thing that needs to be protected from prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays. It’s important to make sure that all sensitive parts of your body get the protection they need if you are going to be outdoors for long periods of time, especially during the summer months.

Eyes

Your eyes are just as sensitive to the sun as your skin, if not more. The sun’s wavelengths on the visible spectrum are what allow us to see in the first place, but it’s the wavelengths we don’t see that pose a danger. UV-A and UV-B radiation can harm your eyes in several ways. Not only do these types of radiation contribute to age related macular degeneration, they can also play a role in the development of cataracts.

The first step to preventing your eyes from sun damage is to be aware of your exposure. If you are going to be out in the sun for more than a few hours, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm, sun protection is a must. Also check to see if any medications you may be taking affect your sensitivity to UV rays.

If you are going to be exposed to the sun for a prolonged amount of time, at the very least, wear a hat with a wide brim. The best way to protect your eyes from damaging rays is to wear sunglasses. The American Optometric Association recommends sunglasses that filter out at least 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays, and also screen 75 to 90 percent of visible light.

If you already wear corrective lenses, try to find contacts that filter out some UV radiation, or consider purchasing clip-ons or prescription sunglasses. A cheap pair of sunglasses is not always the best option, but don’t spend too much if you’re apt to losing them or will be participating in activities that may lead to loss or breakage. If you’re worried about how you’ll look, it’s actually easy to find sunglasses that fit your face shape.

Lips

Your lips also qualify as skin, but they are often forgotten when it comes to sun protection. Lips are also prone to aging and cancer, even more so because the skin on lips is extra sensitive. Not to mention, sunburned lips can be very uncomfortable. You move your lips every time you talk, eat, smile, or frown, which makes them more likely to split open and bleed if they are severely chapped or even slightly burned. This constant motion and possible cracking and bleeding increases healing time.

Again, the first step to prevention is awareness. If you will be out for long periods of time, or during peak hours, make sure you use some sort of sun protection. There are a few ways to protect your lips from the sun: first, wear a lip balm or matte lip color that has an SPF of at least 30. Balms with a base of beeswax, petroleum jelly, or paraffin are the best for sealing in moisture. Avoid lip glosses as they may amplify the sun’s rays, or wear a lip product with SPF underneath anything that shines.

Hair and Scalp

Protecting your hair from the sun is purely cosmetic, but keeping your scalp safe is not. It’s difficult to protect your scalp from the sun, but it is also very important as it is just as susceptible to burning and cancer as the rest of your skin. You can go as simple as wearing a hat, or find a product that is meant to protect your scalp from sun damage. Spray on SPF products work best for a full head of hair with only a part to protect. If you have any bald spots or patches, it is especially important to use something with an SPF of at least 15 whenever you’re outdoors.

When it comes to your hair, prolonged exposure can change your hair color and lead to dryness and damage. There are lots of ways to keep your hair safe from sun damage. The first and best is to wear a hat. You can also use an SPF specifically for hair, or a natural oil with an SPF factor like coconut, raspberry seed, or olive oil. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner can help repair sun damage, and it’s also recommended that you rinse out your hair before and after swimming.

And as always, don’t forget the sunscreen when you’re out and about. There’s no reason to let a fear of the sun keep you from enjoying the outdoors during the warmer months, just remember to be aware and stay safe.