The following information is for guidance only. Much of the following info was taken from www.skincancer.org – an invaluable source and should be read by everyone. Though you might find yourself spending the rest of Summer cowering in a cellar coming out only after dark after doing so.
But educate yourself and you can enjoy the sun sensibly.
Why Limit Exposure To The Sun
There are two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB
UVB is the chief cause of sunburn and linked to sun cancer.
UVA rays, penetrate the skin more deeply, and contribute to photoaging. They do not primarily cause sunburn but are also linked to some types skin cancer.
There may be no indications of damage being done
Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily.
Sitting inside might not help. Glass windows filter out UVB but not UVA rays.
Up to 40 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day.
Use Protection
There are several ways to protect yourself
Stay out of the Sun
Use a cream to provide a chemical/physical block
Wear protective clothing
I would suggest you combine all of the above.
Which Cream
Staying out of direct sunlight reduces the need for cream but you still burn in the shade so cream is always advisable.You need a cream that protects from both UVA and UVB. You can read more about all that HERE
Get Plastic Free Sun Block
Buy
Anything But Plastic online sell this – Shade Sunscreen for £9.75 for 100ml
Make
But at that price I will also have to continue making my own. You can find my recipes HERE
Clothes
Hats
Research has shown that broad-brimmed hats provide protection equivalent to an SPF (sun protection factor) of approximately 5 for the nose, ears and neck.
How Shady Is Your Shirt
UPF, the ultraviolet protection factor, measures protection from UV radiation in fabrics. A shirt with a UPF of 30 indicates that just 1/30th of the sun’s UV radiation can reach the skin.Read more here
Self Tan
Sit in the shade and don’t bother trying to tan. instead make your self tanning lotion by adding some DHA. Find out more here
Natural Sunblocks
There are claims that certain oils like coconut oil have a natural SPF. I personally don’t believe this and strongly advise you do not rely on this alone.
N.B.
Lines changes, products get removed. For more information why not ask the Plastic Is Rubbish FB group for updates. They are a great source of tidbits, personal experience and the latest news. Why not join them and share the plastic free love x
And before you go…
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