13 tips to protect your skin from the sun

We love summer! We’ve all when waiting to feel that warm sun on our skin. But we must remember that the sun can bring with it serious health issues. The skin is our body’s shield against the elements, especially the sun. On the serious side, more than 90% of skin cancer is caused by sun exposure. And the sun’s rays can also accelerate skin aging. Being sunburnt is uncomfortable enough without the long-term consequences that can come with it.

How can you best protect you and those around you from the rays while still enjoying the sunshine? Here’s our list of things to do to protect skin from the sun.

Sun protection checklist:

1. Cover up
2. Fabric with a tight construction
3. Accessorize
4. A broad-spectrum sunscreen
5. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher
6. Water-resistant sunscreen
7. Apply enough sunscreen
8. Seek shade
9. Protect kids by reapplying sunscreen
10. Keep babies out of direct sunlight
11. Protect yourself, sun or no sun
12. Check your skin
13. Protest Team rider tips
Conclusion

1. Cover up

Here at Protest, we have a range of garments that have SPF 50 meaning that the parts of the body that are covered by these garments are well protected from the sun. We’ve got rash guards for toddlers, girls, boys, women and men. For girls and women we also have SUP & Surf suits and leggings with built-in sun protection. For the toddlers we have one-piece rash guards with high necks for more protection from the sun.

2. Fabric with a tight construction

Choose fabric that has a tight construction. The tighter the knit or the weave, the smaller the holes in the fabric and the less UV can get through. When you come out of the water, think of wearing a sarong or a beach towel for protection. When you’re not in or on the water, try to cover up in tunics or kimonos. Look for garments with a higher neckline, which also protects the back of your neck.

3. Accessorize

Wear a brimmed hat. This is a great way of bringing your own shade with you. We have a brilliant range of straw hats and caps to keep the sun out of your eyes. Also remember to wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays.

4. A broad-spectrum sunscreen

There are two types of radiation both of which are harmful to your skin. These are UVA and UVB radiation. UVA radiation is causes skin ageing and UVB exposure is causes the sunburn. The SPF rating only indicates protection from UVB rays. When a sunscreen protects against both, it is called broad-spectrum protection.

5. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher

Sunscreens are designed to remain at original strength for up to three years so it’s fine to use the sunscreen you bought last year. Remember to check the expiration date and discard the bottle if this date has passed, as the lotion may no longer be effective.

6. Water-resistant sunscreen

Make sure your sunscreen is water-resistant and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. You might not know this but it’s best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside so your skin has time to absorb it.

7. Apply enough sunscreen

Be generous in your application of sunscreen. You should apply at least six full teaspoons to properly protect your face and body. You can divide that up like this – more than half a teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm, to the face and neck including the ears, and just over one teaspoon to each leg, front of the body and back.

8. Seek shade

Seek shade when possible, especially during the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

9. Protect kids by reapplying sunscreen

Protect kids by reapplying sunscreen often with an SPF of at least 15. Try to get the kids to play in the shade and dress them in protective clothing.

10. Keep babies out of direct sunlight

Babies under the age of 6 months should never be in direct sunlight. Your skin is at its most sensitive and vulnerable in the first 6 months of your life. So keep your baby in the shade, always use a hat and clothing that protects them from those UV rays. Babies like to remove their hats so look for one with a strap under the chin. It’ll have a better chance of staying on.

11. Protect yourself, sun or no sun

Protect yourself whether you see the sun or not. Can’t see the sun? A cloudy sky and car windows won’t protect you from UV rays. Don’t think that a short amount of time without protection is okay as any sun exposure can be harmful.

12. Check your skin

Check yourself regularly for irregularities in your skin. If you do it often, you can better tell if there have been changes. If you notice anything suspicious, see your doctor.

13. Protest Team rider tips

Which sun protection products are you going to choose? There is so many choice. Which products are the most suitable and for which moment? To help you out, we have asked our team rider Laura Coviella for advice and this is her story!

I’m sponsored by EQ Love. This is an ecological brand witch have a kit with some kind of sunscreens (face, body, lips), aftersuns and more interesting things. It works really good and we take care of the environment a little by being ecological. On the other hand, another sunscreen I really like is ISDIN, It works really good as well.”

Conclusion

That was our list of tips on how to best protect yourself, your friends and family from the sun. Cover up, seek shade, apply sunscreen regularly, wear rash guards, sunglasses and a hat. Remember be vigilant about watching for changes in your skin. Have fun out there and take care of your skin.

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