Sun Protection Items during Hot Days

The sun is considered the most vital source of energy on Earth. It can bring heat and light; can deliver health benefits to humans, and is one of the reasons the existence of life on Earth is possible. However, the sun produces rays that could bring positive and adverse effects to humans. The ultraviolet radiation can be used to treat some skin disorders and can do other desirable effects, but overexposing to this radiation can lead to possible skin disorders. To prevent the damages that may result from ultraviolet overexposure, it is important to employ sun protection materials.

Sun protection or sun block may refer to materials, physical or chemical that can be applied on the skin or worn. Sunscreen is a famous form of sun protection. Meanwhile, sunglasses are sun protection materials for the eyes.

The ultraviolet radiation can affect human skin and eyes. Protecting the eyes and the skin are essential as they can be extremely sensitive to intense factors such as ultraviolet radiation. Sun protection materials that can block ultraviolet radiation have been deemed to be essential nowadays particularly this time when it has been reported that the ozone layer has been thinning. The ozone layer is functioned to absorb greater percentage of high frequency ultraviolet from the sun. The ultraviolet light at high frequency has been found out to be potentially destructive to life on Earth. It is worth to know that the ozone layer exists in the atmosphere to block 97-99% of this frequency. However, with the gradual depletion of ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere it is likely that a great percentage of the high frequency ultraviolet radiation could already pass through and to the Earth's surface.

To wear sun protection materials is unarguably necessary. Aside from sunscreen and sun glasses, sun protective clothing could also inhibit the UV radiation to penetrate. Nevertheless, it may be more preferred to apply sunscreen that has the necessary ingredients for sun protection.

Sun block materials are rated on their ability to effectively block UV rays. The sun protection factor is used to measure a sun block's ability to shield UVB. The higher the sun protection factor of a sun block, the more effective it is in blocking the radiation.

However, in some sun block materials such as sun protective clothing the rating used is in UPF or ultraviolet protection factor. This factor is used to measure ultraviolet rays A and B.

It may be wiser to choose clothing that can inhibit ultraviolet radiation. It is also important to apply sunscreen regularly whenever you have an outdoor activity. Reapplication of sun block lotion or cream can be necessary for sun protection.