You probably wash your face and brush your teeth at the start of every day, but are you similarly diligent about protecting your skin by wearing environmentally friendly sunscreen? Many people have room to improve in this area. If you’re the same, numerous options let you stay safe while embracing a sustainable lifestyle.
Why Sun Protection Matters
You can probably recall a few occasions when you got sunburned. Even if it’s not too painful, peeling skin can feel annoying for weeks. Plus, being in the sun without adequate protection results in strange tan lines that match whatever you were wearing at the time. These make many self-conscious.
It’s easier than many people realize to get too much sun, especially when enjoying outdoor activities. Research also shows that relatively few instances of this can increase the likelihood of skin cancer. The risk of melanoma more than doubles if a person has had at least five sunburns or one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence.
The sun can also damage unprotected skin in as few as 15 minutes. The best thing to do is to get into the habit of applying it every day. This simple step significantly reduces the chances of sunburn and potential skin cancer.
Enjoying the Sun Safely
Many brands sell environmentally friendly sunscreen. Mineral and chemical formulas are the two main types. Mineral-based versions have a heavier texture because they create a physical barrier on your skin. They begin working immediately and typically appear opaque on your skin.
Chemical sunscreens work by causing a chemical reaction and are usually lighter than their counterparts. They are transparent and need some time to absorb into your skin before becoming effective.
Look at the label to check the sun protection factor, or SPF. A higher number means greater protection. A common misconception is that SPF relates to how long you can stay in the sun without burning. It actually concerns solar exposure, which varies by location and time of day. You may also notice broad-spectrum products. These protect your skin from UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. Experts say you’ll get the best protection by selecting broad-spectrum products with an SPF of at least 15.
Do the right thing for the planet and all its inhabitants by prioritizing sunscreen labeled as reef-safe and biodegradable, as these minimize harmful environmental impacts. Similarly, you may want to check and see if the brand offers a recycling program for its sunscreen containers.
Going Beyond Environmentally Friendly Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the sun-protection measure that comes to most people’s minds first, but it is not the only option. You can also get good results by wearing long sleeves, pants and a wide-brimmed hat.
You also need sun protection on cloudy days, since your skin is still at risk of 80% of the sun’s rays in those conditions. The United States uses a numerical scale to indicate the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, helping people decide when or whether to go outside and how much protection they might need.
Many weather sites provide the day’s number along with the forecast. However, you can also gauge your UV exposure by looking at your shadow. The rays are most intense when your shadow looks shorter than you are, and less powerful when it appears taller. Planning can also increase your comfort, such as staying inside or in the shade when the sun is strongest.
Being a Conscious Consumer
You might wonder why some of your friends never seem to get burned despite being in the same sun that burns you. These variations are related to skin type. The Fitzpatrick scale has six categories for human skin. Those with the first type typically have fair skin and hair. They should be extremely careful in the sun, as they are most likely to get burned. Those in the latter categories are more likely to tan than burn, but can still experience sun damage.
Knowing your skin type and considering your favorite activities can help you decide how much sunscreen to buy. One thing to know is that it will always have an expiration date, after which the product becomes less effective and may degrade. If you are not yet in the habit of wearing sunscreen regularly, one easy option is to track how much you use in a month and then adjust future purchases accordingly.
Once you’ve selected sunscreen, how much should you use? One widely cited suggestion for adults’ bodies is to use roughly the amount that fits in a shot glass.
Donning Sun-Protection Garments and Accessories
Another option is to wear sun-protection clothing. Manufacturers show an item’s effectiveness in ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF. It indicates how much ultraviolet radiation can reach your skin. Broadly speaking, a UPF rating of 30 to 49 provides very good protection, while a rating of 50 or higher is excellent.
Many people prefer UPF clothing to sunscreen because they don’t need to reapply it or ask someone to spread it on hard-to-reach areas. Some consider these garments more sustainable than sunscreen because they do not require ongoing consumption.
However, a few things can still make these garments less effective. For example, when stretched or wet, the fabric becomes more translucent, making it less protective.
Treat sunglasses as essential accessories, too. Besides protecting your eyes, they can make it easier to see while outdoors, especially while driving.
Sun Safety Is Straightforward
There are many ways to stay safe in the sun. Choosing some while remaining sustainable is about finding what works best so you’re more likely to become a habitual user. Finally, remember that your actions influence others, whether they are your children, friends or family members. Regularly choosing to protect yourself from the sun sets a good example, and it may give you opportunities to recommend specific environmentally friendly sunscreen brands you’ve tried and loved.
About the Author
Chloe Powell is the Senior Editor at Revivalist Magazine, where she explores all aspects of women’s lifestyle, including beauty, wellness, travel, and mindful living. She enjoys offering fresh, thoughtful inspiration and ideas to help readers thrive in their everyday lives.