Those of us who love the outdoors like to spend a lot of time outside in the sun. Does that mean we are doomed to premature aging and a higher risk for skin cancer? NO!
What to Wear to Protect Yourself from the Sun
Hiking Lady’s Tips:
- Wear sunscreen, and reapply frequently. The FDA updated their sunscreen standards, and starting in the summer of 2012, it will be much easier for consumers to figure out how well different sunscreens will protect us from UVA and UVB rays. Next week check out the soon to be published Hiking Lady article: Shedding Light on Sunscreen. Make sure that the sunscreen you choose protects you from UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause wrinkles and skin cancer, UVB causes sunburns.
- Wear a Broad Brimmed Hat. There are several on the market that have UPF ratings (which means the weave is tighter and will protect your skin from the sun). Some personal favorites are the Dorfman Pacific Solarweave Hat and the OR Seattle Sombrero.
- Wear Long Pants. Yes, I know shorts and capris can be more comfortable on hot summer days, but wearing pants that are lightweight and UPF rated help protect us from the sun! Here’s a list of suggested UPF rated pants.
- Wear a long sleeve top. ExOfficio makes apparel that is focused on sun protection, and their new Sol Cool collection has a UPF 50 rating! It is great for hiking, water sports, and everyday wear.
How do you protect yourself from the sun?
Happy trails!
Definitely! Thanks for your comment!
I agree with all your tips! I make sure that I do and have them all when I go outdoors, specially the beach.Sometimes I cannot tolerate the pain that sunburn bring that is why sunscreen and other sun protection is a must. 🙂
According to scientists, the most important times to be protected from the sun are 11am-2pm, as that is the period of greatest intensity of UVA and UVB rays. I try to avoid being outside during those hours when I can, but many times it is unavoidable…long day hikes and backpacking trips require a full day of being outside (which is wonderful by the way!) So I just later on the sunscreen, put on my big hiking hat and sunglasses, and make sure my long sleeves and long pants cover my arms and legs.
I usually stay out of the sun between 11 am and 5 pm in summer, best way to avoid a sunburn! (I hate lathering myself with creams) It’s way too hot around here to hike in the summer anyway. But sunscreen on my face is a regular. And I’m rarely without sunglasses.
Hi Jessica – thanks for your detailed info. You must have great skin!
I love to go on hiking, but being a woman I need to take greater care of myself as compared to men. Before going for hiking, I always purchase an accurate and highly effective sunscreen from a reliable store. I never forget to pick my favorite big brown hat, which provides me adequate shade from sunlight. Usually I wear my sunglasses if sunlight is too bright, to prevent dark circles. After finishing every hike, I clean my face properly, take a bath and then apply a good body moisturizer. I always wear full sleeved shirts and long pants to protect my skin. I am sure if you follow these tips, your skin would not lose its freshness.
I’m looking forward to your article next week about the various sunscreens.
Thank you for all of your advice