UV damage is well known. At minimum, it could give you sunburn, but the damage itself goes so much further than that. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can and do directly damage the DNA in our cells. A little bit of UV light is essential; too much, however, can be costly.
The good news is that avoiding UV light doesn’t have to be as difficult as you may think.
Table of Contents
An Overview of UV Light
There are three kinds of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about UVC at all, as it’s absorbed by the atmosphere. UVA and UVB, however, can cause damage such as:
- Burns
- Freckles
- Liver spots
- Wrinkles
- Skin cancer
Now, you do need UV light to process the essential vitamin D, but the amount you need is minimal, and you’ll easily get enough just by going outside briefly on a sunny day, or for a longer period during cloudy conditions. That’s why it’s essential that you work to minimize UV exposure with these top tips.
How to Minimize UV-Damage in Your Everyday Life
Get Your Vehicle Professionally Tinted
You might have seen the infamous photo of a professional truck driver whose left side of his face was consistently exposed to the sun during work. That side of his face is severely wrinkled and sagging, while the other side (the one that was in shade) is noticeably smoother. If you drive a lot for work, even if it’s just your commute, then upgrading your vehicle with a tint is essential.
A high-quality window tint can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays while reducing heat buildup and glare. It’s a win-win: it boosts your ability to drive safely while also protecting your skin without sunscreen.
Get Your Home’s Windows Tinted
Just as you need your vehicle’s windows tinted, you should also consider getting your home’s windows tinted. This will mean you can enjoy lounging around in a sunny patch without needing to wear sunscreen indoors. It’s also a great way to add privacy to your home and cut back on heat during the summer months.
Wear UV-resistant Clothing
The good news is your clothes are likely already very UV-resistant, and they play a very important role in keeping you protected without needing to endlessly reapply sunscreen. If you burn easily, you may want to consider getting specific UV-resistant summer wear like a shawl or light jacket that works to keep you cool and out from under the sun’s harmful rays. Another easy option is to make a good hat a staple in your everyday wardrobe, rain or shine.
UV-Resistant Glasses
When buying reading glasses or sunglasses, always make sure they’re UV-resistant. This is especially true for sunglasses, as cheap brands and products often come without that UV-protection. This means you may end up sacrificing your eyes (and yes, your retinas can get sunburned) for fashion. When there’s fashion that also provides function, there’s no need to run the risk!
Sun Sticks
You need the easiest way to reapply sunscreen right at the tip of your fingers, which is why you should consider a sun stick. This is a solid sunscreen that you can roll over your skin for touch-ups throughout the day, making it easier to reapply even without a mirror.