Sun Protection Facts: Hats, Umbrellas and Tree Shade

Presumably, we all know by now very well that we must use sunscreen whenever we go out in the summer, both because sun damage is why our skin looks older and because it helps reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. However, there are other ways to stay protected as well, other than slathering sunscreen on our body every time we go out, even if this should remain our number-one priority, as Dr. Dore Gilbert, dermatologist at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, points out for physorg.

In light of a new piece published in the Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, Dr. Gilbert weighs in on the protection items such as hats, sun umbrellas, clothes and tree shade offer from the rays of the sun. According to him, all are items that can shelter us from UV rays on a hot summer day, but their protection factor varies greatly. This, in turn, means sunscreen is also a must in order to be sure we’re taking all the necessary steps to protect the skin we’re in, as an older campaign meant to raise awareness for skin cancer was saying.

In this sense, hats are ideal to protect the face, the neck and the ears, even if they come with an SPF of 5. Dr. Gilbert calls them “lifeguard hats,” saying choosing the right hat is paramount to being protected. “That’s probably going to block about 70 to 80 percent of the sun’s rays at least. I go to Ralph’s and I buy five or seven lifeguard hats. I never get sunburned wearing that. I always have the hat on when I’m working in my yard or I’m walking. I even keep one in the trunk of my car. I like the hat better than sunscreen.” Dr. Gilbert explains.

Sun umbrellas are also helpful, but not when going to the beach, where the water and the sand reflect ultraviolet rays under it. Most people believe that an umbrella is more than enough to keep them out of harm’s way at the beach, but, as Dr. Gilbert puts it, it’s not quite so, the right combo being umbrella, hat and sunscreen for maximum protection. Also when outdoors, it’s best to look for the natural shade of trees and stay under it: Dr. Gilbert draws attention to how trees with denser foliage also offer a higher SPF.

Sunglasses are also a must during summer. “I never go outside without sunglasses. You want polarized lenses. It will give you some UVA and UVB coverage. From a cosmetic standpoint, it keeps you from squinting so you’re less likely to develop crow’s feet. Price doesn’t matter.” Dr. Gilbert points out. However, we want to think of the rest of our body as well, and not just the eyes, and this is why we should also be careful about the clothes we wear.

According to Dr. Gilbert, a white, long-sleeved shirt should provide an SPF of 4 to 6. The tighter woven the fabric of the clothes, the higher the protection, the expert explains. Dark and bright clothes are best to protect us from the damaging rays of the sun but, as we all know, dark fabrics are not actually a good idea on a sunny day. So we’re to stick instead with white and bright fabrics that are tight woven – add sunglasses, hat and sunscreen into the equation, and we will make it through the summer with healthy skin.