Sunlight may feel great on your skin, but too much sun exposure can cause skin cancers and eye damage. In a world where sun protection is a fact of life, it makes sense to learn about all the ways to keep harmful ultraviolet (UV) light from reaching your skin.

1. Cover up. To find out if your clothing will protect you from the rays of the sun, place your hand between the fabric and a source of light. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the clothing won't protect your skin from sun exposure.

In response to increased public concern about skin cancer, manufacturers have developed UV protective clothing. Like liquid sunscreen, sun block clothing has a sun protection factor (SPF) and keeps harmful rays from reaching your skin.

Of course, babies and young children are extremely susceptible to the dangers of sunlight. Available with short or long sleeves and with short or long leggings, sunblock swimsuits protect the delicate skin of youngsters on the beach and in the water.

2. Wear a hat. A hat with a wide brim protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. A baseball cap won't protect the back of the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly occur. A hat made of sunblock cloth gives an extra measure of protection.

3. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays. Check the label to make sure sunglasses block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses; darker lenses may not provide greater protection.

Jack Black Men's Sun Guard Spray Sunscreen SPF 25 3.3 oz. Sun Guard Ultra-Light Spray SunscreenSPF 25 with Natural Citronella, Lemongrass and Spearmint Patented Black Diamond Formula technology gives you what you want--an ultra-lightweight, non-greasy, broad spectrum sunscreen that absorbs into skin immediately. Our advanced SPF 25 formula provides maximum protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Contains natural citronella, lemongrass and spearmint, non-chemical ingredients with insect repellent properties. Convenient spray packaging lets you apply in a few spritzes. Fragrance-free. Colorant-free. PABA-free. Dermatologist tested. What's in it? UVA and UVB absorbers--Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)--screen harmful ultraviolet rays. Vitamin E and balm mint, anti-oxidants that help protect skin from damage caused by UV-induced free radicals. Citronella, lemongrass and spearmint to help deter bugs. How and when do I use it? Apply generously and evenly at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Avoid applying product near eye area. Rub in after spraying. Reapply at frequent intervals and after swimming and towel drying.

4. Use a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB, both of which contribute to skin cancer. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours (more frequently if you sweat a lot) and after swimming.

5. Limit direct sun exposure. UV rays are most intense when the sun is high in the sky, between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. If you must be outside midday, an old-fashioned umbrella can enhance the protection offered by sunscreen lotion and protective clothing.

Skin cancers detected early can almost always be cured. The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a spot on the skin that changes in size, shape or color over a period of one month to two years. The most common skin cancers often look like pale, wax-like, pearly bumps; a red scaly, sharply outlined patches; or sores that do not heal. Melanoma often starts as a small, mole-like growth. Examine your body and see a health care professional if you have concerns.

Sun protection is not just for the beach; it needs to be an everyday practice. Whether you're spending the entire day enjoying the outdoors or just walking to work on a city street, the need for sun protection is a fact of life. New fabrics expand the options for protecting your skin and eyes from harmful rays.

By Chris Robertson

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Sun Protection.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Face-the-Facts---Sun-Protection-is-Here-to-Stay&id=2198460

Technorati Tags: Melanoma, skin cancer, sun protection, sun protection clothing, sunblock clothing, sunburn, UV protective clothing

Coolibar, a Minneapolis based clothing design company, is working towards making the world a safer place for people looking for some fun in the sun. They recognised the growing risk of skin cancer from sun exposure and created a brand of UV protective clothing that can be worn for any outdoor activity. Their range includes swim wear, leisure wear, and clothes for gardening golf and walking, as well as accessories such as umbrellas, hats, bags and sunscreen.

UV protective clothing was first designed in Australia, where high skin cancer rates proclaimed a need for advanced sun protection that wouldn't need constant reapplication, or wear away and wash off. Scientists found the answer by creating fabrics specially woven with UV absorbing chemicals. A graded Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UVP) for clothing was introduced and soon sun protective clothing hit the Oz market via pharmacies and anti-cancer societies.

UPF clothing is designed to be cool and lightweight, while covering as much skin as possible, for example, Coolibar's Sun Block Jacket has hidden vents that make the most of the gentlest breeze. Caring for your protective garments is also easy as most fabrics are wrinkle-resistant and machine washable. The jacket blocks 98% of UV rays.

Many people know, but forget, that the sun remains a danger even on cloudy days. To address this, Coolibar has a range of umbrellas that offer protection whatever the weather. All feature their patented double-tier design, are coated with durable titanium-coated nylon and weigh 1lb or less; less than half a kilogram. They also block 98% of UV rays. Styles include a fashion umbrella - 'elegant enough for weddings' - a travel umbrella and beach umbrellas.

Other accessories include a protective drape that covers your face completely and makes you look like a storm ship trooper, a face shield that covers the lower half of your face and should be paired with a hat, shade wraps designed with women in mind and that cover your head, and an extra-length sun shawl that is generally worn pashmina-style, but can be used in a variety of ways.

An interesting accessory is the sun sleeve, which is advertised for people who 'like to hang one arm of the window when they drive'. It's essentially just a tube of fabric that fits over your exposed arm. It comes in two colours, white and sand. And while I don't think that it'll take the fashion world be storm, it does serve an important function. I'm sure farmer's wives the world over will ensure that their husbands never leave home without one.

UPF clothing is a godsend for those who live in sunny climates; especially for those with sensitive skin that always seems to burn no matter how much sunscreen they slather on. As one who has been every shade of red, and who has lost untold layers of skin to the sun, I look forward to seeing these UV protective garments widely available the world over, and not just in specialist clothing stores and pharmacies.

By Sandy Cosser

Recommended site:

http://www.coolibar.com/

Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Outlook SGE specialists in South African safaris one of the most successful companies organising safaris, catering especially to smaller groups.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Cosser
http://EzineArticles.com/?SPF-Clothing-For-A-Life-Outdoors&id=1043903

Technorati Tags: protective clothing, skin cancer, skin care, UV protection, UV rays