Reducing Sun Damage: How to Block Radiation

Reducing Sun Damage: How to Block Radiation

As humans, we’re wired to love the sun. Not only do we need sunlight to provide essential vitamin D, but we also use it to stabilize our circadian rhythm, stave off depression, and much more.

That said, it’s no secret that the sunlight we love can also be damaging to our health. Paradoxically, the more time we spend in it, the higher our risk of getting cancer from the light’s damaging radiation. Research shows that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, with over 9,500 people diagnosed with the condition each day.

So how do you block radiation and protect your skin from harm, both indoors and out? Fortunately, you don’t have to hide away from the sun to make it happen: all you have to do is follow these tips to reduce your sun exposure and skin damage.

How to Block Radiation When Outdoors

By far the easiest way to protect your skin when you’re outside is to slather on a healthy dose of sunscreen whenever you go out. You’ve no doubt heard this tip before, but the unfortunate truth is that most of us don’t follow it: only one in ten Americans wears sunscreen each day, with almost half never wearing any at all.

Sunscreen prevents UV damage through either physical or chemical blockers, allowing our skin to protect itself whenever it’s exposed to the sun. This is important for people of all skin types, light or dark. In addition, it’s especially important for anyone taking medications that make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation, like antibiotics or birth control pills.

Of course, it’s crucial to make sure you’re applying this preventative measure the right way! Experts recommend applying at least one ounce of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher over any bare skin. You should also reapply it every two hours.

While you’re at it, don’t forget about your eyes! Your eyesight is as vulnerable to UV rays as your skin, so pair your sunscreen with sunglasses when you’re out and about.

When you know you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time, it’s also a good idea to wear clothing that covers more of your skin, especially darker fabrics that make it harder for UV rays to penetrate. You may also want to consider a recent apparel trend: sun-protective clothing. These garments come with specialized fabrics that block sunlight and reduce your exposure, allowing you to stop worrying about reapplying sunscreen on a regular basis.

Note that the best way to protect your skin is to adopt more than one of the strategies above. Wearing sunscreen and sun-protective clothing while sitting in the shade, for example, can ensure that your chances of getting a sunburn drop to almost zero.

How to Block Radiation in Your Car

It’s a common misconception that glass filters out UV rays. The truth is that glass windows do little to protect you from damaging radiation, so it’s just as important to protect your skin in the car as it is when you’re outdoors! Make sure to follow the tips above, like wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, or sun-protective clothing, whenever you’re in your vehicle.

In addition, there are a few easy ways to protect both you and your passengers from harmful UV rays.

First, you can use sun shades to block out the light coming through the windows. However, these options only work for back-seat passengers, as they block or filter the view through the glass.

For all passengers, you can invest in UV-protection film for your windows. These options allow you to block up to 99% of all UV rays. It’s possible to get both clear and tinted window films, though you may need to consider your local laws before placing tinted film on the front windows of your vehicle.

How to Block Radiation Indoors

Given that glass doesn’t offer a great deal of protection from UV rays, it should come as no surprise that you’ll also suffer from sun exposure in your home as well.

Because most of us prefer not to apply and reapply sunscreen in our own homes, it can help to consider environmental solutions instead. The best option here is to start at the source: your window glass itself. Like with your car, window films can help to block your sun exposure, allowing you to enjoy your natural sunlight without worry.

In addition, homeowners have the option of getting specialized films that make the glass into transition windows, meaning that they transition from a darker to a lighter tint according to your home’s sun exposure.

Other options, of course, include various window treatments like blackout shades or UV-blocking curtains. However, some of these options can also block the view, so you’ll need to be more mindful about using them.

Protect Yourself from Harmful UV Radiation

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to make a habit of protecting yourself from damaging UV rays. As enamored as most of us are with natural sunlight, the harmful rays can become a major health hazard if we expose ourselves to them on a daily basis. By incorporating the tips above into your everyday life, you can block radiation with ease, making the most of your time in the sun without worrying about long-term damage or health effects.

Looking for more insights to help you protect yourself when it matters most? Check out our other guides for the tips and strategies you need to succeed.

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