Advanced Sun Protection
When it comes to amazing innovations in sun protection, the future is here!
This summer in Victoria is shaping up to be another sunny scorcher. If you are prone to sunburn, or concerned about the aging effects and long-term health consequences of UV rays, the hot weather can put a damper on the summer activities that we all enjoy. Fortunately, these concerns don’t have to keep you cooped up indoors all summer long. Modern sun protection goes well beyond the SPF rating of your favourite sunscreen. Here are 3 refreshing ideas to help you stay safe this summer: sunscreen for your car, sun exposure trackers, and sun protection supplements. Each works against sun damage in a different way. And whether you decide to try just one or all three, you’re sure to have a healthier, more carefree summer.
Idea #1: Automotive Sunscreen
Also known as “custom window tints”, our entire line of automotive films will protect you from 99% of harmful UV rays, every day. And with just a single application. If the look of blacked-out windows doesn’t fit your style, no worries. Ask for a clear ceramic film from Diversity that provides sun protection with no coloured tint at all. Still, you might be asking yourself: is all this really necessary?
Yes, the cushy seats, sound system, and air conditioning of your vehicle makes it feel a lot like being indoors. But as far as sun exposure goes, sitting in your car isn’t that different from sitting out on the beach. In fact, a recent study by the St. Louis University School of Medicine found that people who spend more time driving in a car are more likely to develop skin cancer on the side that’s exposed to more sunlight, for North Americans, that means the left side. Couple that statistic with one in five of Americans developing skin cancer in their lifetime and ‘vehicular sunscreen’ starts to make a lot of sense.
Idea #2: Sun Exposure Trackers
Although those fancy smart watches get all the attention, one of the coolest developments in wearable tech is a device that alerts you when you’ve had too much exposure to the sun. Just like fitness trackers, these devices can be worn on your wrist or clipped onto your clothing, and are available at a wide range of price points and sophistication. Brands to look out for include CliMate, June, SunFriend, SunSprite, Suntracker, TZOA, and Violet. If you’re interested in trying out a sun tracker, there’s probably one that’s right for you.
Low-tech trackers will change colour in response to UVA and UVB rays, there are stand-alone devices with flashing lights to signal it’s time to get out of the sun, and advanced options that pair with Bluetooth-enabled smartphone apps. Many devices offer variable settings, so you can adjust sensitivity to match your desired level of sun protection. Sophisticated units will factor in cloud cover and other environmental factors, too. The biggest advantage of sun trackers is that you learn about the amount of sun exposure you receive in your day-to-day life, empowering you to make choices about your personal risk.
Idea #3: Sun Protection Supplements
The idea of a pill or liquid for sun protection is obviously appealing: no greasy lotions or sprays, no awkward looking burns or tan lines in spots you miss, quick and easy “reapplication.” Really, it’s no surprise that Heliocare Sun Protection Pills, Sunsafe Rx Supplements and Osmosis UV Neutralizer, the first “drinkable sunscreen” are getting lots of attention. Full disclosure before we go any further: the FDA has evaluated none of these products’ claims. Still, since many of us have dabbled in vitamin therapies or diet changes – so it makes sense to mention sun-benefit dietary supplement options here.
The supplements in this category are basically loaded with antioxidants. Doses vary, but all are based on the theory that antioxidants help with recovery from sun exposure, so can support healing and help defend against skin cancer. This is not the same as SPF, and these supplements are clear about that. The drinkable sunscreen is bolder: you’re advised to drink it an hour before sun exposure, and to expect around 3 hours of 30 SPF sun protection. The verdict is still out on these technologies, but the idea is interesting enough to warrant a try.
Before You Get Out to Enjoy the Sun
Hopefully you find something in this article that helps you stay safe this summer. Here’s a quick recap to help you and your family stay happier and healthier in the sunny months: a single application of UV-filtering window tint to your vehicle will provide decades of 365 sun protection, being more aware of your personal sun exposure helps you stay in control, and you can support your body’s ability to stay safe from the sun.