Even on cloudy days, the sun emits UV rays, and UV protection is important. Ultraviolet rays can be harmful to your skin and eyes and have been linked to premature aging, skin cancer, cataracts, and other serious health concerns. This is why protecting your skin while outside is so important. The most common form of UV protection is utilizing sunscreen to protect your skin. However, what if you dislike the feel of sunscreen or prefer to not use chemicals directly on your skin? Help! I hate sunscreen! Don’t worry! There are other ways to get UV protection without the creams and sprays.
Get UV Protection with a Hat
By wearing a wide brimmed hat, you can protect your face and neck from harmful UV rays. Some hats also have brims or flaps to shade your neck as well. When gardening, hiking, or just relaxing in the sun, get excellent UV protection with a well made hat.
Get UV Protection with Clothing
Even when it’s hot outside, wearing long sleeves or long pants made from cool or thin material can be a huge help in protecting your skin. Not only will it provide UV protection, long sleeves and pants can create shade on your skin and actually keep you cool when directly in the sun. Even more, you can find sun protective clothing that is made of UV inhibiting material. Clothes made of this material with UPF ratings can often be found in outdoors stores.
Avoid Peak UV Hours to Reduce Exposure
The time of day can make a difference on your UV exposure. UV rays are the most intense from 10am to 4pm all year long. Get excellent UV protection by avoiding direct sunlight during these hours. Instead, enjoy shaded outside areas during this time frame, and save outside chores for times outside of the peak UV hours.
Get UV Protection with Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses is not only a fashion statement. And it’s good for more than just stopping your squinting. Sunglasses with polarized lenses will create UV protection for your eyes as well. Keep your sunglasses nearby and wear them any time you’re outdoors.
Create Shaded Spaces with SummerSpace
Avoiding harmful UV rays does not mean you have to stay inside. Instead, create shaded spaces so you can enjoy being outside with excellent UV protection. One way to do this is with SummerSpace® Retractable Awnings. Turn your backyard into a shaded oasis with one of our three awnings series: SimpleShade Series, Pro Series, and Performance Series. When the peak UV hours are finished or on a cloudy day, retract the awning in a matter of seconds. Our retractable awnings can be customized in width and have an ample projection, so you get a large shaded area to enjoy.
Another way to create shade is with a screen shade. SummerSpace FlexShade® Screens are ideal for covered decks or patios with roofs. Extend the FlexShade Screen when you would like shade. For further shade and UV protection while inside your home, our Vivista® Retractable Window Drop Shade will help block sun exposure and UV rays from entering and also help keep your home cool.
To learn more about our retractable awnings, FlexShade Screens, and Vivista Window Drop Shades, contact our customer service team. They can help you determine which of our incredible shade solutions is perfect for you. To order your SummerSpace Shade Solution, contact our dealer near you. Get high quality shade solutions and exceptions UV protection with SummerSpace.
