The sun is an essential part of life, providing us with warmth and vitamin D. However, too much exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system. It is important to understand how much UV exposure is safe for you and how to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. The ideal sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Before you buy, check the label to make sure they do. Labels that say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV radiation requirements” mean that the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Those labeled “cosmetic” block approximately 70% of UV rays. If there is no label, don't assume that sunglasses offer protection against UV rays. The World Health Organization's global solar UV index measures UV levels on a scale from 0 (low) to 11+ (extreme).
It is recommended to protect yourself from the sun when UV levels are 3 (moderate) or higher. The United States National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed the UV index, which allows you to get an idea of the intensity of UV light in your area on a given day, on a scale of 1 to 11 or more. It is important to take special care at the beach or in snowy areas, as sand, water and snow reflect sunlight, increasing the amount of UV radiation you receive. This is because the sun's heat doesn't come from ultraviolet light, but from the infrared light of the sun's rays. An obvious but very important way to limit exposure to UV light is to avoid being exposed to direct sunlight outdoors for too long. UV rays penetrate the ground all year round, even on cloudy or foggy days, but the intensity of UV rays can vary depending on many factors.
Only by gradually increasing your exposure to UV rays over a period of two to three weeks and only exposing your skin to moderate UV radiation, can you achieve a long-lasting tan that will thicken the stratum corneum of the skin and provide some protection from the sun. These sunscreen garments may have a label that indicates the value of the UPF (the level of protection provided by the garment against UV rays from the sun, on a scale of 15 to 50+). While this natural UV protection can prevent sunburn to some extent, it can't protect you from all the different types of damage caused by UV light, nor can it prevent skin cancer. It is important to remember that everyone's skin type is different and therefore everyone has different levels of sensitivity when it comes to exposure to UV light. It is best to consult with your doctor or dermatologist about what level of exposure is safe for you.
Additionally, it is important to wear protective clothing and sunglasses when outdoors and use sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30. By following these simple steps and being aware of your own individual level of sensitivity when it comes to UV light, you can ensure that you are getting enough vitamin D while also protecting yourself from any potential harm caused by excessive exposure.
