一组防晒攻略送给烈日下的你丨How to stay safe in the sun

CHINADAILY

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It's scorching hot in northern China these days, with the merciless summer sun seemingly testing people's ability to guard against its rays.

From wide-brimmed hats to long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses to other protective gear such as "facekinis", there's all sorts of ways to beat the heat at this time of year.

Umbrellas that offer protection against ultraviolet rays are particularly popular among Chinese women, though some men would quite like to use them too it seems!

"I want to have a girlfriend so that I can stand under an umbrella with her in the scorching sun," said one netizen on social media.

Dangers of UV radiation

Studies show that people of all skin colors are potentially at risk of the harmful effects of UV exposure.

Spending too much time in the sun can cause sunburn, skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and wrinkles.

Sunlight reflecting off of sand, water, or even snow further increases exposure to UV radiation and your risk of developing eye problems.

Everyone should take protective measures in the sun.

How to keep safe in the sun

‍‍Wear sun-protective clothing and accessories.

Avoid the sun during the most intense hours, especially between 10 am and 2 pm.
Stay in the shade whenever possible.
Most importantly, apply SUNSCREEN!‍‍

Applying sunscreen properly

Use broad spectrum sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) value of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
Apply sunscreen liberally to all uncovered skin, especially your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and lips.

Use enough so that the white stuff can live up to its full protective potential.
Reapply at least every two hours. Apply more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Sun safety is always in season. It's important to protect your skin from sun damage throughout the year, even on cloudy days.

Wearing sunglasses

Choose sunglasses labeled with a UVA/UVB rating of 100 percent to get the most UV protection.
Do not think that a darker tint equals greater protection. Many sunglasses with light-colored tints, such as green, amber, red, and gray can offer the same UV protection as very dark lenses.

Children should wear sunglasses that indicate the UV protection level. Toy sunglasses may not have UV protection, so be sure to look for the UV protection label.
Consider large, wraparound-style frames, which may provide more efficient UV protection because they cover the entire eye-socket.

Though staying in the scorching sun for long periods of time can increase the risk of skin damage, studies also show that moderate exposure might help lift your spirits and enhance learning and memory.

So remember these effective measures, get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

Sources: FDA, Huffpost, Xinhua

Editor: Zhang Xiaomin

Proofreader: Greg Fountain