Sports and Sun Protection Clothing

Melanoma, the most serious kind of skin cancer has tripled in incidence over the past 2 decades. Estimated at 50,000+ cases every year and rising, it is not worth taking a risk with the sun be it in sports or leisure. These small slip ups and over exposure could cause the irreversible effects of being contracted with cancer.

Certain precautions have become necessary in light of this dangerous outcome of exposure. First and the foremost, is to make sure that you use a sunscreen lotion over exposed parts of the body. Make sure the sunscreen has protective properties against both UVA and UVB rays and radiation. The lotions that block these would contain titanium dioxide or Parasol 1789 and Zinc Oxide along with octyl methoxy-cinnamate or octyl salicylate. For more sensitive skin it is advisable to use sun block instead of sunscreen lotions.

The procedure of using the sunscreen is also very important. Make sure you apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you expose yourself to the sun and keep reapplying every 90 minutes. Re-application is very important and failure to do so will render the whole exercise wasted.

Sunscreen lotions are not water proof despite all claims to that effect. All so called waterproof sunscreen lotions are effective for 45-70 minutes only. Make sure the sunscreen lotion is not expired and apply it all exposed areas including scalp, ears, lips etc.

Make sure that you are aware of the sun exposure you are contracting. For example, despite sitting under an umbrella on the beach, san and water are still reflecting the sun rays towards you. When indulging in water sports, it is advisable to use rash guards.

Sun damages your skin, but most of us forget that sun can cause equivalent damage to our eyes too. Buying a pair of good sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB (ANSI certified) radiation would be a good investment.

Sun is at its strongest from 10:00 to 16:00 hrs and especially harsh from 12:00 to 14:00 hrs. Avoid exposure at these times. In case of exposure, make sure you are dressed to beat the sun by wearing a hat and sun protection clothing or spf clothing or loose absorbent clothes (preferably made of cotton).

After all these efforts, if you still manage to get burned, wash the area with a mix of vinegar and cool water in equal quantities. You can also use anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aloe-vera gel.

Outdoor exercise can be very good to health and invigorating but sun exposure can be very tricky. It was always believed that applying sunscreen lotions can inhibit sweat evaporation. But sunscreen lotion actually keeps you cool when you exercise outdoors, especially if the SPF rating of the sunscreen lotion you use is 15 or above.

Always make sure that you stretch out after the exercise in shade.

SPF Sun Protection Clothing is now available by Surfing Smooth.

To learn more about the different types of rashguards and sun protection clothing, or to make a rash guard purchase, please visit the links below.