Tips for Protecting Yourself from the Harsh Australian Sun

Do you enjoy spending time in the sunny outdoors but dislike the side effects that come with it? Prolonged exposure to the sun can result in dizziness, sunburn, and even cancer. So, it’s important to properly protect yourself, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (this is when the sun’s rays are most potent). Keep reading and discover some helpful tips on sun safety!

Get a Quality Patio Umbrella

Spending time on your sunny patio can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But it’s important to take precautions and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Check out these garden umbrellas with Australia-wide delivery and choose the perfect design for your outdoor space! They offer you much-needed shade for the hot summer days and they’re available in a range of sizes, styles, and materials, making it easy to find one that suits your preferences.

One of the most important considerations when choosing a garden umbrella is the size. Umbrellas come in small designs that provide shade for a single person, as well as large models that can cover a whole patio or dining table. Choose an umbrella that’s appropriate for the size of your outdoor space and the number of people you’re accommodating.

Another important consideration is the material of the umbrella. Many garden umbrellas are made from canvas or polyester, which are both durable and resistant to fading. Look for designs that are treated for UV protection to ensure that you’re safe from harmful sun rays. You should also look for a patio umbrella with a sturdy frame, such as one made from aluminium or steel, to ensure that it can withstand wind and other weather conditions.

When it comes to style, outdoor umbrellas come in a range of colours and patterns to match your outdoor decor. Some models also have features such as tilting canopies, which allow you to adjust the angle of the umbrella to follow the sun’s movement. Other features to consider include a crank handle for easy opening and closing, and a base for added stability.

In addition to providing shade, patio umbrellas also add a decorative touch to your outdoor space. You can choose a model with a bold pattern or colour to make a statement, or opt for a more subtle design to blend in with your existing décor.

Apply Sunscreen Regularly

Whether you’re working outdoors or enjoying yourself on your patio, applying sunscreen is an important step in protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. UV radiation can penetrate and damage the skin’s cells. Prolonged exposure to this radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, premature ageing, and other skin problems.

Sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun’s UV rays, which helps to protect your skin from these harmful effects. It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, as both types of radiation are harmful to the skin.

Make sure to apply sunscreen correctly to ensure that it provides adequate protection. This includes applying it to all exposed skin, using enough to cover the skin completely, and reapplying it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. You should also apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside to allow it to fully absorb into the skin.

Is Natural Sunscreen Better than Chemical Sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, while natural sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect or scatter the sun’s rays.

Some people prefer natural sunscreens because they’re typically free of synthetic chemicals and are gentler on sensitive skin. It’s important to choose a sunscreen that’s suitable for your skin type and needs and to use it consistently and correctly to ensure that your skin is protected at all times. This includes applying it to all exposed skin, using enough to cover the skin completely, and reapplying it often.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing long-sleeved, loose clothing is an effective way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Loose-fitting clothing provides more coverage than tight-fitting clothing, which helps to block more UV radiation and protect the skin from sun damage. Long sleeves also provide additional protection for the arms, which are often exposed to the sun.

You can also look for clothing that’s specifically designed to block UV rays. Some clothing brands offer lines of UV-protective clothing that’s made from fabrics treated with special coatings to block UV radiation. These garments are often labelled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates how much radiation the fabric blocks. I recommend looking for a UPF rating of 30 to 50+.

There are also several accessories that can help protect you from UV rays. A wide-brim summer hat provides shade for the face, neck, and ears, which are particularly susceptible to sun damage. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection can help protect your eyes from UV radiation, which causes cataracts and other eye problems.

By wearing protective clothing and taking other precautions, such as using sunscreen and seeking shade, you can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and reduce your risk of skin cancer and other skin problems.