Summer is synonymous with beach days, barbecues, and of course, the essential (albeit slightly bothersome) ritual of applying and reapplying sunscreen every two hours. Protecting our skin from harmful UV rays is paramount, but let's face it - amidst the excitement of outdoor activities and the tranquility of lazy days, remembering to slather on another layer of sunscreen can slip our minds. If only there were other effective, user-friendly and hassle-free ways to ensure we're shielded from the sun!

That’s why we've compiled a list of innovative UV protection products to supplement your sunscreen usage and bridge the gaps in your summer skin routine. From UV sunglasses to UV stickers, we'll explore how each of these can offer you an additional layer of sun defense so that you can fully enjoy your summer without worrying about sun damage. Let's dive in!

1. UV Sunglasses

UV sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement - they’re a critical tool in your sun-protection arsenal. Their specially designed lenses provide a critical defense against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

One of the primary benefits of UV sunglasses is their ability to shield your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Overexposure to these rays can lead to several eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis (also known as "snow blindness"). By blocking out the vast majority of these harmful rays, UV sunglasses can significantly lower the risk of these eye health issues.

Beyond protecting the eyes themselves, UV sunglasses also safeguard the sensitive skin around our eyes, which is often overlooked in sun-protection routines. This area is more prone to sunburn and other skin damage, including the early onset of wrinkles and age spots. Because of their shape and positioning, UV sunglasses can protect these delicate areas where sunscreen might not reach or be as effective.

In addition to their health benefits, UV sunglasses can also improve visual comfort. By reducing the intensity of light and blocking glare, they enhance our vision on sunny days. This is especially beneficial during activities like driving or sports, where sunlight reflection can potentially cause accidents. Some popular UV sunglass brands include Ray Ban and Oakley, but most big box retailers sell more affordable generic options as well.

2. UV Clothing

UV protective clothing, or sun-protective clothing, is an ingenious solution to the ongoing need for protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Designed specifically to block out a substantial amount of these harmful rays, UV clothing serves as a formidable barrier, shielding your skin more effectively and consistently than conventional attire.

The primary benefit of UV clothing lies in its UPF rating - the Ultraviolet Protection Factor. While regular clothing can offer some protection, UV clothing is specifically designed to achieve a UPF of 50+, meaning it allows less than 2% of UV rays to penetrate through to your skin. This translates to a 98% blockage of harmful radiation, providing a level of protection far superior to non-UPF-rated clothing.

UV clothing offers continuous protection without the need for reapplication, unlike sunscreen. This makes it an excellent option for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming or a day at the beach, where sunscreen might wash off, wear off or simply be forgotten. The protection offered by UV clothing doesn't diminish over time, ensuring you're consistently safeguarded from harmful exposure.

Moreover, UV clothing is designed to cover more skin area than typical summer clothing. From wide-brimmed hats to long-sleeve shirts and long pants, these garments can shield areas of your body that are often exposed and prone to sunburn. This is particularly beneficial for people with sensitive skin or those who are at a higher risk for skin cancer. Some well-known UV clothing brands include Coolibar and UV Skinz, but many outdoor/active lifestyle brands like Columbia Sports and Patagonia sell these products as well.

3. UV Stickers

UV stickers, also known as sun safety stickers or UV exposure stickers, are an innovative tool designed to help manage and monitor your exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The stickers change color based on the amount of UV radiation you've been exposed to. This helps you understand when you've reached your UV limit and reminds you that it's time to reapply sunscreen or find some shade, thereby preventing sunburns and lowering your risk of skin cancer.

UV stickers can also aid in understanding the intensity of UV radiation in your environment. On cloudy days, for instance, we may underestimate the power of UV rays and forget to apply or reapply sunscreen. UV stickers can alert us to these unseen risks, changing color even on overcast days when UV radiation can still be high.

Moreover, UV stickers are incredibly user-friendly and easy to use, making them a practical solution for children. Kids often resist the regular reapplication of sunscreen and might not understand the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. These color-changing stickers add an element of fun and novelty that can encourage better sun-safety habits.

Finally, UV stickers are typically usually water and sweat-resistant, making them ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities from swimming to hiking. They offer a reliable method of monitoring UV exposure regardless of the activities you engage in or the weather conditions on any given day. Popular UV sticker brands include Sunburn Alert and SpotMyUV.

4. UV Beach Umbrellas

UV beach umbrellas are a must-have accessory for any sun-loving beachgoer. These umbrellas are designed with special fabric that blocks a significant percentage of the sun's harmful UV rays, offering a safe, shady refuge during hot summer days by the water.

One of the key benefits of a UV beach umbrella is its UPF rating. Many UV beach umbrellas have a UPF of 50+—the highest rating possible—which offers a much higher level of protection compared to a regular beach umbrella.

UV beach umbrellas are also beneficial as they offer a large area of shade, shielding not only you but your belongings as well from the damaging effects of the sun. Unlike sunscreen, which needs to be reapplied every two hours and can often be forgotten, a UV beach umbrella provides continuous protection for as long as you remain under it.

Additionally, UV beach umbrellas contribute to your comfort at the beach. They can significantly reduce the ambient temperature beneath them, offering a cool, relaxing spot to enjoy the seaside view. This helps prevent overheating and sunstroke, making your beach experience more enjoyable.

Importantly, UV beach umbrellas also protect your eyes. Constant exposure to bright sunlight can lead to squinting and discomfort, and over time, can contribute to cataracts and other eye issues. The shade provided by a UV beach umbrella helps to mitigate this risk. Popular UV beach umbrella brands include Coolibar and UV-Blocker.

The various UV protection products we've explored - from UV sunglasses, clothing, and stickers to UV beach umbrellas - each offer unique, valuable, and practical ways to shield your skin from harmful UV radiation. They all serve as important tools in your sun protection toolbox, helping to guard against the sun's damaging rays and reducing your risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

However, while these products are indeed effective, it's essential to remember that the ultimate defense against skin damage is not a product, but a professional - your dermatologist. Dermatologists are trained to spot and assess suspicious moles, detect skin abnormalities, educate you on skin cancer awareness, and offer expert advice tailored to your specific skin type and lifestyle. Plus, if you're not sure how to treat a sunburn after a slip-up in your skin protection routine, dermatologists can offer treatment guidance. Regular check-ups with a dermatologist are key to early detection of any potential issues and can be lifesaving, as early detection of skin cancer leads to much higher survival rates.

If it’s been a while since your last dermatologist appointment, you can access board-certified dermatologists and clinicians on Sesame at a fraction of the cost of traditional care! Simply browse prices and reviews, select the healthcare professional of your choosing, and book your video skin consult so that you can keep your skin safe, healthy and vibrant.

Sesame content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical concern, it is critical to seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions. If you are facing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.

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