With summer officially here, it’s important to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

While many people rely on their umbrellas to provide shade and protection from the sun, this may not be enough to keep your skin healthy and safe all summer long.

The Problem with Umbrellas

While umbrellas are great for keeping us dry during a rainstorm, they may not be as effective when it comes to protecting us from the sun. For one thing, most umbrellas are made of fabric that is not designed to block out UV rays.

This means that even if you are sitting directly under an umbrella, you may still be exposed to harmful UV rays.

Additionally, many people make the mistake of thinking that they are completely protected from the sun when they are under an umbrella.

They may spend hours sitting in the shade, but still end up with a painful sunburn because they did not use any additional sun protection such as sunscreen or a hat.

What to Do Instead

If you want to protect your skin from the sun this summer, relying on your umbrella alone is not enough. Here are some steps you can take to keep your skin healthy and safe:.

Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have whenever you are spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months. Look for a sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) and apply it generously to all exposed skin, even if you are sitting in the shade of an umbrella.

Wear Protective Clothing

In addition to sunscreen, wearing protective clothing can also help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for clothing that is made of tightly woven fabrics and has a high SPF rating.

And don’t forget to protect your head and neck with a hat or visor.

Seek Shade

While umbrellas may not be the best source of shade, seeking out other forms of shade can help reduce your risk of getting a sunburn. Look for shelter under trees, awnings, or other types of shade structures whenever possible.

Be Smart About Timing

Sunburns are most often caused by spending too much time in the sun during the peak hours of the day (10am-4pm). If possible, try to plan your outdoor activities for early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun is less intense.

Conclusion

While umbrellas may seem like a good source of sun protection, they are not enough to keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

By using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and being smart about timing, you can reduce your risk of getting a sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage.