sun-safe holidays: a guide to sun protection
Explore the fundamentals of sun safety with our guide, where we have curated essential information for you to remember when it comes to sun protection.
protecting our loved ones
While the sun provides valuable health benefits such as vitamin D synthesis, achieving a delicate balance between exposure and protection is essential. Given their delicate skin and lower melanin levels, providing extra care to shield babies and young children from the sun's effects is a crucial priority.
Until the age of 6 months, it is recommended to protect babies from direct sunlight and refrain from using sunscreen, as certain chemicals in sunscreens may pose a risk of allergic reactions on their delicate skin. During this period, creating shade with strollers, canopies, or umbrellas is advisable.
Opting for sunsafe swimsuits, such as infant bathing suits and long-sleeved rashguards made of UPF50+ fabric, presents the optimal choice for shielding babies and children.
These specially designed uv swimsuits offer superior protection, ensuring a worry-free experience for your baby's outdoor adventures. Additionally, using wide-brimmed sun hats and eyeglasses further enhances sun protection, providing comprehensive coverage for your child's delicate skin.
The Significance of UPF50+
Understanding the significance of UPF50+ is crucial for effective sun protection. The sun's ultraviolet rays, comprised of UVA and UVB, penetrate through the clouds and reflect off water, sand, grass, and snow. UVA rays delve deep into the dermis, primarily responsible for age spots, skin aging, and wrinkles, while UVB rays, with less penetration, cause sunburn, burns, blisters, and the majority of skin cancers.
In the realm of sun protection, UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, becomes paramount. It gauges how well a fabric shields against UV rays. A UPF50+ fabric, the highest achievable rating, permits only 1/50th (or 2%) of UV radiation to penetrate, providing exceptional protection for the skin. Mikou takes pride in its sun protection swimwear, carrying the UPF50+ certification. Crafted with a dense mesh construction and without the use of any chemicals, our swimwear ensures reliable sun protection, offering you peace of mind.
Suncream, which one?
While rashguards offer a secure and carefree option, sun cream still plays a vital role in comprehensive sun protection, especially for areas of the body left uncovered. There are primarily two types of sun protection creams: Mineral and Chemical.
Mineral Sunscreens utilize natural minerals, creating a shield on the skin that reflects and blocks the sun's rays. They work immediately after application, providing instant protection. However, mineral sunscreens can be thicker, making application a bit more cumbersome. Despite this, they are often preferred for sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation.
Chemical Sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb the sun's rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. They take about 20-30 minutes to become effective after application and generally have a smoother texture, making application easier.
Whichever sun cream you opt for, it must be applied generously every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating. At Mikou, we advise using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50.