Protecting your skin from the sun during your work day can be challenging, especially if working outside or close to windows with the growing awareness of sun-related skin damage such as premature skin aging, and taking steps to safeguard your skin while at work has never been more critical. Doing whatever it may take to defend your skin at work ( or anywhere else)has never been more significant. Whether commuting to work, walking to your car, or sitting by a window, all of these activities can accumulate over time and increase your chances to develop skin cancer. Here are some functional sun safety tips to assist you with remaining unprotected while at your workplace, whether inside, outside, or in the middle between.
1. Apply Sunscreen Every Day
Applying sunscreen daily is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from sun damage. You might think sunscreen is only necessary for people spending hours outdoors, but the truth is that UV rays can penetrate windows, meaning you're still at risk even indoors. Applying sunscreen should become a regular part of your morning routine. Whether commuting to work, walking to your car, or sitting by a window, all of that can accumulate and increase your chances of developing skin cancer.
What Sunscreen to Choose
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which will block about 97% of UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. Higher SPF products offer slightly better protection, but SPF 30 is sufficient for most people. Sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection are ideal, as UVA rays contribute to premature aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. You can also add a Vitamin C serum to boost the efficacy of your SPF and choose a water-resistant one if you are prone to sweating.
When to Apply Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen before you head outside is essential, even if you only plan to be outside briefly. Sunscreen needs about 15 minutes to absorb and start working correctly. Start by applying a generous amount of sunscreen on your face, neck, arms, and other exposed skin areas. If you will be outside for an extended period, reapply every two hours for continuous protection.
Reapplying Sunscreen During the Workday
We all get busy, and reapplying sunscreen might only sometimes be on our minds. However, reapplying sunscreen is essential, especially when in direct sunlight. Use your tea breaks or lunchtime as an opportunity to reapply. While sprays and sticks are convenient, they may provide a different level of protection than cream sunscreen.
- Cover Up with Clothing
While sunscreen is a critical step in sun protection, one of the most effective ways to block UV rays is by covering your skin with clothing. In many cases, fabric can provide a physical barrier between your skin and harmful rays, especially if you spend much time outside. Opting for clothes with tightly woven fabrics or sun-protective clothing can be an intelligent choice to shield your skin further.
Choosing the Right Clothing
Long-sleeve shirts, pants, and even hats can protect your skin from the sun when working outdoors or in a sunny environment. Choose clothing made from tightly woven fabrics, as they are more effective at blocking UV rays. Darker colors absorb more UV rays, offering slightly better protection than lighter-colored fabrics.
Sun Protective Clothing
There is also clothing specifically designed to block UV rays. Many outdoor brands now offer fabrics with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, indicating how adequate the clothing is at blocking UV radiation. A UPF rating of 50+ is considered excellent protection, and garments with this rating can offer significant coverage against sun exposure. You can also use UV laundry detergents to increase the sun protection factor of your clothes without having to buy new products.
Hats for Extra Protection
A wide-brimmed hat is another great way to protect your face, neck, and ears from the sun. Look for hats made from materials with a UPF rating for added protection, and choose hats that have brims large enough to shield your face from the sun.
- Consider Sun-Protective Supplements
While sunscreen and clothing offer primary protection, some people may find it helpful to incorporate supplements into their routine to add a layer of defense. These supplements can help strengthen your skin's natural defenses against UV exposure and complement your physical sun protection efforts.
Polypodium Leucotomos
One supplement gaining popularity for its potential to support sun protection is Polypodium Leucotomos, an extract derived from fern. Studies have shown that taking 500mg of Polypodium leucotomos daily can help reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure, including inflammation and oxidative stress caused by UV rays. It can also improve the skin's ability to defend itself against sun damage, though it should never be a replacement for sunscreen.
Remember that supplements are an additional layer of protection and should not be relied upon as your primary form of sun defense. Use them with sunscreen, protective clothing, and other sun safety practices.
- Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses
Your eyes also need protection from the sun's harmful rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage your eyes and increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision problems. Sunglasses are a simple and effective way to shield your eyes from these dangers.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses
When selecting sunglasses, look for those labeled "100% UV protection" or "UV400." These sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your eyes are fully protected. Polarized lenses or clear UV400 glasses are another great feature to look for, as they reduce glare and improve visibility, especially on bright, sunny days.
Sunglasses for Outdoor Workers
If your work requires you to be outside for long periods, a high-quality pair of sunglasses can help protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Be sure to wear your sunglasses consistently when exposed to sunlight, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds.
5. Seek shade
Seeking shade during the day can be an effective and effortless way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, which can cause skin damage, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. By staying under the shade of trees or umbrellas, you can shield yourself from direct sunlight, reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Unlike applying sunscreen, which may need to be reapplied throughout the day, seeking shade is a passive, low-maintenance method of sun protection.UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so during these hours, finding shade or, at the very least, avoiding prolonged sun exposure can be particularly beneficial.
Conclusion
Protecting your skin from the sun at work doesn't have to be complicated. By incorporating simple yet effective sun protection habits into your daily routine, you can minimize the risk of skin damage, enhance workplace sun protection, and preserve your skin's health and safety standards in the long term. Remember that even small changes can make a big difference in skincare. Apply sunscreen daily, cover up with protective clothing, seek shade, consider sun supplements, and wear UV-protective glasses and a sun hat to and from work. With these practical tips, you can confidently stay sun-safe while continuing to thrive in your workday.
If you are at risk of developing skin cancer or have a family history of it, please consult with a doctor please check the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/outdoor-workers/about/sun-exposure.html for more information on the matter.
If you found these tips helpful, please share this article with others and leave a comment below! Let's prioritize sun protection and workplace safety in our everyday lives.brieflyLong-sleeve when working outdoors or in a sunny environment