As the summer sun intensifies, so does the need to protect ourselves from its harmful effects. While we often focus on shielding our skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, it's equally important to be mindful of the impact of these rays on our hair and eyes.
As a matter of fact, an article in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reveals that just three hours of UV light exposure changes hair porosity, making our locks look dry and brittle. The sun is also known to cause premature skin ageing and serious eye conditions. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to protect your hair, skin, and eyes from UV rays, ensuring you enjoy the sunny days without compromising your health and beauty.
How UV rays damage hair
Just like your skin, your hair is vulnerable to damage from UV rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can strip your hair of its natural moisture and proteins, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Hair care expert Emma Kelly also warns that sunny conditions negatively impact your hair's natural lipids and cause colour-treated hair to fade more quickly. Altogether, this makes for dull and lacklustre locks. Meanwhile, the outer layer of your hair, known as the cuticle, is most prone to UV damage, resulting in frizz and split ends.
Hair protection tips
Use UV-protective hair products
Invest in hair products specifically formulated with UV filters. These sprays, leave-in conditioners, and serums create a barrier between your hair and the sun, preventing damage and maintaining moisture. A popular option for this is Aveda's Protective Hair Veil, which acts as an invisible shield against the drying effects of UV rays. It's also water-resistant, so you can bring it to the beach or spritz it on before plunging into a pool for up to 16 hours of protection.
Remember to hydrate and condition
Deep conditioning treatments are essential during days when you know you'll be spending hours under the sun. This ensures that moisture is replenished, keeping your hair soft and shiny. Boost your hair care routine by regularly using the Cordina hair oil as a pre-wash treatment. It's 100% plant-based and free of synthetic ingredients, strengthening hair fibres all while improving manageability, softness, shine, and slip. After soaking, rinse the oil treatment away with the Cordina DIY Gentle Shampoo that you can make at home for best results.
How UV rays damage eyes
Your eyes are incredibly sensitive to UV rays, and chronic, unprotected exposure can bring about serious eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (a type of sunburn that affects the cornea). According to Cancer Research UK, genetic eye changes can also occur due to UV radiation. In one study, scientists found that this can result in a rare type of cancer called conjunctival melanoma. These conditions can impair your vision and, in severe cases, lead to blindness.
Eye protection tips
Choose the right sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to avoid UV-related eye damage. However, not all sunglasses are created equal. In fact, experts note that cheap sunglasses without proper filters cause worse damage to your eyes over time. When choosing some sunglasses, it’s crucial to check that they carry the CE, UV 400, or British Standard Mark. Top eyewear brands, including Oakley, Versace, and Dolce&Gabbana, available on Sunglass Hut all adhere to this standard. Consider wraparound or aviator styles like the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL and Dolce&Gabbana DG2296 that provide full coverage, preventing UV rays from entering from the sides.
Wear a broad-brimmed hat
Aside from wearing sunglasses, you can add another layer of protection by donning a broad-brimmed sun hat. This all-around accessory is ideal for safeguarding the skin and hair, as well. According to experts, a sun hat should have a brim of at least three inches to effectively shield your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun. The wider the brim, the better the coverage. For an on-trend look, go for styles like the packable Free People Shoreline Bucket Hat or the Wide Brim Straw Hat from the brand & Other Stories.
How UV rays damage skin
Research shows that UV radiation is a major contributor to skin damage, leading to sunburn, premature skin ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The sun emits two types of UV rays that reach the earth: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage like wrinkles and age spots. On the other hand, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and can directly damage the DNA in skin cells, in turn, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer.
Skin protection tips
Slather on sunscreen
The British Association of Dermatologists recommends choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens with an SPF of 30, such as the Ultra Violette Clean Screen, filter about 97% of UVB rays. However, to ensure continuous protection, it must be reapplied every two hours. Slathering on the correct amount is also vital, with the NHS advising that adults should apply around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen to cover the entire body.
Wear protective clothing
In addition to sunscreen, wearing protective clothing can help shield your skin from the sun. Look for clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating, which indicates how effectively the fabric blocks UV rays. Solbari has a few stylish everyday options for women, like the Stripe Long Sleeve T-Shirt with UPF50+. More importantly, whenever possible, seek shade during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This simple step can greatly reduce your overall UV exposure.
Protecting your hair, skin, and eyes from UV rays is crucial for maintaining your health and appearance throughout the year. By following these tips and making UV protection a part of your daily routine, you can enjoy the sunshine while keeping your hair strong, your eyes safe, and your skin youthful.
To enhance your hair care routine, visit the Cordina Hair website where you can check out heatless hair tools and plant based hair formulas to nourish and protect your locks.
Collaborative post by Hayden Meyer
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