UV Rays, which stands for ultraviolet radiation, are a type of radiation that comes from sources such as the sun, tanning beds, etc. These radiations are usually invisible. As healthy as it is to absorb a certain amount of sun to get that vitamin D, UV rays can also be dangerous.
There are a few reasons sun protection in Australia is usually trending whenever UV rays are mentioned. Although protection is required worldwide, it is needed especially in Australia.
Read on to find more about why it’s so crucial and how to protect from it!
Why is Protection from UV Rays Essential, Especially in Australia?
Because of geographical reasons, UV ray exposure is the highest in Australia. To sum it up, a region called the ozone layer absorbs most of the UV rays. From the late 1970s, the ozone layer has been depleting.
Now, Australia is pretty close to the equator, and during summer, the orbit brings it even closer to the sun. And this results in 7% more UV penetration in the summertime.
How Much UV Absorption is Considered Healthy?
To measure precisely how much absorption of UV is healthy, the term UV Index is used. It measures from 0 upwards. The higher the UV index, the more dangerous it becomes, and you turn susceptible to health risks fast.
According to World Health Organisation, you can freely enjoy the sun if the UV index ranges from 0 to 2. If it goes above 2, you need to protect yourself as much as possible. This UV index is usually relayed on weather forecasts or news channels.
Few Ways to Protect Yourself from UV Rays
Since sun protection in Australia is crucial, especially during summer, a few ways are mentioned to help you get geared up!
Stay in the Shade
The most obvious suggestion to protect yourself from UV rays is to stay in the shade. When the emission of UV rays is at its peak, it’s better to stay away from the sun. A simple way to tell if the emission is strong is to check your shadow. If it’s shorter, the UV emission is pretty high, so the best idea would be to stay away for a while.
Protective Sun Clothing
If you need to go outside and there is no way to avoid the sun, the best option would be to wear clothing that protects you from the sun. Generally, black coloured, dry, and tight clothing relatively provides sun protection, but most of the time, it’s not enough.
Especially during summers in Australia, you would need better protective clothing. There are special sun protection accessories such as sun-protective sleeves, gloves, masks, etc. It’s recommended to go for these clothing items rather than everyday clothing if spending more than 15 minutes under the sun.
Sunscreen
Although sunscreen doesn’t block all UV rays, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen every time we go outside. Sunscreen doesn’t allow you to extend the time you spend in the sun. Its application is necessary, especially in the summer.
It’s essential to take note that when we are looking for sunscreen, it should be the highest-rated SPF, which is currently 50+. Make sure to apply after every 2 hours for the best protection.
There’s no doubt that the sun is good for health and gives various vitamins essential for the body, mainly vitamin D. But, because of the geographical disadvantage here in Australia, it can also give many health issues.
