How to Get a Great, Safe Suntan

We all know the dangers of getting too much sun and I wrote about both how to get tid of a sunburn as well as the danger of getting too much sun but today I wanted to live out a bit of a dream and write about how to get your best suntan ever.

Why get the best suntan possible? Well as Chris on Northern Exposure once said

“Sometimes you have to do something bad – just to know you’re alive.”

Back when I was 15 to 20 I tried every Summer to get the greatest suntan ever and I used to tell my buddy Darin White and I would one day write a book about how to get the best suntan. Well this is not a book but it is an opportunity to spill everything I ever learned over the years about how to get the best suntan. I believe that there are 10 steps that are most important. Here are the 10 steps first that you will need to do in the first place to get a good tan.

Lufa and exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin is a very good idea. When you are getting a suntan the clor that you get is a result of the skin reacting to the sun. If you have dead skin on top of your good skin then it will be blocking the sun. When exfoliating your skin be sure not to scrub hard, you may want to get the dead skin off but you do not want to hurt your good skin underneath so be sure to just lightly scrub your skin.

Lather on the suntan lotion

I know that you may think that using suntan lotion may be against the idea of getting a dark tan it is really a requirement. First of all choose a suntan lotion that has a lot of moisturizer in it. What I would recommend if you want to get a dark tan is to make sure that you have about a SPF factor of 8 or 10 and make sure that you spread it all over, do not miss any spots. The good thing about wearing a suntan lotion is that it allows your body to gradually get a tan instead of tanning very quickly and then getting a burn. You want to go slow getting a great tan as it will last longer and be easier to get dark without burning. Remember that suntan lotion does not do anything for about a half an hour so you must but the sun tan lotion on a little while before you go out.

Tan for only one to two hours per day

You do not need a lot of hours of sun but it is important if you want a good tan to make sure that you get one to two hours a day EVERY day as the consecutive days are going to give you that good tan not the number of hours in one day. The important thing in your suntanning time is to make sure that you are getting your whole body tanned. Do not miss any spots and make sure that you follow this for at least a few days so that you body can gradually get color.

Tan your whole body

If at all possible get some kind of reflective blanket to lie on when you are suntanning so that your sides as well as the insides and outsides of your legs get a tan. The sun comes from above and the most impressive tan is one that is smooth and even around your whole body. It is easy enough to get your front and back tanned but how about your sides and the back of your arms? When tanning your front have your arms up and your head slightly back so that you can tan under your arms as well as the back of your arms and get your neck tanned as well. When on your stomach keep your arms out as well so that you are tanning the tops of your forearms and shoulders. Flip every 15 minutes to half hour.

Shower after you sun tanning time

Do not over shower. This means that if you have a shower in the morning and then suntan in the afternoon have only a very quick shower to wash off the suntan lotion. If at all possible do not have a shower in the day until after you have had your suntanning time so on the weekends perhaps you can tan in the morning instead of the afternoon. Also when you shower never use soap except on stinky areas such as your underarms I say no soap on your skin as soap will dry you skin and may peel off some of that skin that is getting color.

Moisturize day and night

Moisturizers are very important for keeping your sun healthy. Use a good moisturizer when you get up in the morning as well as after your sun tanning session and then at night before you go to bed. The more moist that your skin is the more radiant is look and feels and the longer that you will be able to keep your tan as your skin will stay alive and healthier for longer.

Drink lots of water

Sun tanning is all about the outer layer of your skin so make sure that skin is healthy. One of the best things that you can do for your skin is to drink a lot of water. Water will keep your body hydrated and therefore will keep your skin hydrated as well. Do not just drink water while you are out in the sun working on that tan but make sure that you start your day with a big glass of water and drink water throughout your day.

Tan for consecutive days

One day of sun will not do a lot and a long day of sun will just lead to a burn. Have you ever noticed that when people go skiing in the winter and get a suntan or sunburn that it goes away in just a couple of days? The important thing to do to get a deep tan and to have it last is to get sun for as many consecutive days as possible. If you tan one day and then again a couple of days later then that first days base tan has been wasted, this is why most people can not get a deep tan, all they do is get sun on the weekends and do not try to get sun during the week.

Never get a sunburn

A sunburn is a condition that will kill the skin cells that you are trying to get color for. Never ever let you skin get burned as you will need to wait for this skin to naturally lose its color and then start your conecutive days of sun again. I have failed at this point time and time again by not being patient about my suntanning and by being careless with my suntan lotion.

Stay away from extra sun.

You have a plan that you can follow for getting a suntan and on the weekends what will happen is that you will have plenty of opportunities to get extra sun and these can and will ineveitably lead to getting too much sun and a sunburn. The best way to avoid this extra sun is to plan ahead. Have a very strong SPF 30 suntan lotion that you put on often, wear a hat, wear well covering but loose fitting clothes and of course sunglasses to protect your eyes.

I hope these tips all help you this year to get your best tan ever.

Smart People Wear Sun Hats

There are different places where you can find the various types of sun hats. These wide brimmed hats will provide you with some shade during sunny days. This is a look that is stylish and yet it can be worn any place. While these hats have a large following in due to the different uses there are some people who like wearing these hats because of the shade they provide.

Additionally these hats are more of a fashion statement than sporting goods. The best way for you to judge the quality of these hats is to see if the brim is wide enough. The material that should be used is one that will let you breathe.

The main fact that you will need to remember is that most sun hats are basically straw hats. Regardless of this material there are others that are used to make this hat. This is the main reason why you will be able to see different versions of the sun hats.

As you look at the different styles and types of sun hats you will find that the quality of these hats varies. The best quality hats are known to have a smooth creamy look to them. The weave of these hats is very find. This means that you will barely be able to see the different woven blocks of the sun hats.

For the most part you will find that these sun hats are not that expensive. This means that if you are looking to wear these hats as a fashion statement. For people from all walks of life the various sun hats are perfect for creating a style that says who you are.

For people from all walks of life the various sun hats are perfect for creating a style that says who you are. For the most part you can look for these sun hats in sporting goods stores, department stores, and online stores. From all of these places you will have a wide range of hats that you can choose from.

As an example you will be able to find sun hats which are made from a material called Ramie. This material is a Chinese grass which can be made into a fabric. The resulting sheen from this Ramie fabric is similar to that of Flax.

The different shapes and styles that you will see in the range of sun hats will allow you to see how this simple hat material is a popular medium that is still being used by manufacturers of sun hats.

Natural Sun Care – 5 Tips to Protecting Your Skin Naturally

Heading to the beach this summer for your vacation? Well, myself, most likely I will head up north to the mountains for some cooler temperatures and rain as I live in the sunny desert southwest where it will get to 110 degrees and above and stay there! However for those of you who are heading to a beautiful sunny beach somewhere, did you also know that in addition to using a good sunscreen, you can also help protect your skin naturally through what you eat and drink?

So while you’re on vacation, here are a few quick tips to help you protect your skin not only from the outside with a good topical sunscreen, but also from the inside as well with what you eat and drink.

1. Eat lot’s of colorful fruits & vegetables:

You can help protect your skin from the harmful UV rays, the free radicals that cause sun damage, by eating lot’s of colorful fruits and green leafy vegetables which are high in antioxidants. Colorful fruits such as blueberries and strawberries as well as vegetables such as tomatoes and red and green bell peppers are very high in antioxidants which help protect the skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. As well, eat green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach which contain powerful antioxidants and vitamins known to protect the body from cancer including, recent studies have shown, skin cancer. Broccoli helps the body produce enzymes which help protect the skin from the sun.

2. Eat Fish:

Another excellent way to protect your skin from the inside out is to eat fish. Fish such as salmon or trout contain the omega 3s fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, which are the “good fats” you should have in your diet, and much like antioxidants, the omega 3’s are known to help sooth inflammation of the skin as well as defend the body against free radicals. Health experts recommend at least two servings of a cold water fish per week. I am not a huge fish fan. I don’t like anything “fishy tasting” with bones, skin or the head still there. However, I have come to really enjoy eating salmon filets and it is one of my very few fish favorites. A couple of tips for you if you are not a fish lover like me, at your favorite local market ask for a mild fish which is also fresh, the catch of the day, and see what you think. As a general rule, the fresher and milder the fish, the more accepted it usually is amongst us “non-fish loving people”.

3. Eat Dark Chocolate:

For dessert or a light snack, fresh fruit is really your best bet, however, experts also suggest that eating chocolate is actually healthy for you as well. Good news if you are a chocolate lover! Yes, they say dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids which have shown to help protect the skin. Experts recommend no more than 2 ounces a day of dark chocolate but not milk chocolate because milk chocolate actually absorbs the polyphenols needed to help protect the skin.

4. Drink Green Tea:

There are four types of tea: black, oolong, green and white. But of the four types, green tea contains the most health and skin care benefits because it contains the highest level of anti-oxidants. The reason for this is that green tea contains high levels of polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants that target and fight free radicals such as those from the sun’s UV rays. These polyphenols not only work to fight free radicals and cleanse toxins from within the body, they also work to improve the body’s own anti-oxidant system, and improve the skin. Studies show that individuals who drank at least two cups of tea a day were 30 percent less likely to have carcinoma than those who didn’t drink tea. Experts suggest drinking at least 1-2 cups of tea daily, and letting the tea steep for at least 5 minutes first before drinking in order to obtain a higher polyphenol level.

5. Drink Lot’s of Water:

With hot summer temperatures and increased outdoor activities, the chances for dehydration and the need for staying well hydrated increase. So drink plenty of water. Water is a natural diuretic and helps the kidneys filter out toxins and free radicals from within the body. Having a sufficient amount of fluids in the body is essential to the overall health of all the body’s organs as well as the health and protection of your skin. Experts advise drinking only natural pure water in order to limit or decrease the intake of any additional chemicals which may be in the water and can add to and contribute to the toxin level already in the body. Nonetheless, it is generally agreed that maintaining proper hydration is vital and will result in greater health for the body as well as for the skin. Experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.

The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses

Boaters and fishermen have been using polarized sunglasses for many years, as they help reduce the glare that reflects off the surrounding water. But in recent years the popularity of polarized sunglasses has expanded, as outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds discovered the benefits of using them. Skiers, golfers, bikers, joggers and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the sun can benefit greatly from the elimination of glare.

Polarized sunglasses are also especially helpful for driving. They reduce the glare from long, flat surfaces like roads and car hoods. People with light sensitive eyes can use polarized sunglasses indoors as well. Post-eye surgery patients can prevent damage that can be caused by continual exposure to bright window light and fluorescent bulbs.

How do they work?

When reflected off smooth, flat surfaces, like roads or still bodies of water, light usually becomes horizontally polarized. Polarized lenses are vertically oriented, which means they block horizontally polarized light, which in turn results in the considerable reduction of irritating and dangerous glare.

Whether polarized sunglasses work on flat snow surfaces is still a matter some debate. There are some experts who claim that polarized lenses can in fact help reduce glare from sunlight reflecting off snow surfaces. Others, however, say that the lenses, despite their anti-glare benefits are not good for sports like downhill skiing because they reduce visual contrast, which is crucial for distinguishing snow patches and hazardous obstacles.

Polarized lenses might also be problematic when looking at liquid crystal displays screens, or LCDs. Such screens are used on dashboard navigation devices and the digital screens on ATMs and grocery store teller machines. From a certain angle, LCD screens can become invisible when looking at them through polarized sunglasses.

For most sports and outdoor activities, though, polarized lenses can provide you with a great advantage. Today, you find polarized sunglasses in any style you want. There is one for every kind of outdoor sports aficionado. And for people with very light-sensitive eyes, photochromic polarized lenses provide ideal protection, changing color from dark (for outside use) to light (for inside) and vice-versa. So whether you jog, boat, bike, or drive a lot, polarized lenses can help your time easier and safer.

Summer Skin Care – What is the Right SPF For You?

WHAT IS AN SPF?

SPF stands for sun protection factor. Sunscreens are rated by the strength of their SPF. The SPF can range from as low as 2 to as high as 100. These numbers refer to the products ability to deflect the suns burning rays. It is strongly recommended to use a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection). This helps protect against sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer.

WHAT IS A SUNSCREEN?

Sunscreen also known as sun block or sun cream is available as lotion, spray or gel that absorbs or reflects the suns UV radiation on skin exposed to sunlight and thus protects against sunburn.

WHAT ARE UVA AND UVB RAYS?

Sunlight consists of UVA and UVB rays. UVA exposure results in signs of premature aging- wrinkling and age spots. UVB are the suns burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburns. Excessive exposure to both can result in skin cancer.

WHEN AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD A SUNSCREEN BE USED? HOW MUCH SUNSCREEN SHOULD I USE?

A sunscreen should be applied everyday to exposed skin- even if you are not going to be out in the sun. A sunscreen can be applied under make-up or alternatively there are many cosmetic products that contain sunscreen for daily use. A sunscreen should not be reserved only for sunny days. Even on a cloudy day 80 percent of the suns uvrays can pass through the clouds.

Ideally, a sunscreen should be applied to dry skin 20-30 min before going outdoors. As they rub off as well as wash off, a sunscreen should be reapplied every 3-4 hours for continued protection. “Water-resistant” sunscreens loose effectiveness after 40 min in water hence should be reapplied every 2 hours after swimming or perspiring heavily.

One ounce or 2 tablespoons of sunscreen is considered the optimum amount needed to cover exposed areas of the body properly – which include- ears, face, neck and arms if necessary.

HOW TO BE SUN SMART?

· generously apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or more on exposed areas. Reapply every 2 hours.

· Wear protective clothing – long sleeve shirt, pants, hats with broad brims, sunglasses

· Seek Shade – suns rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If your shadow is shorter than what you are – seek shade.

· Protect children – wear appropriate clothing, apply a sunscreen.

· Be extra cautious near water, snow and sand. Hey reflect damaging rays of the sun, hence the chances of getting sunburn are more.

· Avoid Tanning Beds.

· Have enough Vitamin D supplement. Prolonged use of sunscreen interferes with Vit D production, leading to its deficiency. Hence it is recommended to spend small amount of time in the sun without sun protection. This facilitates Vitamin D production.

Your Skin and the Sun – What’s the Best Thing For Sunburn? Aloe Vera Gel

The color of a person’s skin is determined by the amount of pigment it contains. This pigment is called Melanin. The greater the amount of Melanin, the darker the complexion. Although ultra-violet rays stimulate the production of Melanin, Melanin acts as a protection for the skin. Fair skin has little natural protection and will burn easily and severely. A darker skin tone will have more tolerance to the sun; however, this does not mean that a darker complexion will not burn. Younger skin is also more tolerant to sunburn. When the skin is damaged by sunburn, freckles or sunspots can form. These dark blotches are formed by the Melanin and its reaction with ultra-violet rays.

Approximately 1/3 of the ultra-violet rays that burn the body are from the sun. The majority of these harmful rays are reflected off of sand and water. During the winter months, snow acts as a reflector for ultra-violet rays and are just as harmful when it is cloudy and overcast. The most dangerous times for ultra-voilet rays are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and especially at noon, since the rays of the sun travel through a thin layer of the earth’s atmosphere. At other times during the day, the rays are slanted and pass through a large area of atmosphere, which lessen their burning power.

Redness of the skin while in the sun, is caused by expansion of and increased blood flow through the blood vessels near the surface of the skin. The sun’s rays dry out and destroy the cells. When severely damaged, blisters occur. Repeated exposure to the sun also causes blisters. Avoid breaking these blisters since the contained fluid acts against infection. The dead cells of the skin eventually peel and flake, leaving the skin unprotected. What’s the first thing we typically run to the drugstore for when we’ve gotten a sunburn? Aloe Vera Gel.

At all costs, you should avoid constant exposure to the sun and always, at the very least, use a 15+ sunscreen. Over a period of years, continuous exposure to the sun causes the skin to get thinner and darker; this will age the skin and cause wrinkles and lines, since the elastic fibers of the skin are weakened. If your skin has already been damaged from exposure to the elements, remember that it’s never to late to start a skincare regimen using natural aloe vera skincare products.

Pratima Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30

I was headed out of the Truth In Aging offices to catch an afternoon Mets game recently and realized that the only sun protection I  had between my face and the hot August rays was the SPF 20 in my face lotion from that morning. Marta kindly supplied me with a bottle of Pratima Neem Rose Face Sunscreen ($16) as I headed out the door with the stipulation that I review it for TIA.  You’ve heard about this product on TIA before. A few readers have recommended it and we named it one of the 5 best zinc oxide sunscreens earlier this summer. We also liked Pratima’s Turmeric Facial Mask.

Pratima’s products are handmade according to Ayurvedic traditions. They believe (and I firmly agree), that “What we apply on the skin should be good enough to eat.” A fully Ayurvedic skincare regimen means that the products you use are determined by what type of skin you have, which can be Vata, Pitta or Kapha. I just took a quick online quiz to determine my Dosha and it told me that I am Pitta. I did not visit an Ayurvedic practitioner before using this sunscreen, but Pratima says that it is suitable for all skin types.

The Neem Rose Face Sunscreen is wonderful. It smells fabulous (like roses), goes on smoothly, rubs in quickly without feeling greasy and provides a full spectrum of sun protection with 18.6% zinc oxide. I have normal skin, not too oily or sensitive, and this caused me no problems at all. Between softball and pool time, I’ve been in the sun frequently over the past weeks and have been happy with Pratima’s performance each time.

The ingredients are top quality. Neem oil, taken from an evergreen tree, is a popular ingredient in natural beauty products because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that combat free radicals. Thus, this sunscreen does double-duty as an anti-aging product. Read more about neem in this post by Jimmy.

Marta reviewed some of the other good things in this sunscreen in the zinc oxide roundup, “shatavari, a Himalyan plant whose name means ’she of 100 husbands’. It is, however, a potent antioxidant (source). Brahmi is a marsh plant that is supposed to stimulate hair and nail growth.” You can purchase Pratima Neem Rose Face Sunscreen at http://www.pratimaskincare.com/.

Ingredients:

*Ionized Water, Micronized Zinc Oxide 18.6%, Extract of Neem, Brahmi, Shatavari, Licorice, Vitamin E, Lecithin, Rose Essential Oil, Xanthan Gum.

New Info about Sunscreen – What You Should Know About SPF, UVA, UVB, and the FDA

You slather on last summer’s SPF 50 sunscreen and figure you’re good to go-for a walk, a day at the beach, or relaxing poolside-but you’d be so wrong.

First off, that “50″ just means that, without the sunscreen, you’d burn 50 times faster, not that you’re 50 times safer. Plus, if it’s a year old, it’s outdated. And taking a plunge in the sea or pool, or simply sweating removes sunscreen, so you see: you’re not safe at all.

And keep in mind that SPF just refers to how well the product screens out UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, not UVA (ultraviolet A) rays which go even deeper and ages skin, so you get no help there. Both types of rays increase your skin cancer odds.

Under new FDA guidelines, manufacturers must now add a 4-star UVA rating system on sunscreens: low, medium, high, or highest, plus a corresponding star. But don’t expect to see those new labels any time soon; actually, we may have to wait as long as 18 months!

For the time being, the Skin Cancer Foundation says to look for at least one of these UVA-protecting ingredients on the label: avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or ecamsule.

Meanwhile, since more than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in this country, take heed:

1. Buy new sunscreen annually, and keep in mind that EWG (Environmental Working Group) determined that 84% of the 785 sunscreens on the market with an SPF rating of 15 or higher offer inadequate protection .

2. Look for those labeled “broad-spectrum.”

3. Select only the top brands, as it’s been shown that 80% of the almost 1,000 brand-name products “contain chemicals that may pose health hazards or don’t adequately protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays.”

4. Use sunscreen liberally and apply frequently-about every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

5. Avoid the sun as much as possible, especially during midday hours.

6. Don’t count on cloudiness to protect you.

7. Seek shade whenever possible.

8. Cover up. Along with sunscreen, don a hat, wear protective clothing, such as those offered by Coolibar, and don’t forget the sunglasses.

9. Remember that washing wears out the UV protection in specially treated clothing, so replace occasionally.

10. Check your skin for any changes, lesions, or spots, and see a dermatologist annually for a professional, full-body check.

11, What’s good for adults is good for kids, too; if one product is irritating or causes a rash, try another.

12. Babies 6 months and younger have no protective melanin in their skin yet, so when there’s no avoiding the sun: cover them up, use the stroller’s canopy/hood, and don’t apply sunscreen altogether, unless so directed by your physician.

13. Look for new FDA-mandated labels in the coming months

Sunscreen – Key Ingredients For Sunscreen Protection

Usually sunscreens carry aromatic molecules conjugated with carbonyl groups as their principal ingredients. This general structure is to facilitate absorption of high energy ultraviolet rays and release energy from lower energy rays preventing the ultraviolet rays capable of damaging the skin from reaching it.

Therefore, when you are exposed to UV light, most of the ingredients retain their properties without any significant chemical change of photo degradation to retain the UV absorbing potency. Proper use and application not only help protect skin from exposure, they can help repair sun-damaged skin.

Sunscreens containing avobenzone will contain a chemical stabilizer for slow break down. Certain sunscreens also contain enzymes like photolyase capable of repairing UV damaged DNA

When you are buying sunscreens, it is most likely that you will be looking for the SPF number or the Sun Protection Factor. However, unless the product you are buying is “water resistant” you must reapply sunscreens after sweating or swimming.

More about ingredients

Modes of activity is another important factor that would determine the ingredients in your sunscreen. These are either UV absorbers or UV reflectors or some even have a combined action. UV absorbers physically contain the UV radiation to prevent it from reaching the skin. The active particles become energized in this process to a higher frequency or energetic level to contain the UV radiation.

With this type of sunscreen ingredient, when you come out of the sun, the UV exposure reduces and the energy level of the sunscreen particles drops back to their former frequency, releasing energy again.

Natural sunscreen lotions

Several natural sunscreen lotions have natural base ingredients. These ingredients improve the skin integrity. Presence of Vitamins C and E at effective concentrations in your sunscreen is known to protect against skin cancer and act as antioxidants protecting from free-radical damage. This property will be further enhanced when applied topically because they prevent free radical damage from UV radiation.

Aloe Vera, a plant has been established as a component to prevent DNA damage to the skin as a result of exposure to sun and the use of this ingredient in treating burns of all descriptions is also well known.

UV reflectors

UV reflectors are used to scatter UV light so that it cannot penetrate the skin. This process, normally, is dependent on the physical size of the sunscreen particles. Therefore, when applied, these ingredients are thicker and opaque. UV reflectors are exceptionally effective in blocking UVA radiation. However, the thick application that is necessary, tend to plug the pores of the skin and can potentially produce miliaria as a consequence of blocked sweat glands.

Once you are out of the sun, all sunscreens need to be washed from the skin thoroughly. To repair skin that has sun damage, use skin care products that replenish moisture and are rich in antioxidants. If you begin developing sun spots or age spots, maintain moisture and hydration and use products that help smooth skin tone and reduce discoloration. Your skin will be glad you did!

The Importance of Baby Sun Hats – 3 Types of Children’s Sun Hats to Give Parents Peace of Mind

Nothing makes happier, healthier children than them being outside, playing in the sun. Whilst the benefits are plenty, as parents, it is also vital that you stay aware of the potential harm from the sun’s UV rays. Baby Sun Hats are an important part of your child’s summer wardrobe and ideally your child should not be outside for any length of time without one.

Luckily, children’s sun hats now come in a wide range of styles and colors, so there is one out there to suit any occasion or taste. There are three main categories of baby sun hat to choose from and each has their merits, depending on the age of your child.

Legionnaire Hats

The legionnaire style sun hat for babies is a very popular choice for younger children, as it not only protects their head and face, but also their neck and ears. They are also very easy on the eye, usually coming in a range of striking colors, to help make your baby look adorable on the beach.

Bucket Hats

Bucket hats are a good example of older kids sun hats, where the styles and colors are perhaps more fashionable, whilst still having the practicality of the downwards sloping brim to protect their eyes and face. A hat that looks good is important at this age, as they are likely to want to wear a fashionable, stylish bucket hat without any fuss and getting them protection from the sun is of course key.

Toddler Sun Hats with UV protection

It is now possible to buy sun hats for babies, which are made from material that is UPF50+ rated. The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the fabric. UPF50+ is the highest rating that can be applied to clothing and essentially means that the fabric blocks 98% of the suns harmful rays.

As well as classic hats and caps, you should also be able to find both the legionnaire and bucket styles available in UPF50+ fabric, and the extra protection offered tends to give parents even more peace of mind.  Of course, it is important that you choose your toddler sun hat with care and from a recognised brand.

Baby sun hats you can trust

You do not want to risk your child’s safety when it comes to purchasing children’s sun hats. Kids sun hats are generally not expensive anyway, so there is no benefit in trying to get something cheap, as the chances are it will not protect your child properly.