I always look forward to Spring and summer, It is so lovely to get some sunshine and enjoy lovely weather, but too much or too strong sun exposure can be harmful so I look for ways to enjoy the sun safely.
One way we can protect ourselves is to wear a hat. However although we can wear any ordinary hat, if we want the best sun protection it is better to buy one with added sun protection built in to the fabric. Most are factor 50 which is excellent sun protection.
Sun safety is very important and a Sun Hat with built in sun protection can be very helpful. As summer arrives and the temperatures rise and the Ultra violet (UV) factors also rise we should all be more aware of keeping ourselves safe in the sun.
My husband and I always wear a Sun Protection Hat now and it really makes a huge difference to how we feel when out about about in the sun, we feel much more protected and cooler.
What Are UPF Protection Sunhats?
UPF sunhats are designed with tightly woven materials and special treatments to block harmful UV rays. They are better than a standard hat in this respect and offer more protection.
A short explanation is that we are used to hearing Sun Protection Factor SPF in sunscreens, but in clothing and sun hats you may see UPF which means Ultraviolet Protection Factor.
UPF measures the level of Ultra violet radiation the fabric permits to get through to our skin.
UPF 50 in a sun hat blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and protects us from UVA which are the ones that age us and UVB which are the ones that burn. You may still see them advertised as SPF or UPF and should look for factor 50 ideally.
They are available in a very wide variety of styles for men, women and children. Styles include wide brimmed which are my favourite, baseball caps, bucket hats, beach hats, travel hats, stylish hats and some corded to keep them on in windy conditions. Some are plain, some pretty, others two tone so you can have a two in one hat, some very practical, others more decorative but all offering you added sun protection.
A range of colours are available from blues, pinks, creams, greens, black and many others so there is sure to be a colour that you like.
Women's Travel Beach Hat with Chin Cord - UPF 50 Sun ProtectionCheck Price
Why Do We Need A UPF/SPF Sun HAT?
Most offer sun protection to our scalp, hair and face. If the brim is wide enough it can also give protection to our eyes, ears and neck.
Sunscreen on the face and head needs reapplying often, can cause allergic reactions and can rub off during the day. For many people it is more difficult to apply to your head and not perhaps very comfortable and may be greasy or tacky. By wearing a Sun protection hat we cover all bases by being sun safe and maybe a little cooler. Yes hats can blow off or be taken off, but as long as the person keeps the hat on, perhaps with an adjustable chin strap, it gives all day protection.
Some medications can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight and you may be advised to keep your skin covered while taking them. Always check with your doctor, but if advised to avoid the sun, a wide brimmed SPF sun hat may be a very useful accessory to protect you while going about your day.
Some health conditions make exposure to the sun inadvisable. Your doctor is the best person to advise you, but if they approve wearing a wide brimmed SPF sun hat may be useful to help you go about your day more safely.
Sun Protection hats can really help us by protecting our skin from the sun, helping to shield us from burning or damage by the suns rays and even serious cases of skin cancer on the head and neck. My friend got skin cancer on her head despite having thick hair. She never wore a hat all summer both home or abroad. After having surgery for the skin cancer, she does now.
If you cannot wear sun screen due to allergies and still want to go out during summer, a sun hat is essential to protect your scalp, face and neck. Due to allergic reactions to sun creams and other creams and cosmetics I am unable to apply sunscreen. I have very fair sensitive skin which does not tan easily, so it is vital to me to wear a SPF sun hat at all times when the sun is out from Spring to Autumn to protect my skin.
Many sun creams contain chemicals which not only can irritate the face, eyes and skin but the chemicals may affect marine life too. A UPF/SPF sun hat may be a better option.
There is a SPF sun hat for any occasion. Whether its gardening in your own garden yard, going for a walk, days out sightseeing, dog walking, hiking, beach days or exotic holidays.
A UPF/SPF Sun Hat can make enjoying the heat and suns rays a little safer for everyone.
Wallaroo Hat Company Men’s Summit Sun Hat (Stone, Large/Extra Large) – UPF 50+, Wide BrimCheck Price
Sun Hats With SPF Benefits for Teenagers And Adults
- A sunhat with added sun protection can be fashionable, sporty, practical, even stylish. You can always add a ribbon or brooch to the hat if its too plain for you or you like to individualise it.
- If the brim is wide enough, it can protect your face against sun skin ageing and from the skin going red and sore or getting burns.
- A sun hat may help make up look better for longer.
- AN SPF sunhat is very helpful for people with fine or thinning hair as it offers protection for the skin on the scalp, as well as the face.
- UV exposure can fade hair colour so if you colour your hair it is worth wearing a good sunhat.
- If you have short hair or neck coverage is important to you there are styles with back flaps to guard the neck. It is often a difficult place to apply sunscreen thoroughly and can feel tacky or greasy if it gets in your hair.
- An SPF sun hat is great for people who like to be active and outdoors. There are hats suitable for hiking, gardening, fishing and many sports. I always wear a Sun Protection hat while I am gardening and out walking in nature in the summer.
- I find an SPF sunhat with a wide brim also keeps me cooler.
Benefits for Babies And Children
- Children have more delicate thinner skin and it is important to protect it from the suns rays.
- It might not be the easiest task to keep reapplying sun screen especially to a child's scalp, neck and face, but a hat with a strap to keep it on may work.
- Children generally like to be active and a SPF Sunhat will help to protect their face, eyes, head and neck from sun damage and burning while they have fun, play or watch sport.
- If a child grows up to feel that it is normal to wear sun protective hats and clothing, they will hopefully continue to wear them. It keeps their skin protected from damage now and also perhaps guard against serious skin damage and cancers later in life.
Points To Consider In A Sun HAT
Ensure it has UPF factor fabric, ideally Factor 50.
Check the brim width is suitable for your protection needs and your activities.
Choose the colour and style
Choose the size - for this you will likely need to measure around the head above the ears then check with the size charts.
Is the Hat adjustable to your head
Especially if you travel a lot does it fold up or lie flat for packing
Is it reversible - useful for travel, or if you want to buy only one hat.
When it arrives is it comfortable for you to wear for long periods of time.
Does it have a chin strap, a detachable one is useful to make it more versatile.
Is it washable or wipeable to keep it clean.
My favourite features in a sun hat include a wide brim to give some shade and more protection, an adjustable chin strap so that there is less likelihood it blows off in the wind and also gives me the strap to hold it with over my wrist if I don't need it on.
I like a choice of colours and I do like a two tone reversible so I get two hats in one which is great for travel. I like when they are packable and foldable as well or at least lie flat.
There is a Sun Protection Sun Hat that will suit every person and they do make a thoughtful gift.
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Reviewing The Benefits of Sun Protection Hats for Adults and Children by Raintree Annie
