This is our newest Blog at www.beachmums.online
When it comes to choosing shade to protect you from UV, there's more to it than meets the eye.
Even when we try and protect our self from the Sun's UV by sitting under shade it's not always a foolproof way of protecting your skin from sunburn. We get burnt in two ways. 1. Directly from the sun's radiation and 2. Indirectly via the reflection from the sun bouncing off reflective surfaces ie) sand, concrete and even in some cases Grass.
So basically when we sit underneath say an Umbrella or tarp it is still possible to get burnt by reflective indirect UV.
Shade is fantastic and much better then suffering sunburn from direct UV rays from the sun. However, some beach goers may still be surprised when they get home with a pink face or legs even after sitting under the shade of a tree, Tarp or Umbrella.
Even if you sit underneath a HUGE beach umbrella you are not 100% covered from the Sun's UV. In fact you are only 50% covered as you will still be effected by the indirect UV from the reflective surface of Sand and or Water. This means it is about as effective as a sunscreen with an SPF of 2.
If it is possible; try and place your umbrella under other shade like Trees, bushes, a building or anything else that is nearby. This will not only add extra protection from above but also shield you from any other reflective surfaces surrounding your beach position.
A better option to the Umbrella is the Beach tent. It has extra protection including three sides and a roof. It only exposes one side to the sand and water. BUT alot better then an open area surrounding a beach umbrella where you are exposed on all sides.
If you can see 360 degrees around you from sitting under your beach umbrella that means you will be exposed by all of that open space.
A city environment with many tall buildings cutting out most of the direct sunlight is ideal sun protection but gee who wants to spend their time in a concrete jungle?
The more shade available then obviously the better protected you will be. As long as you are not sitting right at the edge of the sunshade. Children and babies are much better being positioned within the center of the sunshade.
There are so many beach tents available on the market today. Just make sure they have a high UV filter and are big enough to protect your entire family from getting burnt.
Please feel free to have a look at our huge range of Beach tents and sun protection in our Online Beach Mum's Store. Where we cater for the entire family in one place.
Thanks for sharing and caring.
Chat soon - Serena Beach Mum of FOUR.
