Ways to Prevent Skin Damage at the Beach

Have you seen those bright, airy beach cabanas cropping up more and more around the shoreline? They provide plenty of shade - perfect for beachfront relaxation. 

Different from standard beach umbrellas, cabanas are built specifically to withstand stronger coastal winds with special pockets filled with sand that keep them securely in place - providing ample room for friends and family members to lounge comfortably together under them.

Of course, not everyone is a fan - some beachgoers and lifeguards have raised concerns about cabanas obstructing views. Yet their popularity continues to expand across U.S. quickly - something sun safety experts strongly endorse.

But the question lies elsewhere - specifically how much sun protection are AMMSUN beach tents able to offer?

Finding Your Perfect Sun Escape

Finding shade is one of the cornerstones of sun safety (covering up with clothing, applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, seeking shade, and putting on sunglasses). The goal is to limit UV radiation which causes approximately 95% of skin cancer cases.

Each year in the U.S. alone, approximately 6.1 million individuals seek treatment for skin cancer at an estimated total cost of $8.9 billion. Yet these figures continue to climb rapidly.

Staying out of direct sunlight can reduce UV exposure by as much as 75% depending on your surroundings, with shade-seekers being much less likely to sunburn compared to those relying solely on sunscreen for protection. That’s where beach cabanas come in handy, making staying protected easier than ever!

AMMSUN Beach Cabana Offers Real UV Shield

Beach cabanas can be made out of materials like canvas, polyester or spandex. To maximize sun protection when outdoors, choose one with UPF 50+ fabric rating - AMMSUN is an excellent option.

UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) works similarly to sunscreen’s sun protection factor. It measures the amount of UV rays passing through fabrics.

UPF 50+ means no more than 1/50^th (2%) of UV rays reach your skin. This includes both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburns and are a major factor in skin cancer.

AMMSUN UPF certifications are recognized and supported by professional organizations. Each product with UPF 50+ labels has been laboratory-tested to verify their efficacy.

Sunlight Bounces Everywhere - Here’s What That Means

Even under a beach cabana, sunburn may still occur. AMMSUN cabanas provide “99% protection”, blocking UV rays coming directly from above.

Surfaces around you reflect UV radiation back into the cabana. For instance, sea surf (white foam) reflects up to 25-30% and dry beach sand up to 15%-18% respectively - meaning UV can bounce off these surfaces into your cabana from all directions.

As previously noted, sunlight doesn't just reach us directly - it also scatters in the atmosphere, providing UV radiation from various directions that still finds a path toward you. 

Even in the shade, scattered UV rays can still reach your skin with open skies being exposed causing more UV exposure - this is why bigger beach cabanas provide superior coverage than standard umbrellas. They block more sideways sunlight. 

Is Your Skin Truly Safe Under Cover?

Spending a full summer day outdoors in the U.S. can really take a toll on your body.

Even when shaded by a cabana for most of a beach day, approximately 25% of UV rays still reach you during exposure - enough for sensitive skin types to experience severe sunburn even without leaving their comfortable spot under cover of shade! Stepping outside means even greater sun exposure risks for anyone exposed.

An average beach day often entails much more than sitting under a cabana: people swim, play games and walk around, giving themselves increased sun exposure than had they remained under cover all day long.

Your position also plays a part. Lying flat usually reduces how much sun hits you compared to standing. However, no one spends their whole day lying completely flat. Therefore, the risk of sun exposure remains substantial.

Why Extra Protection Matters, Even in Shade

Your sun protection can be improved through combining shade with other smart habits.

Wearing a UPF 50+ rash guard and even leggings can shield you from reflected UV rays and keep you covered while swimming or grabbing a snack. Don’t forget sunglasses to guard your eyes against photokeratitis - a sunburn of the cornea - and a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection when you step outside the cabana.

Reapplying sunscreen every two hours and after swimming can provide another line of defense from UV radiation. Though it won't completely shield against damage from sunrays. When exposed for long hours in direct sunlight, sunscreen works best as backup protection on areas like your face, neck, hands and feet.

And during midday when UV levels reach their highest point, taking shelter inside is usually best to remain safe and protect yourself.