Sun Protection Without Sunscreen

It’s not certain, as yet, how the Sinulog day will turn out to be – whether gloomy

or sunny. If it’s going to be showery on that day, an umbrella

and raincoat should be handy. But if it’s going to be fiercely

sunny, it’s another story.

On a hot sunny day a hat or an umbrella may not be enough. It’s still possible to get the sun’s harmful rays by reflection when the rays strike on surfaces. It may seem like wearing sunscreen is the only way to get protected.

Sunscreen shields the body from cancercausing UV rays, so it's important to slather it on when going outside. That's especially true at the beach, at the pool and at the Sinulog parade route – water, sand, and the concrete street reflect sunlight, so one is more likely to get burned without protection.

But if you left the sunscreen at home, there's no need to miss out on any outdoor activities. You can prevent getting a sunburn by staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing.

Step 1. Wear long-sleeved clothes when you go outdoors. Pants and a long-sleeved shirt shield your body from the sun's rays; darker colors protect skin better than light ones. If you're at the beach or pool and can't wear long-sleeved clothes, cover your torso with a long T-shirt.

Step 2. Wash clothes with a UV-repellent laundry detergent. These detergents coat clothing with microscopic crystals. The crystals prevent UV rays from penetrating the fabric and getting to your skin.

Step 3. Put on a wide-brimmed hat before heading out in the sun. Your face burns easily, so it's important to shade it with a hat, especially if you're not applying sunscreen. Don't use straw hats; they have small holes that let sunlight through.

Step 4. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays. Opt for wrap-around sunglasses for the best protection.

Step 5. Sit in the shade as often as you can when you're outdoors. Look for shade under an awning or tree. At the pool or beach, sit under a large umbrella.

Step 6. Avoid going outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The sun's rays are strongest during this time period.

If you want to make your own natural sun repellent, combine half cup almond oil, one-fourth cup beeswax and one-fourth cup coconut oil in a glass bowl. Mix in two tablespoons Shea butter, two tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide powder and one teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Melt the ingredients in the microwave, or place the bowl over a pot of hot water on the stove. Stir the ingredients together, then let the mixture cool in the refrigerator for one hour. Apply as you would your regular sunscreen. Re-apply every two hours.

Caution: You can still get a sunburn even when it's cloudy or cold outside. It's also possible to get burned when you're under the water. UV rays can even penetrate glass.