Sun Umbrellas: Are UV Parasols Effective in Skin Lightening?

Are sun umbrellas effective in whitening skin? If you stay out of sunlight, you will definitely have whiter and fairer skin. Indeed, because one of the effects of sunlight on the skin is skin cell damage which further causes the formation of scars, spots and discolorations. Extreme sun exposure has its own share of disadvantages and harmful effects, but oftentimes, we are not aware of how exactly we are going to protect ourselves from it.

In an effort to protect ourselves from the scorching sunlight, we don big hats, long sleeves and sunglasses. However, are all of these effective methods? One of the possible alternatives to these protective ways is by the use of sun umbrellas. Sun umbrellas, also known as parasols or sun shields, are now popular in Asian countries but they are being used in the US as well.

So our question is: which of these methods are more effective in keeping our skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays? Read on!

 

Types of UV Light

Before we delve deeper into how sun umbrellas can protect us from UV light and lighten our skin, we should first know the different types of ultraviolet (UV) light.  There are basically two types of UV light: long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA light can penetrate the skin deeply and can easily bring about skin wrinkling, early aging and loss of skin elasticity.

UVB rays are more harmful because they can cause sunburn.

 

The Role of Sunscreens

We can protect ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun by using sunscreen for long periods of time. Sunscreens can effectively block the harmful rays of the sun. You can use a broad spectrum SPF 60 UVA/UVB sunblock product and apply it at least two hours. Currently, there is no sunscreen product that can block 100% of the sun’s harmful rays, even though SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98% of those harmful rays.

Thus, there is always a need for more effective ways that can block the sun’s harmful rays more than applying sunscreens. Applying sunscreens every 2 hours is a hassle, especially if you’re out on the sun for an extended period of time.

 

UV Sun Umbrellas

Currently, the hassle that goes with applying sunscreen several times a day is the reason why manufacturers began inventing UV sun umbrellas or UV sun parasols. These UV parasols, one of which is the BRELLI, is a perfect alternative to sunscreen. You don’t have to apply something in your skin but you are sure to be protected under its canopy.

Not all sun umbrellas have UV protection. A usual parasol will only block 85 to 90% of the sun’s rays. UV umbrellas, on the other hand, can protect you from the harmful rays of the sun by 99%. This is very favourable for people who are at high risk of getting skin cancer.

So what are the benefits of the UV sun umbrella?  First of all, UV sun parasols are a perfect alternative to sunscreens. Sunscreens have their own disadvantages, such as allergies to its components. Plus, you always have to apply it to your skin every now and then for you to be protected. But you can also wear sunscreen while using a UV sun umbrella.

 

Can a Sun Umbrella Whiten Your Skin?

Yes, especially combined with other whitening methods because it essentially keeps you from darkening. Studies have shown that shades like umbrellas can in fact, block a significant portion of the sun’s harmful rays and can defy skin aging and decrease melanin formation, which in turn can lighten your skin. But this is still dependent on a lot of factors such as the umbrella’s material and its size. Those umbrellas that are made of dark, opaque and heavy material and those that are larger are the ones that can most effectively block out the sun’s harmful rays. The larger the umbrella, the more sun rays it can block, and the fairer you will become.

 

How to Choose A Sun Umbrella

There are many sun umbrellas in the market nowadays, but the idea is to choose the one that is most effective in blocking UV rays from the sun. Choose a UV sun umbrella because it can effectively block UV rays as high as 99%.

One such umbrella is the UV-Blocker UV Protection Compact Cooling Sun Blocking Umbrella. This UV umbrella is approved by the Melanoma International Foundation as effective tools in the battle against skin cancer and a leader in sun safety. It has a UPF of 55+, which means that it will keep your skin safe and protected from over 99% of UVA and UVB rays. This umbrella also claims to make you stay 15 degrees cooler with their patented Double Canopy Vented Mesh System. Airflow allows heat to escape through the unique ventilation design of each umbrella. Its unique water and sun repellent design will keep you dry on rainy days, yet cool from the hot summer.

Another thing that you have to remember is that you have to choose an umbrella that has a colour that will match most of your sunny outfits.  If you want a look that glamorous an fun try the Honeystore Vintage Lace UV Sun Parasol Folding 3D Flower Embroidery Umbrella to get that Victorian look.  It comes in an assortment of beautiful colors.  Always coordinate you accessories for the best look.

 

The Verdict

All in all, sun umbrellas are an effective and hassle-free way of protecting your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. Sun protection can also avoid skin cell damage which is a cause of scarring, aging and pigmentation in the skin. Sun umbrellas can prevent the formation of sun spots and other blemishes, therefore they can be an effective way of lightening your skin.