Protect yourself against damaging UV rays with a retractable awning from Eclipse Shading Systems.
Anyone who has spent a day at the lake knows how important protection against the sun’s rays can be. As wonderful as a warm day can feel, the sun’s rays can cause damage such as a painful sunburn. And repeated exposure can lead to skin cancer.
Even the sun worshippers among us, who get in as much sunbathing as they can, know about the value of shade. That’s why we bring umbrellas or party tents when we go to the beach. That’s why we congregate around pavilions when we spend an afternoon at the park.
We all know that the sun is a constant source of ultraviolet light that bombards your skin, which your skin either reflects or absorbs. But while some non-harmful parts of ultraviolet light, or UV rays, are reflected by your skin, any rays that are absorbed can cause a reaction in your body that leads to semi-permanent or even permanent damage.
So, let’s dig a little deeper into how sunlight, shade, and skin care all tie together, starting with the very basics.
What is Ultraviolet Light?
UV light is light of a different spectrum than that of the visible spectrum we see every day. These are the kind of rays that penetrate overcast clouds and which can cause sunburns. Most importantly, they work the same as any other type of light by being either absorbed or reflected. As with other surfaces, darker colors absorb more light than lighter colors.
When ultraviolet light hits our skin, it has a chance to be reflected immediately by the outermost layer of skin, called the stratum corneum. If the UV rays are not reflected, they move into the epidermis, or the second layer of skin. Here, your body houses a special protective pigment called melanin that is activated when it makes contact with UV rays. The melanin reacts by darkening skin, which is how sunbathers get their tans.
How Does Melanin Protect You?
In addition to helping beachgoers get their tans, melanin also plays a critical role in diffusing UV rays that have been absorbed by our bodies.
Once the ultraviolet rays reach the melanin, they are spread out across the skin by melanin. This dispersal prevents the light from reaching our DNA. If ultraviolet light was able to reach our DNA without the protection of melanin, it would be corrupted and significantly reduce our life spans.
People with darker skin who produce melanin more often are able to scatter UV rays more efficiently when exposed to sun. Those with lighter skin are less adept and scattering rays, which raises the risk of skin cancer.
Tans disappear when melanin reaches the outermost layer of skin and is sloughed off in the natural skin shedding process. Because melanin is so close to the surface, it doesn’t take long for a tan to return to your natural skin color.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
The main concerns regarding exposure to UV rays are an increased risk of skin cancer. We know that putting sunscreen on is one way to protect our skin while outdoors. But it’s not 100% effective, and it wears off over time and requires reapplication. Fortunately, this isn’t the only option when it comes to UV protection.
Aside from tanning oil and sunscreen, another way to help protect yourself and your family from harmful UV rays is to expand your outdoor living areas with the simple addition of a retractable awning from Eclipse.
Unlike sunscreen, Eclipse retractable awnings provide the ultimate UV protection by eliminating nearly all UV rays from the enclosed area. In fact, these awnings reduce sunlight and sun glare by as much as 94%, and they block out 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
That means you, your family, and your guests can all relax outside on warm, sunny days without excess sun exposure or heat. It’s safer and it’s more comfortable for everyone.
Imagine getting to enjoy the warmth of the sun without having to worry about its damaging effects. Envision transforming your patio or deck into another living room, where you can stretch out and relax. Think of how you could gain a crafting or building space, whether you’re putting together something from Pinterest or smoking some brisket for dinner.
As an added bonus, Eclipse awnings add style and flare to any home, deck, or patio. Our products are available in a number of sizes, colors, and styles to match any home or business in need of shaded space. We encourage you to check out the fabric options we offer from Sunbrella – these 100% acrylic awnings are available in more than 150 colors and patterns.
It’s important to take sun exposure seriously. That’s why we encourage every homeowner to consider adding an Eclipse retractable awning to their outdoor space. It provides an easy way to help protect again sun damage while still getting to enjoy the great outdoors.
Contact Eclipse Shading Systems at 800-501-3850 and check out our complete line of shading products! Since 2002, we’ve been helping property owners just like you rediscover a love for the outdoors. Let us help you enjoy many more days in the sun without worrying about its effect on your skin.
