Fans of the outdoors know it’s important to protect their skin and eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Several apparel and sunglass manufacturers produce top-notch products such as the hooded shirt shown above. Photo provided
By Steve Waters
Sun protection is a year-round concern for South Floridians who spend time outdoors.
Choosing safe, effective products to protect your eyes and skin is an even bigger concern given the poor quality of everything from sunscreen to clothing to sunglasses.
Outerknown makes sustainable clothing for women and men and is known for its blanket shirts. The company (outerknown.com) has introduced a collection of garments that offer UPF 50+ sun protection for those who spend time in and around the water.
The men’s and women’s long sleeve sun shirts are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. The soft, comfortable shirts are quick-drying and moisture-wicking with anti-odor properties.
Men have a choice of a hooded sun shirt in three colors for additional protection. All the shirts have thumb holes to keep the sun’s rays off your hands and a hidden bungee key holder inside a sleeve cuff.
For women, Outerknown also offers the Surf Suit, ideal for surfers, snorkelers and swimmers, and the Origin One Piece bathing suit. Both are made from a blend of ultra-soft recycled Econyl nylon and spandex.
For serious sun lovers who fish, surf, dive and paddle, Outerknown offers the Kelly Slater-inspired Apex Evolution Hooded Rashguard shirt. Made of two-way stretch fabric that has a compression-like fit, the unique hood has a brim to help keep the sun’s glare out of your eyes. The company also has a Sun Polo for men that is ideal for playing golf or going out for dinner.
The Maui Jim sunglass brand (mauijim.com) has made it a priority to dispel common myths about protecting your eyes from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. The myths include:
• You need sunglasses only when it’s sunny. Ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds and reflect off the surface of the water. That’s also why you can get sunburned on a cloudy day.
• The darker the lenses, the better the protection. Lens tint does not determine UV protection; proper UVA/UVB blocking does.
• Polarized lenses are all you need for UV protection. Polarization reduces glare from reflective surfaces, but it does not automatically provide UVA/UVB protection. Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 lenses eliminate 100% of UV radiation and 99.9% of glare, which keeps your eyes from getting fatigued.
• Cheap sunglasses work just fine. Not only is the lens quality of cheap sunglasses questionable, the fit, comfort and frame materials also are suspect compared to premium sunglasses. I’ve been wearing Maui Jim’s Ho’okipa Ultra R sunglasses anytime I’m outside.
The lenses are clear and sharp, and the frames are so lightweight, it’s easy to forget that I’m wearing them. And the sunglasses are perfect for fishing because the lenses cut through glare, allowing me to see fish in the water that others with inferior eyewear cannot.
Like sunglasses, there are countless brands of sunscreen. Few of them can protect your skin safely.
Too many sunscreens, including many of the best-known brands, contain chemicals that block the sun’s rays but are harmful to the human body and marine life.
Among the safest alternatives are mineral-based sunscreens like those offered by Dermatone (dermatone.com).
Dermatone’s SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide to deliver broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Many mineral sunscreens can feel thick, chalky or difficult to rub in. Dermatone Mineral Sunscreen’s lightweight, non-greasy formula spreads easily, absorbs comfortably and leaves skin feeling smooth without a heavy residue.
The sunscreen contains aloe, vitamins C, B3 and E, and is fragrance free. It’s also reef safe, so you can swim and dive while wearing it without harming the region’s coral reefs.
Unlike so many other sunscreens, it does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Those ingredients can kill coral larvae and have a negative effect on fish, sea turtles and other sea life while also being absorbed into human skin and disrupting the endocrine system.
Outdoors writer Steve Waters can be reached at steve33324@aol.com.
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