When you think sun safety, applying sunscreen before heading outside might come to mind. But did you know there are steps you should take to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation when you’re inside, too?
That’s right! UVB rays, the primary sunburn ray, are largely blocked by glass. However, more than 50% of UVA rays, the main cause of premature skin aging and a contributor to the development of skin cancer, can penetrate glass.
And your skin isn’t the only thing that could be harmed by the sun’s rays that enter your home. Over time, UV rays can also cause fading, discoloration and damage to materials like wood, leather and textiles.
What’s more, even on cloudy days, your skin and belongings are vulnerable to UV rays that come through your windows. That’s because over 90% of UV rays can pass through light cloud cover.
In honor of UV Safety Awareness Month, let’s explore five things you can do to help protect yourself and your interiors from UV rays that enter your home.
1. Wear Sunscreen
Yes, even when you don’t plan on spending time outside, you should apply sunscreen. Use “broad spectrum” SPF 30 sunscreen on all areas of your exposed skin. You should use about two tablespoons of sunscreen every two hours.
Related: Summer Safety Tips for Seniors: From Heat to Outdoor Activities
2. Add Window Treatments
Whether you’re worried about protecting your skin, hardwood floors, upholstery, or all the above, window treatments can help. Some people opt for exterior shutters or shades, while others choose indoor options such as blackout curtains or blinds. There are many window treatments that are affordable and easy to install, so choose something that’s functional and complements your home’s style.
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3. Put Special Items in Shaded Areas
If you have items that are valuable or sentimental, such as photos, artwork, antiques or books, place them in areas of your house that don’t get much sunlight. This will help protect them from fading, curling, warping, discoloration and other damage.
4. Rearrange Furniture
By moving your furniture around every few months, you can help even out the sun exposure on different sides of your pieces. This is also a great opportunity to dust and deep clean your space and enjoy a fresh look every so often!
5. Apply Protective Treatments
UV protective treatments are another easy way to safeguard your interiors from the natural light in your home. Look for fabric spray or leather care products that are for indoor use and include UV protection. Varnish or lacquer can help protect your wooden pieces, in addition to clean and polish products with UV sunblock.
Enjoy the Natural Light in Your Home…Smartly!
While it’s important to protect yourself and your interiors from UVA rays, remember that having natural light in your home is a good thing! That’s because it can help improve your mood, reduce winter blues, boost your cognitive performance, enhance your physical activity and work ethic, lower your stress levels, help you sleep better, lower your blood pressure and more. So enjoy your home’s natural light—with the proper precautions in mind!
Want more home content? Check out our blogs, The Real Deal on Solar Panels and 10 Tips and Hacks for Saving on Your Heating Bill This Winter.
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