Protective Sun-Wear Tips for Clients

Jul 22nd, 2013

While you’re advising guests about the proper use of SPF, don’t forget to mention protective sun-wear—especially during hot summer months!

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You can’t overstate the importance of SPF in shielding the skin. But while you’re urging your esthetics clients to slather on the product generously and repeatedly, remind them that they can significantly boost the protection factor with a little bit of smart dressing. Don’t let them hit the beach or tennis court without hearing these tips:

• Don’t go brimless. A simple baseball cap will not offer adequate protection from the sun’s ray. Look for hats with a 2- to 4-inch brim to cast shadows on the face and neck. And canvas or tightly woven cotton will shield you better than straw.

• Wrap it up. The sun isn’t only hard on the skin around your eyes—it can damage the eyes themselves. Wraparound sunglasses limit stray sunlight from reaching peepers and lenses should block 100% of UV rays and absorb most HEV (High Energy Visible) light.

• Get colorful. Pigment absorbs light, so as counter-intuitive as it might seem, don’t wear gauzy white if you want to protect your skin from the sun, or at least wear SPF underneath. A brightly colored cotton T-shirt is a safer bet.

Some outdoor clothing now carry a UPF, or UV Protection Factor rating. Though not needed by everyone, this is a good option for fair-skinned and sun-sensitive people, children, the elderly and people who live at high elevations.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, The Skin Cancer Foundation