May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and a few experts at the Cancer Center at the University of Texas are encouraging women to try a centuries-old device to help keep skin protected from damaging UV rays.
A parasol.
Wait. Seriously?
“Opening a parasol or umbrella on a blazing hot day continues to be a stylish and effective way to prevent skin cancer in many countries,” says Susan Chon, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at UT.
Parasols not only help keep women extra cool, they also protect skin from the early signs of aging. “Sadly, not many people carry parasols in the United States, but in other countries, it is a way of life,” Chon says.
Maybe she’s on to something. After all, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and more than one million cases are caused by overexposure to the sun, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Skip parasols made of paper or extremely thin cloth,” Chon says. “They offer little or no protection from the sun. Instead, get a parasol in thicker, darker colored fabric.”
Many websites that sell Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing also have fun, colorful parasols. UPF indicates how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation can penetrate the fabric in clothing. Some of these parasols block as much as 95 percent of UV rays — pretty impressive.
So what do YOU think of this centuries-old method of sun protection?
Like all Refresh You polls, this is completely anonymous. And while we don’t have any specific recommendations for parasols just yet, you can certainly find some excellent sunscreens at Dean Essentials Skin Care.
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