Prepping is all about protecting, including protecting your skin from the sun. If you leave your home, you'll likely spend more time outdoors than normal. The more exposure your skin receives, the more damage it can suffer from sun exposure.
Long-term, sun exposure means lines, wrinkles, spots and skin cancer. The short-term effect is a nasty sunburn. Naturally, most people evacuating their homes seek shelter; however, en route, a wide-brimmed, foldable hat and large sunglasses can offer portable shade.
A white, cotton t-shirt provides only 5 to 8 rating for ultra-violet protection (UVP), meaning about 20 percent of UV rays get through. Darker colors offer a little more protection. If you burn easily, pack performance clothing with UVP rating, which is specially made to boost its protection.
Sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours. Any sun protection factor (SPF) rating higher than 30 is no more effective. Sunscreen lower than 30 doesn't provide the ultimate protection.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using broad-spectrum products that protect against UVA and UVB rays. A "sport" sun screen won't run in your eyes when you sweat. Some brands offer bug repellent in the same formula, which can save room. If you have sensitive skin, try a sun screen before packing it in your bug-out bag.
Don't forget to cover areas such as the backs of your ears, the part in your hair and the backs of your hands. The average adult needs a shot glass full to cover exposed skin when wearing shorts and a t-shirt. If only your face is exposed, you need a blob the size of a quarter.
Keep in mind that sunscreen, like many other items from the medicine cabinet, expires. Most is good for about 18 months, so keep an eye on your stock.
The body naturally generates vitamin D through unprotected exposure to sunlight. About 20 minutes of exposure three times per week does the trick for most people.
