4 Sun Hats to Protect Your Skin From UV Rays

Image: Shutterstock

The importance of sun safety

For years, we’ve known the sun can damage your skin. And while our favorite star keeps us warm and provides beneficial Vitamin D, it’s important to limit its ultraviolet (UV) rays as much as possible. Of course, sunscreen is a daily essential. But there are additional ways you can reduce your UV exposure. You might seek shade or stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day. Sun-protective clothing, like a good hat, offers extra protection.

For many, donning a hat is an easy way to prevent harmful UV rays from reaching areas of the skin. That’s why Ava Shamban, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Monica, California, and author of Heal Your Skin, includes a sun hat stand in her office’s reception area.

She tells her clients that any hat is better than no hat at all, and when you are considering your sun-protective strategy, hats are a priority.

(Related: A Sweaty Gal’s Guide to Sunscreen)

Image: Shutterstock

Sun clothing for protection

The fabric of sun-protective clothing is woven tightly and is sometimes coated with a protective layer that’s specially treated to filter ultraviolet rays. Although any barrier covering the skin provides some sun protection, specific sun-protective clothing with a UPF of 50 will block out 98 percent of harmful rays. UPF, which stands for ultraviolet protection factor, is the measure of UV protection a fabric provides. The rating depends on the fibre density, thread count, and other factors, like special treatment with UV-inhibiting ingredients. It indicates how much UV radiation passes through the fabric to your skin.

(Related: 8 Simple Tricks to Better Protect Yourself From the Sun)

Image: Shutterstock

What to look for in a sun hat

Two factors make a big difference in how effectively a sun hat shields you from punishing UV rays: how much skin it covers and how much UV light it blocks.

Buy a wide-brimmed hat

The brim, or border, of the hat, should cover as much skin as possible. Front-brimmed hats, like baseball caps and visors, only shade the eyes, not the skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a three-inch brim circumference or at least a three-inch bill with a permanently attached drape covering the ears and neck. The wider the brim, the more skin protection, so feel free to embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn.

“Luckily, many fashion hats are now embracing the fact that SPF is a key factor,” Dr. Shamban says.

Focus on UPF

In addition to the brim, pay attention to the UPF rating. According to the official Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation, your best bet is to opt for a UPF of at least 30.

Double up

“Don’t forget to include sunglasses to protect your eyes,” says Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare in New York. “The skin around your eyes is very thin, sensitive, and prone to wrinkling.” Donning sunglasses along with a hat adds extra protection.

(Related: 8 Simple Tricks to Better Protect Yourself From the Sun)

Image: shutterstock

Best sun hats for sun protection

Before you hit the beach, get to work in the garden, or go for a leisurely walk outside, invest in a sun hat. It’s one of the best skin habits to follow. The following picks are good option for coverage, UV protection, and style.

Image: Coolibar

Coolibar Women’s Etta Shapeable Sun Catcher Hat UPF 50+

US$49, coolibar.com

Coolibar is known for its sun-protective hats, and it’s one of Dr. Marmur’s favorite brands. This fabric hat covers the delicate decolletage, is packable, and is made from a lightweight and breathable fabric with a UPF 50+ rating.

The faux lace detail under the brim makes it feel more feminine. The neck drawstring also makes it perfect for boating or other outdoor activities.

(Related: 6 Best Sunscreens for People with Dark Skin Tones)

Image: Columbia

Columbia Women’s PFG Sun Drifter II Hat

$37 – 40, amazon.ca

Dr. Marmur says that the ears and back of the neck are vulnerable to the sun and one of the most common places for people to forget to apply sunscreen. This hat from Columbia has a three-inch brim in the front and a four-inch brim in the back to ensure extra coverage of the neck. An added plus is the wired brim, which allows you to bend the brim into the shape you want.

(Related: 12 Best Bathing Suit Cover-Ups for Every Summer Style)

Image: Sunday Afternoon

Sunday Afternoons Women’s Clear Creek Boonie Reversible Sun Hat

$56, sundayafternoons.ca

This fabric hat from Sunday Afternoons has a three-inch brim and chin straps to keep it in place. It’s reversible, so there are two colors in one hat. And when it gets dirty, simply hand wash and air dry. Sunday Afternoon is another of Dr. Shamban’s favorite brands. The UPF 50+ rating makes it a smart choice for UV protection. Shamban believes it’s important to keep packable hats in the glove compartment of your car for the times when the sun peeks out unexpectedly.

(Related: 7 Beauty Products That Will Tend to All Your Foot Woes This Summer )

Image: Ushake

UShake Outdoor Fishing Hat with Face Neck Flap Cover

$25, amazon.ca

Many people don’t wear hats at all, but Dr. Marmur says those who do forget their nose, upper lip, jawline, neck, and ears. This UShake hat is sure to cover all of those parts.

The unisex hat has many moving parts so that you can add or remove them according to your comfort level and sun-protection needs. It’s great for all-day wear as the sun changes its position and damages your skin.

Next, this is how to sweat less this summer.