Camping exposes you to the elements, and since sunlight is the primary cause of the majority of skin cancers, you need to protect your skin. UV radiation destroys DNA cells by burning and reddening the skin. You need to be aware of UV radiation and how they might harm your health.
When exposed between 10 am and 4 pm, you should be well-protected and well-hydrated because UV rays are at their strongest. Three categories can be used to classify UV rays:
UVA radiation ages skin cells, alters their DNA, and plays a significant role in photoaging, or the wrinkling of the skin. Beware of reflective surfaces like water, snow, sand, or ice as they can reflect up to 80% of the rays and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays account for 95% of UV radiation that reaches the surface of the Earth and are particularly intense during the day. They can pass through clouds, tents, and glass.
Although UVC photons are the most harmful, they are not currently known to cause skin cancer since they cannot penetrate the ozone layer.
Your genes, how much time you spend in the sun, and the how you protect your skin with clothing, sunscreen, etc. can all affect your chance of developing skin cancer. You can make sure you have the appropriate cover by using the table below.
| Skin Complexion | Effects | Recommended SPF |
| Very Fair | Burns easily; Never tans | 30-50+ |
| Fair | Always burns easily; Minimal tan | 30-50+ |
| Light | Burns moderately; eventually tans | 15-30 |
| Medium | Burns minimally; always tans | 6-15 |
| Dark | Rarely burns; easily tans | 2-10 |
| Very Dark | Never burns; pigmented | 2-10 |
You will need more than evil eye bracelets to ward off the unwanted health effects of the sun!
Invest in a UV Sun Shade Tent or a UV Canopy to keep your skin healthy. Safeguarding your skin is essential for your personal and family health.