Parasols? Yes, those dainty 18th-century sunshades, designed to protect a lady’s skin from the scourge of sun damage, are back “in”. Here on the Pacific Rim it is quite common to see the modern parasol in action, doing its bit to offer a little old-fashioned protection against UV radiation.
Why not give portable shade a try? If you’re so inclined, consider these 3 tips:
- UV filtering: choose your parasol’s material as you would cover-up clothing. A tight weave, particularly a UV filtering fabric, is best.
- Reflection: while a parasol will protect you from UV rays above, remember that reflected light, particularly off water, snow and slick surfaces such as glass carries as much skin-damaging power as direct sunlight.
- Insurance: Just in case, wear a good sunscreen. A parasol won’t be able to protect your skin from sunlight while you’re in a car, for instance. For a look at the full range, visit our sunscreen department.
Whether or not you choose to make your fashion statement with a parasol, the resurgence of these devices is a sign of the times: sun damage is just not cool.
