How a Pergola Can Enhance Sun Protection

Jul 6, 2022

Sun protection is one of the most important benefits of polycarbonate pergola covers. 

plastic pergola cover protecting from sun on a patio

Most dermatologists throughout the United States agree on one thing: the sun can wreak havoc on your skin. Skin cancer, age spots, and wrinkles can all be blamed on the sun, according to researchers.

Ironically, vitamins from the sun offer incomparable physical and mental health benefits as well. When you feel good and look good, you’re more likely to be happy and treat yourself well. In the long run, that would improve your overall health and possibly even your skin.

So isn’t all of this contradictory? If being in the sun is both dangerous and beneficial, what gives? What do you do?

No one is saying you should avoid the sun completely, but it is important to protect yourself when you’re in the sun.

In other words, don’t take away your love of the sun and the Great Outdoors. Instead, incorporate some steps into your routine as well as some fun sun protection features into your life.

Sun Protection Tips & Suggestions

1. Use sunscreen/sunblock properly.

Whenever you spend time outdoors, even if you’re inside of a vehicle or under shelter, apply sunblock liberally and repeatedly throughout the day.  

According to various studies, most adults don’t use nearly enough sunscreen or apply it as often as they should. Most adults need about 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to fully cover their entire body, according to a post on the American Academy of Dermatology website.

Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher and offer water resistance. Apply the sunscreen about 15-20 minutes before going outdoors or swimming. Remember to use the sunblock on all areas of your skin, and don’t forget your ears. When you’re outdoors, reapply the sunscreen every two hours.

2. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses.

Whenever you’re in the sun or driving, wear wide sunglasses with UV protection.

Protect your skin as well by wearing a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and pants if possible, especially if you expect to spend several hours in the sun. When you’re on the beach, at the park, at an amusement park, hiking, and so on, wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep yourself cooler and safer.

3. Use extra caution near items that reflect the sun.

Water and sand can reflect the rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn. If you happen to be in an area where there’s snow on the ground, remember that you can be burned in that climate as well, both from the sun and the reflection of the rays.

4. Remember that you can be burned even when it’s cloudy.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the clouds. In other words, you need that sunscreen when it’s cloudy too.

Continue to Enjoy the Outdoors with Sun Protection Pergolas

As long as you do protect yourself, spending time outdoors can enhance your life in multiple ways. Adding a sun protection pergola can provide you with the best of both worlds: soaking in the benefits of the outdoors but not the dangers.

sun shining on a pergola cover on a rooftop

Sitting within a pergola is also approximately 15 degrees cooler than it is under the sun, so in addition to protection from the sun’s rays, you can enjoy the outdoors more comfortably all year.

In addition to the above tips, dermatologists recommend seeking shade when appropriate. Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And here’s a fun way to tell the time: If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade within that pergola.

Are you ready for the best of both worlds right in your backyard? Contact us for a quote or to learn more about our pergola cover installation services!