The burning question: Sunscreen or umbrella?

Sunscreen vs. umbrella?

Living in the Sunshine State, the heated debate between what offers more protection-, sunscreen or an umbrella, is the burning question many Floridians would love to know the answer to.

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According to Tech Times, Dr. Hao Ou- Yang, who holds a doctorate in chemistry, conducted a random study with his colleagues to see which form of sun protection would be more effective. 

 

Out of the 81 individuals who participated in the study, 40 used SPF 100 sunscreen and 41 used an umbrella to protect themselves. The participants were asked to spend three and a half hours midday at a sunny beach for a few days. 

 

The final result: Published on the JAMA Dermatology page, the study found that the umbrella provided less effective sun protection than the SPF 100 sunscreen.

 

Though the umbrella will block direct UV rays, it does not block scattered or diffused UV rays. Even though the SPF sunscreen had a more effective result, neither method completely prevented sunburn. 

 

The best way to prevent sunburn is to think of a combination of measures for protection according to Ou-Yang. 

In the meantime, get your umbrellas and SPF 100 ready before summer rolls around. 

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