How much sun penetrates through parasols?

Most people feel safe from the sun when they simply stay in the shade. Free from sunscreen, free from the sun’s warm rays, and free from sunglasses or squinting eyes. It is wonderful to lie under a parasol, but the problem is that you are not safe from the sun’s rays at all, even though it may seem that way.

You shield yourself from the sun, yes! But the sun’s rays are tricky, and that means you only shield yourself from about half of the sun’s rays. But how can that be? The sun’s rays are reflected in almost everything they hit, so you continue to be exposed to the strong UV radiation.

Can you get sunburned under a parasol?

Perhaps you have experienced it yourself? Lying safely in the shade all day only to come home and discover that you have actually turned as red as a tomato. If you lie under a parasol by the pool in the garden or perhaps on a sunbed under a parasol on the beach, the sun’s rays will be reflected in the sand and water and indirectly hit your body under the shade of the parasol.

Here it is also necessary to take into account the condition of the fabric. It can be anything from thickness, color, and finishing that affects how much sunlight penetrates. As a rule of thumb, we will always recommend that you protect yourself from the sun in the same way you would if you were to stay directly in the sun’s rays.

How do you secure a parasol with the most protection possible?

You can benefit from choosing a parasol with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF measures the amount of UV rays that penetrate the parasol’s material and reach the skin. This is often indicated in the description when you purchase a new parasol.

It is a good idea to choose a parasol with a UPF factor of 50+ to achieve the maximum protection.

Get control of your sun protection with a parasol

The shade is your best friend when you want to avoid the sun’s rays – but a stay under the parasol can rarely manage on its own. Just as sunscreen can’t always save you from a sunburn when you’re lying and baking in the sun, a parasol can’t always save you either. Therefore, you should always apply sunscreen, even if you’re lying in the shade.

If you are not a fan of sunscreen, you can also wear a bit of extra clothing when you are under the umbrella. A pair of slightly longer shorts and a T-shirt can work wonders – especially if you have already become a little red.

Get ready for the sun’s sharp rays

The function of the parasol is therefore more convenient than it is practical. It is certainly pleasant to have shade, so you avoid lying drenched in sweat due to the sun’s warm rays, but it cannot replace all the other measures we should take to protect our skin in the blazing sun and the strong UV rays.