[Harumanbo Harucheonja] What Items Are Needed for Outdoor Activities in Late Summer Heat?

Although it is autumn, the late heat continues with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius even during the day. There are items that can protect your skin outdoors and help lower your body temperature even slightly.

Above all, sun protection is important. Age spots develop on skin that has been exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time. Although known as an age-related condition, pigment disorders like age spots can occur in people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Consistently applying sunscreen, known as a UV blocker, is crucial for prevention and is the easiest and most cost-effective method. Ultraviolet rays are divided into three types based on wavelength: A, B, and C. The most harmful UV-C rays are mostly blocked by the ozone layer and do not significantly affect the skin. UV-A rays penetrate deep into the skin, increasing wrinkles and melanin pigment. UV-B rays cause freckles, blemishes, and age spots, and prolonged exposure can result in sunburn.

Ozone Company's neckband fan
[Photo by Ozone Company]

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the effectiveness of blocking UV-B rays, represented by numbers from 1 to 50, with higher numbers indicating stronger protection. The PA (Protection Grade of UVA) rating shows how much UV-A rays are blocked. It is expressed as +, ++, or +++, where + means 2 to 4 times protection compared to not using sunscreen, ++ means 4 to 8 times, and +++ means more than 8 times protection. Although the difference in blocking effect between SPF15 and SPF50 seems to be more than three times, it is actually only about a 5% difference. Sunscreen is not a one-time application; it should be reapplied every 3 to 4 hours. An important fact is to wash it off as soon as possible after going outdoors. While the chemicals in sunscreen provide UV protection, if they continuously irritate the skin, they can have adverse effects.

IOPE UV Protection Sun Patch
Photo by Amorepacific

Sticker-type sun patches that stick under the eyes are also popular. They provide UV protection and a cooling sensation. It is best to use both sunscreen and sun patches together. Prices vary widely, from 2,000 won products sold at Daiso to tens of thousands of won. Cool masks that cover the face and cool scarves worn around the neck block UV rays and provide a cool and comfortable feeling. Prices vary depending on the materials such as polyester or nylon and whether the product has moisture-wicking and quick-drying functions for comfortable wear. Most can be purchased for 10,000 to 20,000 won.

Degrevi's Neck Care Product
Photo by Degrevi

There are also products that cool the neck. Neck coolers come in scarf-type products containing refrigerants that are kept in the freezer and used when going out, as well as pad-type products. Recently, ice neckbands that naturally cool below 28 degrees Celsius have become popular, with prices ranging from 20,000 won to over 100,000 won. There are also neckband fans that can be worn like necklaces. Additionally, cooling vests, cold air vests, and ice vests that contain ice or fans inside the vest are available.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.