When Should You Start UV Protection? A Survey of 1,000 People on Sunscreens, Parasols, and More!

Is 80% of Aging Caused by Sun Exposure?

Sagging, wrinkles, and blemishes that become more noticeable with age are often thought to be caused by aging itself, but it is said that about 80% of these problems are related to "photoaging" caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Of particular concern is a type of UV ray called UVA. UVA reaches deep into the skin, affecting the areas responsible for firmness and elasticity, which is considered a cause of sagging and wrinkles.

Furthermore, UV levels tend to rise from spring to summer, with April through August being a period that requires special caution. It is highly recommended to start taking solid UV protection measures now using sunscreen, parasols, hats, and arm covers.

Navit Co., Ltd. conducted a survey on "UV protection" among 1,000 monitor members across the country, focusing on homemakers.

"Sunscreen" is the Most Common UV Protection

When asked "What UV protection do you usually use?" (multiple choice), 680 people answered "sunscreen," followed by 515 for "parasols" and 419 for "hats/sunglasses." It appears that sunscreen is the most widely used protection.

The Area Most Concerned About UV Rays is the "Face"

When asked "Where are you most concerned about UV rays?" (1,000 respondents), "Face" topped the list at 71.2%, followed by "Arms" at 4.2% and "Neck" at 3.5%. Over 70% were most concerned about the face.

"UV Cut Effect (SPF/PA Value)" is the Top Priority When Choosing Sunscreen

When asked "What is the most important factor when choosing sunscreen?" (1,000 respondents), "UV cut effect (SPF/PA value)" was the most prioritized at 37.1%, followed by "usability" at 15.3% and "gentleness on the skin" at 13.5%.

"Prevention of Wrinkles and Blemishes" is the Main Reason for UV Protection

When asked "What are your reasons for UV protection?" (multiple choice), "Prevention of wrinkles and blemishes" was the most common at 695 people, followed by "to prevent redness or pain" at 292 and "to keep skin fair" at 253.

Recommended UV Protection Items

We conducted an open-ended question asking for "recommended items for UV protection." Here are some picked responses:

"A thin, hooded hoodie that is 99% UV-cut. Sunscreen can wear off or be applied unevenly, so a top that provides physical protection is reassuring."

"Arm covers are better than sunscreen because they prevent direct sunlight, so my skin doesn't get hurt. They also absorb sweat when I bend my elbows, and I don't have to worry about sunscreen cream leaving white marks on my black bag handles."

"Golden Cocoon Silk Powder (Tsuhan Seikatsu)... just by using it as a finishing powder for makeup or as a powder foundation, it has a high SPF 50 effect. It has a light feel but provides complete protection."

While standard items like parasols and sunscreen creams were frequently mentioned, some opinions highlight the importance of physically blocking UV rays by covering the skin directly with UV-cut hoodies or arm covers.

Are UV Levels Increasing Every Year?

According to information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency, the amount of UV rays reaching the surface of the earth has been on an increasing trend since observations began in 1990. In particular, the annual cumulative value of erythemal UV radiation observed in Tsukuba has shown an increase of 34.1 kJ/㎡ per decade.

Given this data, it may be natural that more people feel the "strength of UV rays is different from the past."

UV protection is not only necessary during long outings. Dermatologists point out that "the effects of UV rays on the skin accumulate even with a short outing of about one minute." For example, even if you go outside for just one minute a day to hang up laundry, you end up being exposed to about 6 hours worth of UV rays in a year.

"I'm just going out for a minute to hang up laundry."
"I'm just stepping out to the neighborhood."

We tend to put off UV protection thinking this way, but you should not let your guard down even during short outings. It's a good idea to incorporate sunscreen, parasols, hats, and arm covers while continuing UV protection in your daily life.