According to Cancer Council ACT, Australia has one of the world’s highest skin cancer rates. Research also reveals that 2 out of 3 Australians will suffer some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. This is alarming data about skin cancer and that which requires immediate attention, especially since Australians are known for their love of the beach and outdoors. 

If a beach trip is part of your summer plans, make sure to pack a UV protection beach tent. This equipment is your first line of defense to enjoy the sand and surf without worries about harmful UV rays.

Can You Get Sunburnt in a Tent?

Yes, you can get sunburn even when you are in a tent or the shade. A lot of people have this misconception that as long as they have an umbrella or are under the shade, they won't have to worry about the sun's harmful effects anymore. 

Unfortunately, ultraviolet radiation from the sun can penetrate most types of materials. Even if you wear a hat, use an umbrella, or sit under a beach tent, you are still at risk of getting sunburn – or worse, skin cancer!

The harmful UV rays from the sun might not be directly in contact with your skin. However, the sun's UV rays can reflect off surfaces and bounce back onto your skin. You can retreat under an umbrella or your tent, but UV radiation can still reflect or penetrate the material of your umbrella or tent. Therefore, you must be extra careful when spending time out in the sun and ensure you get adequate protection because you are still at risk.

A UV protection beach tent is one of the best investments you could make, especially if you like spending time on the beach. With this beach essential, you can reduce the risk and enjoy your time on the beach much more. 

Do UV Tents Work?

Yes, UV protection beach tents are one of the best investments you can make if you love spending time on the beach. UV protection is one of the qualities to look for when buying a beach tent. Therefore, it is beneficial if you can find one that comes with UV protection materials to ensure that you are safe from the sun.

UV protection beach tents provide excellent shelter from the sun without worrying about the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. Given the risk of skin cancer in Australia, UV protection is a must-have feature, not just an add-on to look for when you are buying a beach tent.

For a UV beach tent to work, you must look for a rating of UPF 50+. This UV protection rating ensures that you can get maximum protection against the sun and the harmful UV radiation that it emits. Therefore, you can get a respite from the extreme heat of the sun and ensure that you won’t have to worry about sunburn or skin cancer, too. 

Aside from UV protection, you should also look for other essential features of a beach tent, such as stability. The worst thing that could happen is for the wind to blow your beach tent away, along with your personal belongings. A good beach tent must be wind resistant so that it is securely in place once you’ve pitched it. 

Other beneficial features in the best UV protection beach tents are portability (they must be lightweight enough for you to carry around) and ease of use (they should take only minutes to set up). 

What is the Best Material to Block UV Rays?

The best UV protection material for a beach tent is a microfiber lycra fabric. This material is lightweight and offers sun protection of up to UPF 50+. It is the highest possible rating for UV protection for any fabric. 

Therefore, look for beach tents that are made out of this material as it effectively reflects away the sun's radiation instead of absorbing it. With this material over your head, you can guarantee that harmful UV rays won't be able to penetrate the material. It also explains why lycra is a popular choice of fabric for swimwear and summer clothing because it offers additional sun protection. 

When comparing beach tent fabric that offers the highest sun protection, always turn to the UPF rating. This number indicates the amount of the sun's UV rays that are absorbed by the fabric instead of going into your skin. Look for a higher UPF rating because it guarantees more protection. 

Look for additional features in the beach tent fabric that can also impact UV protection. A silver coating can make the beach tent more UV protected because it allows the sun's rays to reflect off the material. A higher silver coating means that you can get more protection.

When all else fails, you can check the manufacturer's label. It will indicate the UPF rating of the material, and you can use it as a guide when buying. 

Additional Methods to Prevent Sunburn

Aside from investing in a UV protection beach tent, there are other ways to ensure that you can prevent sunburn. Follow these tips on your next beach trip.

• Always stay in the shade. Unless you are swimming or engaging in other activities, stay under the shade, such as inside your beach tent or under a beach umbrella. This solution significantly limits your exposure to harmful UV rays.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeve shirts, a hat, and sunglasses. Do this when you anticipate that you will be spending more time under direct sunlight.
• Always wear sunscreen that is SPF 15 or above to ensure protection against UV radiation. Make sure your sunscreen is water-resistant, or re-apply it after a few hours.
• You can pick a shady spot to pitch your tent (if possible). If not, you can use extra measures, such as putting a tarp over your tent for added protection. While you can buy beach tents with UV protection, no material is 100% safe from the sun's UV rays. Extra protection is always welcome. 

Ensuring you are sun-safe should always come before any pleasure or fun. You can have more fun when you know that you are well-protected. 

Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, please contact your doctor.