Do you tan under a patio cover?

On a warm summer day, nothing is as nice as seeking out some shade. Sitting comfortably under a parasol, a tree, or a canopy, it immediately feels a lot cooler and more comfortable. Many people think that you are safe from the sun in the shade, but is that really the case? Can you still get a tan in the shade? And more importantly, do you still run the risk of getting sunburned? We tell you all about it in this blog.

Can you get a tan under a patio cover?

Now you might be wondering: do you get a tan under a patio cover? The short answer is: yes, even in the shade of your awning can you get a tan. This is because UV radiation not only comes directly from the sun, but can also reach your skin indirectly via the environment. Part of the UV rays are reflected by surfaces such as the earth, sand or water. The floor choice for your veranda therefore plays a role in how many UV rays are reflected. As a result, enough UV radiation reaches you even in the shade to build up a tan. That is why it is very important to apply sunscreen properly even when you are in the shade. Do not forget to reapply regularly. This not only prevents sunburn, but also protects your skin against premature aging and the risk of skin cancer.

Can you tan or burn behind glass?

Many people spend sunny days behind a window, for example at home or in the office. But what about the protection that glass actually offers against UV radiation? Glass blocks a large part of the UVB radiation. This is the radiation responsible for tanning and burning your skin. Behind glass, you therefore run a much lower risk of getting sunburned. Still, it is important to know that glass only blocks about half of the UVA radiation. This radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and causes premature skin aging and increases the risk of long-term skin damage. So even behind your glass sliding door it is wise to protect your skin well. Therefore, keep this in mind if you want to build a veranda yourself.

Can you get a tan when it is cloudy?

Even when the sun is not shining, you can get a tan. Clouds do filter out some of the UV radiation, but not all of it. On completely overcast days, about thirty percent of the UV radiation reaches the earth's surface. So even in cloudy weather, you can easily get sunburned, as long as you are outside long enough. During cloudy days, it is even possible for the sun to be brighter than normal. When the sun briefly peeks through the clouds, UV light reflects off the surrounding clouds. As a result, the UV intensity is temporarily up to thirty percent higher than on a clear day. Cloudy weather can therefore be very dangerous for your skin.

Why do you get sunburned from sunlight?

Sunlight contains a substantial dose of energy. You feel this as the warmth that tingles on your skin. Although this is a pleasant feeling, the sun is also very dangerous. By spending just a little too much time in the sun, you can get severely burned. You would naturally think that is easy to prevent, wouldn't you? By sitting in the shade or putting on a T-shirt? However, it is not that simple; the danger of the sun is partly invisible.

Indeed, it is not the visible light that poses a risk, but invisible [light] ultraviolet (UV) light. So you can get a tan right through your clothing and, if you are not careful, even get burned. Conversely, UV light does not reach everywhere that visible light reaches. A window blocks part of the UV light, while visible light passes right through it.

5 tips: how to get a tan under a patio roof

Fortunately, there are more than enough tips to get a tan safely under a patio cover. Below you can read 5 tips for getting a tan under a patio cover without getting burned.

Tip 1: choose the right moment

The sun's intensity is not the same all day long. During the midday hours, between 12:00 and 15:00, the sun is at its brightest. Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible during this period. It is better to enjoy the sun in the morning or late afternoon, when UV radiation is less strong. This prevents you from getting sunburned and having to stay out of the sun altogether.

Tip 2: always apply sunscreen

Sunscreen is your best friend if you want to get a tan without getting burned. Choose a cream with an SPF of at least 30. Apply generously, especially on sensitive areas like your face, ears, and shoulders. Also, do not forget to reapply after swimming or heavy sweating. It is wise to reapply every 2 hours, even when it is cloudy.

Tip 3: start slowly

Give your skin time to get used to the sun. So start slowly and protect yourself well with sunscreen. Try to prevent getting burned by slowly building up the number of minutes in the sun at a time.

Tip 4: drink enough water and take good care of your skin

Drink plenty of water while sunbathing. This is not only important to prevent dehydration of your body, but it also ensures that your skin stays nicely hydrated. After sunbathing, always use a body lotion or aftersun to soothe and care for your skin.

Tip 5: stay alert for changes in your skin

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the Netherlands. It is caused by too many hours in the sun without protection. Therefore, regularly check your skin for suspicious spots. If you find something you do not trust, contact your general practitioner or a dermatologist.

With this information you can get a tan under a patio cover. Did you find this an interesting blog? Then also read: how do you keep a patio roof cool? Read 5 tips here! Lots of sun fun! Look here for your own patio cover to tan under!