Breathe with the Sun: A Guide to UV Protection for Beautiful Skin and Health

Sunlight is an essential energy source that regulates our daily rhythm. However, it also contains ultraviolet (UV) rays, which silently damage our skin and health. While people often believe that applying sunscreen is enough, we can significantly improve our quality of life by correctly understanding the nature of light and choosing the right tools.

In this article, we will discuss "light management"—a way to live intelligently with the sun that goes beyond simple sun protection.

The mechanism of invisible light and the persistent threat of "scattered light"

There are two types of UV rays: UVA (daily UV), which reaches deep into the skin and causes wrinkles, and UVB (leisure UV), which causes the surface to redden and become inflamed. UV levels peak between May and August, but a surprisingly overlooked factor is the data on "cloudy days."

If the amount of UV radiation on a perfectly clear day is 100, about 80–90% of those rays still reach us through thin clouds, and even on overcast days, about 60% still penetrate. What makes this even trickier is "scattered light," which changes direction after hitting air molecules or clouds, and "reflected light," which bounces off asphalt or water surfaces. These reach us from every angle, not just from above.

A high-performance choice: "Physical shade"

We propose an approach based on "light shielding" using a parasol. A parasol is more than just a piece of fabric to block direct sunlight; it is a portable shelter that creates a comfortable, private space just for you.

A specification we especially want you to pay attention to is "100% light shielding." By bonding a light-blocking film to the back of the fabric or applying a special multi-layered coating, the parasol prevents light from passing through, physically shutting it out. Here, the "color of the lining" is crucial.

There is a scientific reason why many of the parasols we develop have black interiors. When reflected light from the ground heads toward your face, an umbrella with a white or silver interior acts like a parabolic antenna, potentially reflecting that light and focusing it onto your face. Black, on the other hand, has light-absorbing properties; it absorbs the reflected light inside the umbrella, preventing it from bouncing onto your face.

The goal of AMVEL's HEATBLOCK series is exactly this: carrying a "perfect shadow" with you. By lowering the perceived temperature through thermal shielding, it reduces discomfort from sweat and helps curb summer fatigue.

Conclusion: Being particular about your tools changes your daily life

UV protection should not be a chore or a burden. By choosing the right "tool"—a high-performance parasol—you can dramatically change how cool you feel while moving and how secure your skin feels. It is just like carrying your very own patch of shade with you wherever you go.

Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a reliable parasol. By smartly combining these, you can enjoy even the sunniest of seasons more actively and more comfortably.


アンベル株式会社 CEO

執筆者:辻野義宏

30年以上に渡って傘の開発および研究を続けている。革新的な機能を追求し続ける日本の傘ブランド「AMVEL (アンベル) 」では、時代によって変化するベストを追求し、最先端の技術を駆使した傘をお届けしています。