Beyond Sunscreen: Sun Protection Tips For A Safe Summer

When we think of sun protection, sunscreen often comes to mind first. 

While you should 100% use a quality sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, it’s not the only measure you should take. To ensure maximum protection, you need to add a number of strategies to your sun care routine. 

Today, we’re going to explore some of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun beyond just using sunscreen.

Staying Protected in the Sun

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause immediate damage, such as sunburn, and long-term issues, such as premature aging and skin cancer. While sunscreen helps block or absorb UV rays, combining it with other protective measures can improve your defense against sun damage.

Hats Are Important!

Wearing a hat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your face, neck, and scalp from UV exposure. Here are some tips on choosing the right hat (also, don’t pick one that looks silly…):

Wide-Brimmed Hats

Coverage: The most effective option is hats with a brim all around. They ensure your face, neck, and ears are well-protected.

Material: Look for tightly woven fabrics like canvas, which provide better UV protection than straw hats with wider weaves.

Style: Consider bucket hats, wide-brimmed fedoras, and sun hats that offer both fashion and function.

Caps and Visors

Limited Protection: While baseball caps and visors can shield your face, they expose your neck and ears. Pair them with sunscreen or additional protective clothing for full coverage.

Protect Your Eyes With a Cool Pair Of Shades

Your eyes are also vulnerable to UV damage, leading to cataracts and other eye issues. Sunglasses are crucial for keeping your eyes safe. Here’s what to look out for.

UV Protection

Lens Quality: Ensure your sunglasses block 100% UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels that confirm UV protection.

Lens Size: Larger lenses or wraparound styles offer more coverage and reduce the chances of UV rays entering from the sides.

Glare Reduction: Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and roads, enhancing comfort and visibility while protecting your eyes.

Don’t Forget To Cover Up!

I know it’s tempting to rip your shirt off and show the world what you’re all about, but wearing protective clothing is an excellent way to shield your skin from UV rays. Here are some key points to consider:

Tightly Woven Fabrics: Clothes made from tightly woven materials like denim, canvas, or linen offer better UV protection.

Loose-Fitting Clothing: Loose clothing provides more comfort and better protection as it covers more skin without sticking to your body.

Specialized Brands: Brands like Coolibar and Solbari offer a range of sun-protective clothing designed for optimal protection.

Make The Most Of Nature’s Sunscreen

Taking advantage of natural or artificial shade can significantly reduce UV exposure, particularly at peak times.

Natural Shade: Whenever possible, stay under trees, umbrellas, or canopies, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).

Portable Shade: Consider carrying a portable umbrella or shade tent while outdoors.

Avoid Peak Hours: UV radiation is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Location Matters: UV exposure is higher at higher altitudes and closer to the equator. Take extra precautions in these environments.

Protect Yourself From The Inside Out

Staying hydrated is a must for maintaining healthy skin and overall well-being in the sun:

Regular Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors. Dehydration can worsen the effects of sun exposure.

Hydrating Foods: Incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges into your diet to help maintain hydration levels.

Avoid Salty Foods: Foods high in salt can dehydrate you quicker, causing headaches and sunstroke. 

Combining Strategies for Maximum Protection

For the best sun protection, combine these strategies with a high-quality sunscreen. Here’s how to do it.

Layering up: Apply sunscreen to all exposed or soon-to-be exposed skin, then add protective clothing and accessories.

Consistent Application: Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Go All Out: Use hats, sunglasses, and find shade.

Protect Yourself

No one wants to be the killjoy walking around with a giant bottle of sunscreen, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. 

Protecting your skin is much easier and much more effective if you use a range of sensible strategies. Hats, sunglasses, protective clothing, seeking shade, and using a high-quality sunscreen are plenty for a day outdoors. 

The idea here is to get out there and have some fun while minimizing the risk of sun damage. 

Remember, consistency and using multiple strategies are essential to adequate sun protection. So, gear up, apply that sunscreen, and enjoy your summer without the painful sunburn and leathery skin!