5 Ways To Stay Safe In The Sun This Summer

There’s nothing quite like the summer. With the long days ahead, the barbecues in the evening and the beach trips, you're going to be spending a lot of time outside. It's the season that most people look forward to all year round. But with all that beautiful sunshine comes a lot of responsibility. Well, you should be sun safe all year round, but it's particularly important during the summer months when the sun is at its strongest.

Staying safe in the sun doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun, though. It just means being smart about how you enjoy it. We've put together five ways that you can stay safe in the sun this summer.

1. Wear sunscreen. It's an obvious one, but sunscreen isn't just for when you go on holiday. It should be part of your daily summer routine, even if you're just walking the dog and even if the day is cloudy. If your skin is exposed to UV rays, this can cause damage over time. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least some protection factor 30 is important. And don't forget the spots like your eyelids, neck and tops of your feet. Reapply every two to three hours, and more often if you're swimming or sweating. And yes, even when it's cloudy.

2. Protect your eyes. Your eyes are just as vulnerable to UV rays as your skin is. Extended sun exposure can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration and if you wear glasses all the time, that's where prescription sunglasses come into play. This offers you the best of both worlds. With clear, corrected vision and full UV protection, you won't have to squint behind your regular lenses anymore. Modern prescription sunglasses come in every style imaginable, so there's no need to sacrifice fashion to function.

3. Be careful of the time. The sun is the strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It's not exactly avoidable to be outside in those times, but you can plan your activities around those hours. If you're gardening, exercising, or heading to the beach, go earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when the UV index will be lower. If you might be out during peak hours, take frequent breaks and make sure that you have your sunglasses at the ready.

4. Hydrate. Dehydration is sneaky. When you're in the sun, your body loses fluids faster than you think, so keep a water bottle nearby and sip consistently. Coconut water and fruits like watermelon, along with herbal iced teas are also a great way to stay refreshed. If you start to feel tired or dizzy, or you feel a headache building, you need to drink.

5. Wear lighter clothing. Loose-fitting clothes in light colours not only keep you cool but protect your skin. Look for fabrics that have a tight weave or built-in ultraviolet protection factor for added sun safety. When you're considering your outfits, make sure that you're dressing for the season with a hat. Wide-brim hats are always better than caps because if you can shade your face and your neck at the same time, you’re all good!

*Collaborative post