Sunbathing and swimming are mandatory things when the temperatures are raising and one of the most burning
(haha) questions of every summer is “How do you handle heat at the beach?”
Since most people like to be tanned, no one likes a sunburn so we created a list of things you can do in order to protect yourself from the sneaky sun.
- Avoid peak sun hours .This is what mom used to tell us when we were little. Well, mom is always right! Go to the beach early in the morning, before 11m. and late in the afternoon, after 4 p.m. PS: i f you aren’t sure how strong the UV rays are, pay attention to your shadow - w hen it’s longer than you are, UV exposure is low so you can start sunbathing.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen.Yes, yes, everyone keeps talking about sunscreen. And we’re gonna tell you why: the sun produces 3 types of ultraviolet (UV) rays -- UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVB rays can burn your skin, UVA rays cause premature aging. Both UVA and UVB rays can increase your chances of skin cancer. Does it worth the risk? Of course it doesn't! So make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you’re hitting the beach or pool, use a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply after swimming. Ideally, you can apply sunblock every hour. PS: remember to apply sunscreen to your feet as well .
- Moisturize. While it's important to moisturize after a day at the beach, doing it before can also help prevent dryness. PS: Aloe vera gel can be very soothing.
- Stay hydrated.Go ahead with drinking water or non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks cause you to go the bathroom more often, which makes you more dehydrated. PS: if you forget to drink water, you can use an activity monitoring system - there are tons of apps out there.
- Protect your eyes and head. How? Wear sunglasses and a hat. Why? Facial skin is the most sensitive part of your body. So make sure to glam yourself up with a wide hat. Also, your eyes are susceptible to damage from the sun too. PS: when buying sunglasses, m ake sure your sunglasses sufficiently protect your eyes against UV radiatio n or offer UV absorption up to 400nm.
- Use protective umbrellas and tents. Beach umbrellas can make a big difference in your comfort level but not all of them provide real sun protection. Beach tents are lightweight,portable and you can effortlessly set them up. The material provides UPF 50 protection from UV rays. PS: now you can fall asleep at the beach without waking up looking like a lobster .
- Add a ntioxidant- r ich f oods t o y our d iet .Dark chocolate, cherries, blackberries, strawberries, goji, kale and spinach are all foods super rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants. Go ahead with eating fruit rich in vitamins C and E that will reverse the aging effects of sun damage. PS: eating healthy will not only lengthen your lifespan but also take care of your skin.
+ one extra tip: don’t use sunbeds - they are as damaging as sunlight and their radiation penetrates deeply into the skin.
Do you have more tips? Share them with us in the comment section!
