With summer fast approaching, we’re sure you’re planning plenty of lazy days at the beach with the family, right?
Wonderful! However, before you head out, make sure you’ve taken adequate steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun while splashing around.
Yes, beach sun safety is essential for everyone, regardless of age, skin color or gender. Here are some sun protection tips for beachgoers this summer season:
Smooth on the Sunscreen
First and foremost, make sure you apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. Also, choose a sunscreen that is a minimum of 30SPF, broad spectrum and is water-resistant. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “For effective ultraviolent A (UVA) radiation protection, select products that have some combination of the following ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule (a.k.a. MexorylTM), oxybenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.”
Also, make sure that you carry the tube of sunscreen with you and reapply it every two hours or after you’ve taken a dip.
Stay Hydrated
Always carry your sports sipper filled with water and remember to drink it. Dehydration can be dangerous and all those beach sports, swimming and surfing can leave you more dehydrated than you’d imagine. So, make sure you’re drinking enough water, and not just sugary sodas.
Have a First Aid Kit Ready and Waiting
Spending the day sunning yourself can often lead to sunburns. As soon as you sense your skin is burning, get out of the sun and apply a cooling agent. Do not apply oil or butter to a sunburn. You can also, suffer from random beach injuries that can put a dampener on your fun. So, always keep a well-stocked first aid kit to deal with sunburn and other beach accidents and injuries. Need to know how to deal with sunburn? Here is a useful resource.
Watch Out for Exhaustion
Finally, watch out for exhaustion. The sweltering sun can sap out the energy from you before you’d even know it. So, if you’ve been playing a lot of beach football or surfing the waves, remember to take a break and just spend some time laying in the shade and covered up appropriately. A beach hat, loose, long-sleeved shirt will help prevent sunburn and exposure while you catch your breath.
How will you stay sun safe at the beach while having tons of fun? Join us on Facebook or Twitter and share your best tips!
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace medical advice. Please seek the opinion of a medical practitioner before trying or using any of the tips listed.
Photo Credit: jeeheon
