Summer is (finally) here, bringing the sun-soaked adventures we’ve all been waiting for.
Whether it’s a day trip to the Brighton Pier or stargazing in the countryside, these warmer months offer an exciting opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
But while we all enjoy the sunshine, it’s important to remember that too much exposure can be harmful – potentially leading to sunburn and longer-term effects if we’re not being careful.
Here are our top tips for enjoying the sunshine, and the summer heat, responsibly.
This goes without saying, but SPF is essential… even on cloudy days. Make sure to lather up before you head out into the sun – and the higher the SPF factor, the better.
It’s also extremely important to do your research about sun protection, so we’ve rounded up a few handy resources to help you stay informed and protected below.
Did you know that our bodies are made up of roughly 60-70% of water? Naturally, it needs to be replenished throughout the day – and even more so on a hot summer day.
According to The Eatwell Guide, we should consume around 6 to 8 cups or glasses of water a day. And if there’s no glass around, a refillable bottle will always come in handy.
Sunscreen? Check. Now it’s time to add another layer of defence. Lightweight, sun-protective clothing can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of sunburn.
Shop Our UV & Sun Protection Clothing
If you’re popping down to the beach or simply going for a swim, consider wearing sun-protective swimwear and rash vests.
These are designed to stay effective even when wet and are great for long days in the water or playing on the sand.
Need help choosing the right clothes? Check out our handy UV Protection Clothes Buying Guide.
Too much exposure to sunlight and UV rays can often be tough on your eyes. The good news is that protecting them is as simple as slipping on a pair of your favourite sunnies.
Our sunglasses include a variety of features: from UV400 lenses, which are engineered to block 100% of all harmful UVA and UVB rays, to polarised lenses that are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as snow or water.
Children’s eyes are super sensitive especially, so it’s a good idea to make sure that they have sunglasses that offer proper UV protection when you’re spending time outdoors.
A hat isn’t just a stylish accessory. It can also safeguard your face, nose, head, neck, and ears.
So, whether it’s a bucket hat waiting to be worn at a festival or a broad-brimmed fedora, it’s always useful to keep at least one of them in your closest for sun protection and heat regulation.
Shop The Sunday Afternoon Hat Range
The best way to stay sun safe, especially during the peak hours of sun intensity, is to seek shade from direct sunlight. It’s relatively easy to find naturally occurring shade, such as under trees or buildings – but if there are no parks nearby, you can create shade by using umbrellas, canopies, and tents.
Hosting a BBQ party? A parasol will do wonders for your garden.
At the beach? Look no further than our beach shelters.
Automatic Beach Shelter – UV40
Even with the best intentions, sometimes we can catch a bit too much sun. The early signs of sunburn often include redness, sensitivity, and warm or tight-feeling skin.
For tips on how to ease sunburn yourself, please visit the NHS website here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sunburn/
If the burn is severe or blistered, it’s always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional for further advice.
