The sea, the beach, and the sun are the mantra for almost everyone in summer, but it’s essential to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays to fully enjoy this blissful time. Precautions and caution are key to having a great time in the sun.
Sunglasses: to protect your eyes
For optimal eye protection, choose sunglasses with category 3 lenses. They offer effective eye protection in areas exposed to strong sunlight, such as the beach, the sea, or the mountains. Contrary to popular belief, darker lenses are not always the most effective.
And even though sunglasses are synonymous with fashion for many, certain details shouldn’t be overlooked when buying them, especially the “CE” marking, or European Conformity, which is very important. This guarantees the quality of your glasses. The frame should also fit the shape of your face for better protection: don’t choose one that’s too big or too small. Finally, if you need prescription sunglasses, buy them from your optician for added safety.
A suitable cream to protect the skin
To avoid ruining your beach vacation, remember to protect your skin with sunscreen, but not just any kind. Each skin type requires a specific sunscreen. It’s therefore crucial to determine the sun protection factor (SPF) of the product, as the higher the SPF, the better the protection it offers. Several factors must be considered, such as your skin type and the intensity of the sun. Those with very fair skin should use an SPF 50 sunscreen, the highest protection factor available.
For darker skin tones, it’s best to use an SPF of 30 to 50. Finally, for dark brown and black skin, an SPF of 15 to 30 with medium protection is sufficient. In short, the fairer the skin, the higher the SPF should be.
Simple habits: to protect yourself from the sun
A few simple steps can help protect you from the dangers of the sun’s rays when you’re at the beach. Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, between noon and 4 p.m. While excessive sun exposure may give you a beautiful tan, it also accelerates skin aging.
Make it a habit to dress warmly: loose clothing and a hat—in addition to sunglasses—are essential for enjoying the sun safely. It can’t be stressed enough: apply sunscreen before going out in the sun and reapply it regularly, especially if you plan to swim. Keep in mind, however, that sunscreen doesn’t offer complete protection against UV rays. Stay hydrated as often as possible to compensate for excess perspiration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Still water or juice is perfect for quenching your thirst.
