The sun, while essential for life, can also be a formidable force. The sun can be tough on our skin. Strong sunlight can be harmful. It can give us sunburn, age our skin, and even cause skin cancer. That's why it's important to protect our skin whenever we’re outside. 

Let's discover the best ways to protect ourselves from the sun.

The Importance of Sun Protection

Before we delve into specific products, let's understand why sun protection is paramount. The sun emits two types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. The sun has two kinds of harmful rays. UVB rays can burn our skin, while UVA rays go deeper and can make our skin age faster and get wrinkles.

To protect our skin, we need a strong sun protection plan that includes:

• Sunscreen is very important. It helps protect our skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Sun-safe clothing: Clothing can provide an extra layer of protection. Opt fordark colors which tend to absorb more UV rays thanlight colors. Look for clothes with a UPF of 50+ to block the sun's rays.
• Hats: A wide-brimmed hat protects our face, neck, and ears from the sun's rays. Choose a hat made from a UPF-rated fabric for added protection.
• Sunglasses. Protect our eyes with sunglasses that block all UV rays.

Sun Care Products: our Essential Arsenal

Now, let's explore specific sun care products that can elevate our outdoor experience:

Sunscreens

• Mineral sunscreens: Mineral sunscreens do not absorb into the skin. They sit on the skin and absorb or reflect UV light before it reaches the skin. 
• Chemical sunscreens: These sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. They tend to be lightweight and offer broad-spectrum protection.

Sun Protection Hats

• Wide-brimmed hats: Offer maximum coverage for your face, neck, and ears.
• Baseball caps: Baseball caps protect your face but not your neck or ears.
• Bucket hats: A versatile option that provides ample shade for your face and neck.

A sun umbrella or parasol is a great alternative to hats as they provide far more shade, keep you cooler as they allow the breeze to reach your scalp and also don’t give you hat-hair.

UV Protection Gloves

• Protect your skin from the sun. Don't forget your hands! Outdoor UPF50+ gloves or sleeves are “handy” additions to your sunsafe wardrobe. We don’t realise how exposed our hands are, particularly when riding or driving.

Extra Tips for Sun Safety

• Seek shade: Whenever possible, find shade to rest and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
• Timing: Limit outdoor activities during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
• Check the UV index: Be aware of the UV index and adjust your sun protection instead.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.

Protect your skin every day, not just in summer. Wear sunscreen, clothes that block the sun's rays (look for those with UPF 50+), and a wide-brimmed hat. This will help keep your skin healthy and looking young.