The beach is all about the sun, fun, and relaxation. Gone are the days of covering ourselves with baby oil and laying out in the sun for hours on end. Science caught up to our sun-worshipping, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy that beautiful Pleasure Island beach experience. As they say, knowledge is power and this week we give you everything you need to protect your skin while enjoying the sun and what to do if you do get a little too pink.
Best Defense Is A Good Offense
They say that the best defense is a good offense and nothing could be more true when discussing staying safe in the Carolina sun. Here are five simple and natural ways to help keep sun-safe.
1. Sunscreen-Never Leave Home Without It
Sunscreens come in sprays, gels, and lotions. The minimum SPF recommended by the FDA is SPF 30. We like to avoid chemicals
2. Make Sunglasses Your Favorite Accessory
People often overlook how much damage the sun can cause your eyes. Sunglasses shield your eyes from UV rays that can cause eye problems, such as cataracts. Pricey sunglasses don’t guarantee better protection. Look for a pair that says it blocks 99% or 100% of UVB and UVA rays.
3. Get A Hat
No beach trip is complete without your favorite hat. Ultimately, your best choice is the wide brim hat. Leave that trucker hat for when the sun goes down. The mesh top will offer very little protection from the sun. Your dermatologist will love you when you pull out that wide brim hat. Hats can be made out of materials such as cotton, wicker, bamboo, and even some synthetic fabrics all of which are light, breathable, and will keep the sun from damaging that fragile scalp.
4. Get Sun-Friendly Clothes
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself from the sun is by utilizing some of the latest in chemical-free hi-tech beachwear. Traditionally, beachwear boasting UV protection was made with chemically altered fabrics which provided the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). The problem is most of these chemically altered products include known endocrine disruptors like oxybenzone. Advances in technology now allow manufacturers the ability to provide chemically-free swimwear. From toddlers to adults there are plenty of chemically- free products available to choose from on the market today.
5. Limit Your Time In The Sun
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Plan your outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You can also find or create shade during those hours. At the park? Sit under a tree. At the beach? Bring a beach umbrella. Out on the boat? Wear a long sleeve UPF shirt and stay under the canopy. Just a regular day? Plan indoor lunch breaks or schedule nap times during those hours.
So You Got Sunburned
It happens to the best of us. Despite all of our planning and careful application of sunscreen we get a sunburn. Luckily, there are a lot of great natural remedies that are healing, provide pain relief, and best of all you can find almost anywhere. So forget those chemicals. Here are four natural ways to treat your sunburn you may never have heard of.
1. Raw Honey
This is one of the best natural remedies for sunburns. The wound healing benefits of honey are well documented. How does honey work? Honey’s thick consistency provides a protective barrier allowing the sunburn to retain moisture, which in turn promotes healing. Honey is also loaded with natural antibacterial rich properties which provide protection from infection. Simply apply the raw honey to the sunburn and let the healing begin. One note of caution; raw honey is not suitable for children under 12 months of age.
2. Aloe
This succulent isn’t just the one plant we can all keep alive, it’s also wonderful for treating sunburns and other minor burns. Don’t feel like traveling with a succulent in your suitcase. No problem, Aloe is easy to find in sprays, gels, oils, and ointments, all of which will soothe your sunburn. We recommend products containing 100% Pure Aloe. Avoid products with harsh additives like alcohol.
3. Milk
Got milk? If so, you have a wonderful