Fashionable Ways to Protect Your Skin this Summer

As we spend most of our time outside this warm summer, it’s important to remember to prioritize sun safety and be sure to remember how important it is to keep our skin and body safe from the sun. The sun is extremely powerful, and its UV rays are extremely powerful. Thankfully, during this day and age, there are dozens of easy and simple ways to stay sun safe without worrying about sweating buckets or fainting from heat exhaustion. After remembering one of the most important aspects of sun safety – sunscreen – keep reading below to learn a few more easy and fashionable ways to stay healthy and ward off skin cancer this summer. 

WIDE BRIMMED HATS

What’s more stylish and fun every summer than a big, floppy, wide-brimmed straw hat? These hats are not only ultra-stylish and perfect for the summer, but also a great way to protect your face, neck, and back from the dangerous rays of the sun. Here are a few things to look for before getting the perfect wide-brimmed hat for the summer. Check for brim width. The broader the brim, the more shade and UV protection it will provide. Also, look for the UPF rating on the hat. Hats with higher UPF ratings are made with fabrics better suited to protect against UV rays. Check for hats made with fabrics like cotton, polyester, or even straw that are tightly woven together, as they provide more UV protection, as well. When wearing these hats, be sure to do so with sunscreen and other sun safety measures, as well. Here are some very cute and very stylish floppy hats that will help you beat the heat and those UV rays!

SUNGLASSES WITH UV PROTECTION

Sunglasses with UV protection is a great way to shield your eyes and a good bit of your face from the sun. When looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses with UV protection, here are a few things to look for. Look for sunglasses that specifically say that they protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This information can be found on the label or packaging of the glasses. Also, check for glasses with a UV rating written on the glasses. This means that if the glasses say that they have a UV rating of UV400, they will protect and block wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Make sure to invest in sunglasses with a high-quality lens material, like polycarbonate or high-quality plastics. Lastly, be sure to also find a pair of glasses that fit your face well and also frame the upper half of your face to protect as much skin as possible. Here is a list of great sunglasses to look into for full UV protection!

BREATHABLE FABRICS

Lastly, be sure to invest in breathable fabrics. Opt out of wearing tight and dark-colored clothing that will cause you to sweat too much. As it is well known, most people that live in other warmer regions of the area such as the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia often dress more conservatively than those in the west, but still wear breathable fabrics that allow them to stay cool in the hot weather there. Most people wear flowy dresses and even though they are full coverage and long sleeve, they are often very cooling and freeing to wear. Opt for materials that are pure cotton or linen which are great for cooling but also perfect for any summer day. Here is a great link to check out for perfect summer pieces full of breathable fabrics. 

SUN-PROTECTIVE SWIMWEAR

Your body is the most open and prone to UV rays and sun poisoning when you are at the beach in swimwear. Most swimwear options are pretty revealing, which although might be comfortable, are not the safest for your skin. Even coating on layers of sunscreen can only help so much when the UV index is unnaturally high. Sun protective swimwear, also known as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which are specifically designed to protect from the harmful rays of the sun. It helps to minimize the exposure to sunlight, lessening the chance of skin cancer or premature skin aging. This type of swimwear is made from tightly woven fabrics with high UPF ratings. Make sure to use these swimsuits in conjunction with other sun safety measures, like sunscreen or sunglasses. Find some great ideas for sun protective swimwear here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective ways to protect my skin from the sun this summer?

Some effective ways to protect your skin include wearing wide-brimmed hats, using high-SPF sunscreen, and opting for lightweight, UV-protective clothing. These methods can help you enjoy the summer while keeping your skin safe from harmful UV rays.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

It’s recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Make sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for optimal protection.

Are there stylish clothing options that offer UV protection?

Yes, many brands now offer fashionable clothing made with UV-protective fabrics. Look for lightweight, breathable materials that provide coverage while keeping you cool during the summer months.

Can I protect my skin without sacrificing style?

Absolutely! There are numerous stylish options available, such as trendy hats, sunglasses, and fashionable cover-ups that not only enhance your outfit but also provide essential sun protection.

What ingredients should I look for in sunscreen?

When choosing sunscreen, look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for physical protection, and avobenzone or octisalate for chemical protection. Ensure that it is labeled as broad-spectrum for the best defense against both UVA and UVB rays.

Is it necessary to protect my skin on cloudy days?

Yes, UV rays can penetrate clouds, so it’s important to protect your skin even on overcast days. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather, to maintain skin health.