Our Sun Protection Tips

Summer has finally arrived, and we're all eager to dive into our favourite outdoor sports and activities. However, amidst the excitement, one important factor must not be neglected - sun protection. Discover how to shield yourself from the sun's damaging rays and which precautions to take, while still fully immersing in the joy of the summer season.

Sun protection involves a multitude of strategies to ensure safety during outdoor play. Our list of 5 essential tips will guide you in safeguarding your skin, eyes, and hair, enabling you to maximize every sun-drenched day this season!

Sunscreen: A must-have

While it may appear as the most straightforward form of sun protection, sunscreen application can indeed be intricate. The challenge lies in identifying the perfect blend that suits both your skin type (regardless of your skin tone) and lifestyle. Moreover, it's important to remember that sunscreen is necessary even under overcast skies. The sun's harmful rays can penetrate through cloud layers, inflicting damage. Therefore, cultivate a routine of applying multiple ounces of sunscreen before stepping outdoors—and remember to reapply frequently!

What to consider:
- Opting for a sunscreen specifically designed for facial use can be beneficial for those with sensitive skin when stepping into the direct sunlight.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays, providing comprehensive coverage.
- Water-resistant formulas are a wise choice, particularly for days spent by the pool or at the beach.
- Prioritize early and frequent application. (We cannot emphasize this point enough!).

Woman hiking with a hat for sun protection

Hats and sunglasses

It's important to remember that your head, hair, and eyes also require shielding from the sun. Whenever possible, ensure they're covered with a sports-specific hat and sunglasses. While a baseball cap can provide adequate protection for your face, a hat with a full brim offers additional coverage for the back of your neck. Sports sunglasses, designed to be more resistant to impacts and scratches, are an excellent choice. Ensure they fit well and consider a wrap-around style for maximum coverage.

What to consider:

- Try on different hat sizes both larger and smaller than your usual size to secure a snug fit that remains stable during movement.
- A hat with a mesh design facilitates quicker sweat evaporation, helping to keep your head cool.
- Opt for lightweight sunglasses featuring grip on the arms for a secure fit.
- Polarized lenses, which can minimize reflections off horizontal surfaces, are an excellent choice for water sports enthusiasts!

UV protective clothing

Great news! Your clothing can serve as a line of defence against the sun. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of an item of clothing signifies the extent of UVA and UVB rays it can block from reaching your skin. Apparel with a UPF rating of 50 can shield you from 95% of UVB rays and 98% of UVA rays. UV protective clothing is not just beneficial, but an excellent choice for people of all ages, from children to adults!

Which clothes protect you from the sun?

What to consider:

- All UV protective clothing from Decathlon boasts a UPF 50+ rating, ensuring the highest level of sun protection.
- Prioritize fabric that maintains it's UV protection and qualities even when damp or wet.
- The weave of the fabric is important - the denser the weave, the greater the protection it offers.
- An extensive range of clothing items are available with a UPF rating, including tops, pants, hats, and more.

Enjoy the shade

An effortless strategy for sun protection is to seek refuge in the shade. Whenever feasible, consider positioning yourself under the natural canopy of a large tree or the shadow cast by a substantial building. If you find yourself in an open area, such as the beach, it might be beneficial to bring along your own portable shelter for that added sun protection factor. This will grant you a refreshing respite from the relentless sun when needed.

What to consider:

- Find a shelter that is easy to pitch and disassemble. Our 2-Seconds Fresh Shelter packs up into its own bag for easy transport.
- Remember that your skin may still be exposed to the sun through the opening of the shelter, so protect yourself even when using it.
- Look for a shelter with good wind resistance so it can stand up to shifts in the weather.

Long sleeves

Any item of clothing that shields your skin provides a degree of sun protection. It might seem paradoxical, but choosing a long-sleeved top can often be the optimal decision for outdoor sports activities. Interestingly, your body tends to stay cooler when your skin isn't directly under the sun's glare. It's also beneficial to select vibrant colours, as they are more effective in reflecting the sun's rays.

What to consider:

- The brighter the colour, the more protection the garment offers a bright yellow will offer more coverage than a pastel shade.
- Technical fabrics are great for wicking away perspiration, so you won't feel wet fabric against your skin.
- Long-sleeved swim tops are perfect for days when you are in and out of the pool, lake or ocean!

There's an unparalleled joy in engaging in your favourite sports outdoors. However, it's important to remember to safeguard yourself from the sun's potent rays. Maintain your active lifestyle, but do so safely. Here's to a delightful and sun-safe summer!

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