7 Ways To Stay Safe In The Summer Sun

By checking the forecast before you can find out when you’ll need protection the most and what kind of protection to pack. The Met Office App has a handy UV forecasting tool so you can find out how strong the UV rays are going to be, or whilst you’re already out.

Improve your vision by blocking out the blinding glare of the sun’s bright rays. Not to mention avoiding those white forehead frown lines. Without proper eye protection you can damage the surface of the eye. Choose a pair of sunglasses that have a CE Mark and British Standard (BS EN 1836: 2005), a UV 400 label or something stating that they offer 100% UV Protection.

SHOP SUNGLASSES

Shelters aren’t just for the downpours. The hottest hours of the day are between 11am – 3pm. By using a shelter you can break up your time in the sun and find some cooling shade to relax in. Remember the golden rule, if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is at its strongest (so it might be time to seek some shade.)

SHOP SHELTERS

Reduce the risk of getting burnt by keeping a handy sized bottle of sun cream in your back pack. You’ll want an SPF rating of at least 15 and as many stars on the back of the bottle as possible. Apply generously and regularly as it can be easily rubbed, sweated and even washed off, especially if you're swimming. In the UK, UVA protection is measured with a star rating. Star ratings range from 0 to 5, the higher the number of stars the greater the protection. Don’t forget those awkward areas such as your lips, ears, the top and bottom of your feet (if you’re sunbathing on your front) and your hair line.

SHOP SUNCREAM

You’ve got your hiking boots on, sandwiches packed and have a map in hand, now check that you’ve got enough water for the length of time you’ll be out for. If you don’t replenish the water you lose through sweat, you can easily become dehydrated. The last thing you want is dizziness and a searing headache to ruin your day. The European Food Safety Authority recommends that women should drink 1.6 litres of water a day and men should drink 2.0 litres. The amount a person needs to drink will vary depending on a range of factors including their size and body temperature. If you're exercising hard in hot weather you will need more than this.

SHOP HYDRATION

Sport a wide brim hat, buff or baseball cap to keep your head cool and prevent your head or hairline from burning under the strong rays. Make sure you’ve got plenty of sun cream on your neck and ears to cover any unprotected areas too.

SHOP SUMMER HATS

Wearing UV protective clothing will help to reduce the risk of burning. Its tight weave construction blocks harmful UV rays giving it a high *UPF rating. Shirts with extended collars can also protect the back of your neck perfect for warmer days at home or abroad, so you can comfortably stay outdoors for longer.

Top Tip

*The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates the effectiveness of a fabric in blocking ultra violet radiation from reaching your skin, ranging from 15 to 50+. A UPF rating of 25 means it on only allows 1/25th of the UV radiation to pass through it.

SHOP SUMMER CLOTHING