Sun Protection Arsenal: Essential items to shield and care for your skin

This ain't no joke! As we are all aware, the UV rays emitted by that gargantuan fiery ball in the sky can do untold damage to your skin. Although our bodies are well-equipped to handle most things, the sun is on a whole other level, and without the proper protection, you can find yourself in a pretty miserable situation.

In addition, you shouldn't reserve your skincare routine for when you're on holiday; instead, you should follow the advice in this article any time you plan to go outdoors and the sun is blazing.

Invest In A High-Quality Pair Of Sunglasses.
Sunglasses have the peculiar and unfortunate position of being an item of attire that people believe they can save a bit of money on and pick up any old pair they see in the local 7/11. However, to think this is to make a grave mistake.

Not only will sunglasses without a proper UV rating be useless, thus rendering them a waste of money, but they can also accelerate the harm done to your eyes. You see, dark lenses will elicit a response from your body telling it to open up your pupils wider to let in more life, and a larger hole means more harmful UV rays entering and wreaking havoc on your retinas. Instead, you should invest in a high-quality pair that will last the course and do the job you require.

Moreover, premium sunglasses often allow you to mix and match the lenses, ensuring you always have a spare set available when the inevitable holiday accident happens. Just make sure to buy the right lenses for the brand. For example, Nike eyewear lenses for Nike sunglasses and so on. Once you've brought a pair you like, it also pays to keep them in a solid case when not in use and generally treat them with respect.

Pack Sunscreen With A Minimum Spf Of 30 (Higher Is Better).
Sunscreen isn't just for the pale skins in our midst but for anyone who plans on heading out in the sunshine. Additionally, there are no two ways about it; sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, which affects millions of us annually.

Moreover, regular use of sunscreen eliminates the detrimental effects of free radicals that contribute to significant signs of premature aging - such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots - caused by UVA and UVB rays. Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, increasing the frequency during outdoor activities or prolonged sun exposure, is critical to ensuring the well-being of the body's largest organ.

Investing in good quality sunscreen could save you significant medical expenses, keeping your skin healthy and radiant for years to come. Also, as a quick aside, regardless of whether the cream claims to be waterproof, you should reapply it after every time you get wet.

Wear A Wide-Brimmed Hat At All Times.
Similarly important in the pursuit of total sun protection is a hat. But not any kind of hat, instead one that features a wide brim that covers your face, ears, and neck. This will offer you the broadest range of protection as well as keep your head cooler.

It is commonly known that the sun's harmful rays can damage our skin, but we often overlook the essential role of protection for our scalp. Moreover, by selecting a fashionable hat, one can guarantee that premature sun damage to both the scalp and skin can be prevented during the summer months. Not only that, but it can also play the part of a stylish accessory, elevating the entirety of any summer ensemble!

An Umbrella Isn't Only For The Rain.
In the UK we will tend to use an umbrella for what we perceive to be its intended function; to protect us from the rain. However, did you know that the very word "umbrella" is from the Latin umbra, meaning 'shaded' or 'shadow' which should indicate an additional purpose for it?

This simple device can be an indispensable tool when the sun reaches its most unbearable point in the sky and seriously take the sting out of the heat.

Bring Some Cooling Aloe Vera Gel To Deal With Potential Sunburn.
Let's be honest, regardless of how careful you are, there will be times when you can't avoid the fierce might of the sun and end up with sunburn somewhere on your body.

This is particularly true if you have children who have the annoying habit of wriggling out of getting lathered in cream. When this occurs, you should have some location on hand to soothe the pain and reduce inflammation. The perfect option for this is aloe vera, with its natural cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.

Preparing for the summer months might seem like a job unto itself, but with a few simple items, you can make it work sans the sunburn. From sunglasses to the all-important sun cream, there's plenty to consider and get packed for your next holiday.