5 Easy Ways to Stay Sun Smart

While the endless sunshine and beautiful beaches are part of Australia’s undeniable appeal, our outdoorsy lifestyle can come at a cost. Australia’s harsh sun has earned us the unwanted title of the country most prone to sun damage. Just like it was instilled in us Aussie’s from as early as we can remember, we want to remind you how important it is to follow the five ways you can stay sun smart not just in summer, but all year round.

1. Wear Sunscreen

Any time spent in the sun requires a reapplication of sunscreen with a high SPF every two hours, especially if you are in and out of the water. With our harsh sun 15 SPF won’t cut it, make sure your sunscreen is at least 30 and higher to get the best protection against UVA and UVB rays. To prolong the life of your precious sunglasses, make sure any sunblock is wiped off of your sunnies at the end of the day to avoid any potential damage.

2. Wear a Hat

Whether its a fashionable akubra style, a bucket hat or something a little daggier, wearing a hat is an essential part of staying safe from the sun. Be aware that a cap won’t provide the full protection you need, a hat with a wide brim will protect your face, scalp, ears, neck and eyes best from direct sunlight while keeping your head cool. It’s also important to consider the hat material as it must be able to block UV rays. While most hat materials provide excellent protection against UV rays, straw hats with an inner material layer are the safest option when opting for something fashionable over functional.

3. Slip on Protective Clothing

Protective clothing to act as a barrier between your skin and the sun is an essential part of being sun safe. It’s important to cover as much skin as possible especially when out in the direct sun; a long sleeve shirt made from cool materials like cotton or linen will provide excellent protection without overheating. Wearing a bikini poolside or laying on the beach is tempting, but swimsuits and rashies made from lycra fabric are much more practical as they still offer sun protection when wet.

4. Seek Shade

Stick to shady areas when possible after periods of sun exposure, avoid the hottest parts of the day by seeking cover under trees, shade structures and sun tents. Retro beach umbrellas are a colourful beach accessory that have made a huge comeback recently. They not only keep you cool between swims and provide great protection for your whole body, they’re also great for outdoor picnics and keep everything out of direct sunlight while keeping your beverages icy-cold.

5. Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes

Coming from the sunglass specialists, we can’t stress enough how important a good pair of sunglasses are when it comes to maintaining happy, healthy eyes. Sunnies are an all-rounder; they’ll protect your eyes from the harsh sun and provide relief while doubling as your best fashion accessory. Sunglasses with a category 2 and 3 provide the best defence against UVA and UVB rays, while sunglasses with a mirror lens limit the amount of light that enters your eyes by deflecting the sun rays. For the ultimate eye protection, we recommend sunnies with a polarised lens. Polarised lenses deflect harsh glare off of surfaces making them a go-to for sportsmen and those who spend time out on the water. However, they aren’t limited to active lifestyles, there are plenty of polarised fashion-forward styles for women and men that will ensure you are always protected while looking your best.