10 Ways to Stay Cool & Sun Protected this Summer

With summer already in full effect, it's vital to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun’s harmful rays. UV rays are the cause of various damaging effects. But with proper preparation, you can largely reduce those risks. We’ve prepared a thorough list of things to check off before engaging in those fun outdoor activities!

1. Always wear a hat with a wide brim to cover the face, head, and ears, and wear light clothing if possible.
Hats are a great way to keep the sun out of your face and keep your face cool. It also protects other parts of the body such as your ears and the top of your head, which can, at times, be easily forgotten.

Sungrubbies' wide variety of hats suited for a broad audience, from fashionistas to outdoor adventurists, are a great option for those in need of sun protection. The hats, clothing, and accessories that Sungrubbies offers come UPF 50 Standard to make sure that 98% of UV rays don't reach the skin.

For clothing, choose breathable fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and silk, to keep your body cool.

2. Apply sunscreen to your skin.
This may seem obvious, but sunscreen is a must in outdoor situations! Make sure to reapply every few hours and opt for waterproof sunscreen for maximum protection.

3. Stay hydrated. Drink more H2O!
When the weather is hot, our bodies will sweat and need frequent replenishing of fluids. Try to have a bottle of water on you at all times. Also, as a general rule of thumb, it's great to drink water even if you are not thirsty to avoid/ decrease the chances of dehydration.

4. Remember to take breaks.
Instead of spending long hours in the hot sun, be sure to take breaks and spend some time indoors or in the shade.

5. Rock those sunnies!
Sunglasses with UV protection are great for the eyes and give added protection on top of wearing a hat.

6. Become familiar with the UV Index & remember to check it before leaving the house.
The UV Index is your friend! It indicates the level of risk of sun overexposure via UV rays. The UV Index ranges from a scale of 1 to 11+, with 1 being low exposure vs. 11+ signifying very high risk. Check out our UV index chart for more information.

7. Use a UV Umbrella to create shade and block out the sun's harmful UVA and UVB radiation.
A UV umbrella gives added protection and shade from those harmful rays that we want to block out!

8. Avoid long periods of time in the sun, especially during peak hours.
The hottest hours of the sun are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

9. Don't forget your bug spray! But remember, bug spray can weaken SPF protection. In that case, apply a higher SPF. 
If you're trying to keep the mosquitoes away, select a sunscreen with higher SPF. 

10. Water reflects UV rays. Choose waterproof!
Water can reflect UV rays, so it is best to go for a waterproof and high SPF sunscreen for those pool/ beach days!

And lastly, no matter what outdoor activity you are participating in, block out the sun, not the fun! 😎