CANSTOCK.COM
Tips For Staying Sun Safe
That’s right – it’s almost THAT time of the year. Our beloved Summer time. BBQ’s, beaches, sunlight, hot days, hot nights … and sun burn. Oh golly the sun burn.
For years and years I went out in the sun thinking that because I’m walking around for 10 minutes, I wouldn’t need sunscreen. How incredibly naive of me.
One year, I sat on the beach for 3 hours thinking I wasn’t going to get burned, because it was cloudy. I ended up not being able to walk for 3 days because my legs were so swollen from the burns. That was the last time I ever went out without sunscreen on.
In New Zealand, UV radiation levels are particularly high from September to April. Which sounds ridiculous, but even now we can get burned by spending just a little time outdoors without any protection.
From a young age, we have had it drilled into us to “Slip, Slop, Slap”, so I’m just here with a few friendly tips for staying sun safe this summer:
——————————-
1. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
The longer the shirts / pants, the more coverage you have. Obviously you don’t want to go overboard, but if you can wear a light long sleeved shirt instead of a short sleeved one, then do it. Especially for the kids when they’re swimming – a rash vest for kids is great to keep them covered.
2. POP ON SOME SUNGLASSES
Even our eyes can be damaged by the sun, so it is really important to wear sun glasses. Even get your kids wearing them. Sunglasses can shield your eyes from UV Rays, if you buy a pair that blocks out UVB / UVA rays. You don’t have to spend a fortune on sunglasses either, just pick out a pair that says “blocks UVB / UVA rays”
3. LIMIT YOUR TIME IN THE SUN
Usually the core bun time here in New Zealand is between 10am and 4pm, but it pays to check the daily weather forecast because it can be earlier and later than that. Limit your time in the sun during this time, when the sun is the strongest. Try to plan any activities for earlier in the morning, or late in the afternoon. And if you do happen to go out during the 10-4 period, make sure you create or find shade (e.g. a tree or an umbrella).
4. APPLY SUNSCREEN AND DO IT PROPERLY
It really doesn’t take long here in New Zealand, for the sun to damage your skin. So applying sunscreen on every part of your body that will be exposed to the sunlight, is crucial for protecting yourself. You need to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside – EVEN ON A CLOUDY DAY. One coat will NOT last all day, so you will need to reapply the sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreen is most effective when used in conjunction with other forms of sun protection (hats, shirts, glasses, etc).
5. GIVE UP THE SUN TAN
As I have found out through research, there is no such thing as a safe tan – not even indoor tanning is safe. Believe me when I tell you, you look beautiful without the “natural tan”.
——————————-
Please remember the above tips when out in the sun this summer. Not only for yourself, but for your children too. Their skin really does need to be looked after, especially because the sun here in New Zealand is only getting worse.
Banana Boat have a great product to help you stay safe in the sun this summer. Their SunComfort Lotion Sunscreen is unique in that sand won’t stick to your skin, after applying it. Which is AMAZING. Nothing worse than being all sandy.
The Sunscreen itself is available in SPF50+ lotions. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and moisturises to relieve dryness. Be sure to cover yourself up this summer and keep yourself protected.
——————————-
I have a Banana Boat sunscreen prize pack valued at $50 to giveaway. Entry is as follows:
- LIKE Happy Mum Happy Child on Facebook
- COMMENT on this blog post telling me a sun safe tip
- EXTRA ENTRIES can be obtained by liking / commenting back on THIS FACEBOOK POST
- Would love you to tag all of your friends, and share the post – however it is not mandatory
- All comments will be counted as extra entries
Closes 7th November 2016 at 10pm. Normal T&C’s apply. Open to NZ residents only – sorry everyone else!
———————
Thanks to Banana Boat for making this post possible, and keeping us covered this summer.
#BananaBoat #SunComfort #NoSandMoreFun #sponsored #ad
