Safe Summer Sun in Six Easy Steps

During these sunny summer months it’s great to spend time outdoors with friends and family; whether you’re at the cottage, the beach, or simply relaxing on the patio, it is important to make sure you and your family are protected from the sun. Not only does excessive sun exposure cause painful sunburns, it can encourage wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada. This is unfortunate news, but there are plenty of ways to prevent skin damage. We have highlighted 6 easy tips to help you avoid sunburns and stay safe and healthy this summer:

1. Sport a stylish wide brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses:

   Not only will you look très chic, your face and neck will be protected from UV rays.

2. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts:
   

   This will prevent exposing your skin directly to the sun. Some lines of athletic clothing for golf and tennis have sun protection built in!

3. Avoid the sun during “peak hours” of the day:
   

   The sun is strongest during the late morning and early afternoon; avoiding long periods outdoors between 10am – 4pm will help minimize sun exposure.

4. Seek out shade:
   

   Even better, make your own with a big beach umbrella!  Shaidee, a fantastic Waterloo Region company makes an innovative sun protection cover for babies, which is especially useful, as newborns can’t wear sunscreen.

5. Check the UV Index before you leave in the morning:
   

   Whether you check the weather channel on TV or online at The Weather Network, notice the UV Index rating for the day. The index ranges from a scale of 1 (low UV) to 11+(extreme UV); any rating over 3 is considered moderate and sun protection is advised.

6. Protect yourself with sunscreen everyday:
   

   It is important to use sunscreen and other SPF products on a daily basis to protect your skin from UV rays. Even if you don’t plan on lying on the beach, you should be using an SPF face lotion everyday to keep your skin healthy and looking younger! Dermalogica Daylight Defense range provides your skin with a safe and invisible shield from UVA and UVB rays.

Accidents happen! Have you been out in the sun too long?

Dermalogica After Sun Repair balm cools, calms and reduces irritation in sunburnt skin. It restores lost moisture which helps accelerate your skins recovery process.

Element Hair wishes you a safe and sun filled summer!