Summer is in the air, and every day we catch more of a glimpse of that warm and magical time of the year which we all love so much. It’s easy to forget to look after ourselves when we are having so much fun, but protecting yourself from the harsh Australian sun is an important matter which none of us should take lightly.
While the sun is also our best natural source of Vitamin D, it’s hard to find a balance and ensure our skin is protected, especially during the warmer months. The best way to make sure you are doing all that can is to follow these 6 simple steps; Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide, Slurp.
Slip into some long, sun-protective clothing. We don’t mean rug up like an eskimo, but use light items of clothing with a close weave to cover as much skin as possible. You can still feel cool and look great while wearing light, long summer items, and your skin will thank you for it.
Slop on some high SPF sunscreen. The Cancer Council recommends nothing less than 30+ SPF, making sure you apply it thickly and at least 20 minutes before venturing into the sun. Make sure to remind yourself and others to REAPPLY! A simply step that is so often missed, you should be reapplying every 2 hours, or less if you find yourself swimming or sweating a lot. Don’t forget sensitive parts like the tops of your ears or the back of your neck.
Slap on a hat! The trick to this one is finding a hat which covers more than just your face. Many hats, while being fashionable, won’t protect you in the way that a broad-brimmed or bucket hat will. Make sure whichever hat you choose protects your ears, sides of your face and the back of your neck. You should never rely solely on sunscreen to do this job- find a good hat and make it your best friend this summer!
Seek shade. What many of us don’t realise is that the sun’s UV rays can bounce off all kinds of reflective surfaces, such as the water, metals, glass, sand or paving, and for this reason it’s important to choose your place in the sun wisely. Make sure you stay in the shade as much as possible, and never rely simply on the shade to protect you. Reflected UV rays can still cause damage so make sure you follow our tips to avoid it!
Slide on some Cancer Council approved sunglasses for ultimate skin and eye protection. It’s not enough to just pick up a cheap pair from your local K-Mart. You should always make sure your sunglasses come with UV protection, and they should be worn during all daylight hours and not just when you have to squint. The sun’s rays can change angle and strength throughout the day and therefore your eyes could be facing damage without realising… literally right before your eyes!
Slurp on water, and remind others around you to stay hydrated. Drinking water is more important than ever in the summer sun to ensure your body is able to maintain its optimal performance level. Try investing in a reusable water bottle, and infuse your water with fresh fruits such as lime, lemon, cucumber or strawberries to give it an extra delicious flavour. The more you look forward to sipping, the more inclined you are to keep up the habit!
The summer sun is one of Australia’s best assets and we should all embrace the adventures and experiences it allows us to have. Always remember these 6 steps; slip, slop, slap, seek, slide, and slurp, and ensure you can continue to celebrate the Aussie summer for years to come.
To find out more about staying sun smart this summer, a great source of information is the Cancer Council WA website at cancerwa.asn.au, or pop in store to speak to one of our friendly pharmacists who will be more than happy to help!