If you’re someone who loves to go on trips with your family, it’s likely that there are several exotic destinations and unique experiences on your bucket list. Generally, each location requires preparing a specific list of things to pack. However, we’ve found that there’s one thing that always finds its way onto every list. Whether you’re off on a sunflower-picking excursion, a full day at a theme park, or an outing at the beach, you should never forget to pack the essentials for sun protection.
*Collaborative Post
Today, we’ll be discussing why you should be concerned about the sun’s UV rays and how you can keep your family protected from them.
Dangers posed by the sun when you travel
There’s a common misconception that we don’t need sun protection if it’s overcast or raining. However, that isn’t always true. Though the UK is known for its cold and wet weather, any exposure to UV rays can still damage your skin. The best way to determine whether or not you need sun protection is to check your destination’s actual UV index, rather than basing it off of cloud coverage.
A UV index level of 2 and below requires no protection, while levels 3-7 do. Very high index readings of 8 or higher call for extra protection. Without sun protection, you risk getting sunburnt, and if it happens too often it can also increase your risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. Additionally, individuals with paler skin or those who have lots of moles or freckles should take extra precautions as they are more susceptible to sunburn.
Sun protection essentials
Sunscreen
To stay safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays, dermatologists recommend applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, every 2 hours. If you’re planning a beach trip to the seaside resort towns of southwest England like the Devon and Dorset coasts, check out Garnier’s family-friendly Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced sunscreen with SPF 50+. For kids’ sensitive skin, try La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Dermo-Paediatrics Invisible Spray with SPF 50+.
Sunglasses
Using the proper sunglasses offers an added layer of protection, which is especially crucial for days when UV index levels are above 2, so Oakley carries an array of styles with UVA and UVB-blocking lenses for everyone in the family. Mum and Dad can sport matching Coinflip frames, while the kids can wear Frogskins XXS frames. However, remember that surfaces like sand, water, and snow can increase UV exposure. So if you’re planning a future trip to go sledging near Old Winchester Hill, take extra care.
Sun protective clothing
For sightseeing trips where you know you’ll be under the sun for a prolonged period, as we did in a previous post about a picnic on Pepperbox Hill, opt to wear clothes that provide proper sun protection. This includes wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, neck, and ears, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers or long skirts made with tight-knit fabrics that prevent sunlight from coming through.
There are so many exciting outdoor destinations you and your family can enjoy. With summers getting hotter, it’s all the more important to prioritise sun protection so that not even the sun can get in the way of your family making happy memories on the road.