How to Stay Cool This Summer: 10 Essentials You Need to Beat the Heat
With the warmer weather upon us, it’s time to get out and enjoy the sunshine! Whether you’re planning to attend outdoor festivals or simply hang outside with friends, staying cool and comfortable can be a challenge this summer. To help you stay cool and beat the heat, we’ve put together this list of 10 essentials you should have in your summer survival kit, from bug spray to waterproof matches that you can simply purchase at https://paylateralligator.com.au/. Let’s dive in!
1) Sun protection
Spend time in direct sunlight and you’ll end up with more than a tan. Excessive sun exposure can contribute to wrinkles, sun spots, and other skin damage that typically show up later in life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By using sunscreen, you can protect your skin from ultraviolet rays before they do any serious damage.
Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection—meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays—and has an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors for extended periods. Don’t forget about your neck, ears, hands, and feet! These are some of the most common areas for signs of aging due to sun exposure.
2) Water protection
The sun can be brutal, so think about investing in a wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella. Sunglasses are also important because they help protect your eyes from UV rays that can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and other vision problems.
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, you might want to go for 100 per cent UV-blocking sunglasses; these sunglasses are designed specifically with UV protection in mind and will block almost all of those harmful rays. Keep in mind that not all manufacturers include that information in their product descriptions. Make sure you check out reviews before purchasing them—you may find something else is better suited for your needs.
3) UVA/UVB Protection
One of your top priorities should be protecting yourself from skin cancer—and that starts with sun protection. Sunscreen is an essential part of any day’s beauty routine, but you’ll want at least one product that goes above and beyond SPF 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) has been shown to decrease melanoma risk by 45 per cent, according to a 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology.
Look for products labeled broad spectrum or full spectrum. If you plan on being outside in direct sunlight for more than two hours, we recommend using a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher as well as reapplying it every two hours.
4) Sunscreen in a Spray Bottle
What’s not to love about a sunscreen that you can spray on? It’s easy and convenient, meaning you won’t have an excuse for forgetting it when you leave your house. Spray sunscreens are just as effective as lotions, so you don’t have anything to worry about if you go with a spray option. Plus, no one wants sunburned feet (nobody). Sunscreen in a Spray Bottle is also easy on your wallet—all of these products cost under $10.
5) Facial Moisturizer with SPF
It’s no secret that staying cool and hydrated can make all of your summer activities more enjoyable. But did you know that moisturizing your face before you hit those outdoor activities can do wonders for your skin?
In addition to hydrating your skin and keeping it from getting dry and flaky, facial moisturizers with SPF will help protect against sun damage during all of those sunny summer days. If you don’t have a good facial moisturizer with SPF, now is a good time to buy one!
6) Lightweight Pants
When it’s hot out, you want to wear as little clothing as possible. The lighter your clothes, the cooler you’ll feel, so lightweight pants and shorts are a great choice. They’re also perfect for travelling; they pack down easily and are ready for any activity.
If your destination is warm, take a couple of pairs with you so you can change into them when things get sweaty—you might be able to skip packing a bag altogether!
7) Slip on Sandals
One of the summer’s best trends can also be one of its most practical. Slip-on sandals, like these from Steve Madden, are an easy way to get your feet into a comfortable and stylish pair of shoes, with zero socks. These sandals are a cinch—just slip them on and you’re good to go!
Not only do they look good with just about any outfit you throw on, but they’re also supremely comfortable. Some styles have even been shown to help relieve stress and minimize lower back pain by redistributing pressure throughout your foot in an optimal way—talk about comfort!
8) Bathing Suit Cover Up
The most important essential for summer is a bathing suit cover-up. While you may think it’s unimportant, having a good cover-up makes sure that if you don’t want your body to be exposed, then it won’t. And while bikinis and one-pieces are great choices, they can also make you look like you have more weight than what is real.
To get around that problem, find a cover-up with lots of coverage and support; one that will keep all parts of your body from being exposed. If choosing a bathing suit is difficult for you, then make things easy by focusing on a quality bathing suit cover-up instead!
9) Sunglasses with High UV Protection
With summer in full swing, you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. But don’t forget your sunglasses! They not only protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they also keep you looking cool (which is very important on hot days). Just make sure you get high-quality glasses that have 100% UV protection.
Remember to pick up some shades for your kids as well; proper eye protection can help prevent them from developing cataracts or having vision problems later in life. I recommend Oakley or Smith Optics sunglasses if you want something stylish, affordable and of great quality.
10) An All Natural Deodorant That Works
Many deodorants contain chemicals that can make you sick. Luckily, there are a lot of natural options available. With Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant, you can feel good about your body and smell good all day long. Not only is it made with no aluminum or propylene glycol, but it also has no artificial fragrances or dyes. It comes in various scents and sizes so you can pick what works best for you.
Conclusion
Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the summer. If you live in a hot area, maybe add some ice cubes to your water for an extra cool sensation! Hydrating yourself will keep you from becoming dehydrated, and not drinking enough water can make your skin look dull and puffy. It’s worth investing in a large bottle with a straw so that you can sip on it as needed—or for even easier hydration, bring it along with you during your day.
