The abundance of waves, drinks and hot bodies make the beach an irresistible summertime hangout. There is nothing better than feeling the sand between your toes and soaking up the warm rays of the sun – but you need to be careful. Prolonged sun exposure is one of the biggest factors in premature aging signs. Besides wrinkles and tired looking skin, too much sun can cause dangerous sun burns. Here are some tips to help you practice good beach sun protection.
Apply a sunblock with adequate SPF
SPF is a rating system that tells users how much sunlight a product protects them against. SPF 15 prevents users from over 90% of the sun’s rays. SPF 30 protects anyone from nearly all of the sun’s rays. Some products have ridiculous SPF ratings as high as 100, but these items will not offer much more benefit than an SPF 30 and can put a major dent in your wallet. Using a powerful men’s sunblock like TiO2 Sunblock SPF 30 helps protect your skin – and your wallet.
Don’t forget to reapply.
A big mistake that a lot of guys make is not reapplying sunscreen. We tend to just slap some on before heading out and then forget to use it again. Make an effort to reapply sunscreen at least every 1-2 hours. This way, you’ll have adequate sun protection the entire time you’re at the beach. If reapplication isn’t an option, then be generous with the amount you use before walking out the door.
Check your blind spots
Every driving instructor tells students to check their blind spots when driving. Men should be doing the same when it comes to protecting their skin. Places like your ears, scalp, hairline and feet are often overlooked when applying sunblock. As a result, these areas tend to get sunburned more often. Pay extra attention to these “blind spots,” especially if you plan on spending the whole day at the beach. “How to Protect Your Skin” lists some great products to keep your skin free from damage.
Use protection even in cloudy weather
You can’t hide: One cannot escape from the sun’s rays by using an umbrella or staying in shady areas – you’re still being exposed to at least some of the sun’s rays. Shade, umbrellas and hats should be used in addition to sunblock and not as a replacement.
Drink enough water
Dehydration can be just as damaging to your skin as the sun’s rays. Make sure you’re drinking at least 11 glasses of water a day – more if you’re going to be at the beach all day. Dehydration can lead to dry skin – not to mention heat stroke. Pack some water bottles or pay the water fountain a regular visit to ensure you meet your hydration needs. “9 Hydration Tips for Men” offers some great tips for getting enough water throughout the day.
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