With summer just around the corner, we’re betting you’re just itching to get out into the sunshine, hit the pool, or head to the beach. School’s almost out, and you’re ready for a carefree, action-packed summer outside, right? But before you head out, don’t forget to pack a few key summer essentials to keep your skin and eyes protected from all that summer sun. Here are our 5 PREP summer must-haves:
1. Chemical-Free SPF 30
When it comes to summer essentials, a great natural sunscreen is at the top of our list. The sun’s UV rays can be damaging to your skin, but don’t just limit your sunscreen to those sunny days at the beach. Contrary to popular belief, clouds do a pretty lousy job of protecting us from UV rays, so even on an overcast or rainy day, you should still use a daily sunscreen, especially on your face. (The American Scientist) Our P.R.E.P. SPF 30 face + body lotion uses zinc oxide, a gentle yet effective natural ingredient, to protect your skin against sun damage. Some other sunscreens use harsh chemicals like oxybenzone that can actually irritate or even damage your skin (Environmental Working Group). To protect your lips, the zinc oxide that’s also in our P.R.E.P. SPF 15 lip gloss is a great natural alternative to chemical additives in other lip glosses that may not offer any sun protection at all.
2. Sunnies
Now that your skin is protected, it’s time to talk about those shades. Your sunglasses do much more than just keep the glare out of your eyes while poolside, which is why choosing the right ones is so important. Just as UV rays can damage your skin, they can also hurt your eyes, so you want to make sure they’re protected, too. Look for sunglasses that say they offer at least 99% UVA and UVB protection. If you don’t see this on the label, keep looking. Those stylish sunnies won’t do much good if they’re not equipped with UV protection (Mayo Clinic). And the good news is BIG sunglasses are in, which is great because they will cover and protect more of your face.
3. Beach Bag
No one wants to get to the pool or beach only to realize that they’ve left their trusty sunscreen and shades at home. So why not put together a super cute beach bag that’s already stocked and ready to go with all of your summer essentials? Plan just a little bit and you’ll always be ready for a spontaneous pool party or other summer fun. And as an added bonus, there are all sorts of fun summer colors and patterns to choose from to complete your summer look. We picked this one up at www.scoutbags.com.
4. Fedora
Think that trendy fedora is just for good looks? Think again! Wearing a hat and other clothing items like a cover-up or a t-shirt at the beach can add an extra layer of sun protection to your sunscreen and sunnies. Adding a sunhat to your beach bag full of summer goodies can be especially helpful if you plan to spend the day outside. Try to find a hat that’s tightly knit and doesn’t let too much sun through, or it may not do much good in the sun protection department. And don’t forget your scalp, ears, and neck can get sunburned, too, so try to keep them covered when possible. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
5. Turkish Towels
The Turkish towel truly is the universal beach mat, swim towel, and beach wrap, so don’t leave it behind this summer! Not only is it so useful to lay on or to dry off with, it can also come in handy as a cover-up to throw over your shoulders to give your skin a break from the sun. And don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen once you’re done swimming to keep your skin protected. Even if you’re not going for a dip in the water, though, dermatologists recommend that you still reapply your sunscreen about every two hours. (The American Academy of Dermatology)
Summer Fun Made Easy
Having plenty of fun in the sun doesn’t have to be complicated. By keeping these 5 simple summer essentials on hand this summer break, you’ll be sure to be protected (and stylish!) wherever you go. Most importantly, remember to apply a daily SPF 30 moisturizer like PREP’s SPF 30 face + body lotion, as well as our SPF 15 lip gloss as part of your everyday skincare routine to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy for years to come. Stay healthy,
