Sun Smart Outdoor Tips: Hydrate Your Body and Protect Your Skin
Engaging in outdoor activities during summer can be enjoyable and an excellent way to maintain physical fitness. However, it also exposes you to certain risks, such as sunburn and dehydration. Thankfully, there is a simple and effective solution for staying safe and hydrated – coconut water! This article will explore the significance of hydrating with coconut water, the advantages of using sunscreen, and how to be sun smart against the sun’s harmful rays outdoors.
Sun Smart Outdoor Tips: Stay Hydrated and Sun Safe
What is Coconut Water?
Coconut water (CW) is a clear liquid in young, green coconuts. It is a natural source of phytohormones known as cytokinins. These cytokinins are in various forms, such as kinetin, riboside, and zeatin. Zeatin-type cytokinins are the bioactive form found in plants and are responsible for various physiological effects. In coconut water, these natural compounds can provide several benefits, including promoting cell division and growth, delaying ageing, and improving nutrient transport. These properties make coconut water popular for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who must stay hydrated and maintain their physical performance.
Benefits of Hydrating with Coconut Water
Staying safe and healthy during summer can be achieved through hydrating with coconut water. CW is a natural drink with minerals and electrolytes essential for proper body function, ensuring optimal hydration and preventing dehydration.
Moreover, coconut water is an excellent source of essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are critical for maintaining a healthy body. Additionally, it can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing bloating and water retention.
How to Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated during hot weather is essential for your health and well-being. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat foods with high water content, like watermelon, cucumber, and lettuce. Other great options include coconut water, sports drinks, and fruit juices.
Coconut water is an excellent source of hydration. Enjoy coconut water plain, or mix it with your favourite fruits and herbs for a delicious and healthy drink. It’s also great for use in smoothies and other recipes. For a quick and easy hydration fix, freeze coconut water into ice cubes and enjoy them throughout the day.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.
The Importance of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential part of staying safe in the sun. It helps protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and can even help prevent sunburns. It’s essential to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and to reapply it every two hours or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
It’s also essential to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen to other exposed areas. Use SELF Coco Lip Care Kit (Lip care scrub and lip balm) for your lips, as they can get dried as quickly as the rest of your skin.
Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Everyday Formula Coconut is an excellent choice for safe, effective sunscreen. This natural sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, helping keep your skin safe and healthy. Plus, it’s free of parabens and other nasty chemicals, making it a safe and natural choice. This sunscreen is also water-resistant, meaning you don’t need to reapply it as often. It smells great with its light nutty scent!
Soleo Organics sunscreen has a non-greasy, lightweight formula that won’t make your skin sticky or uncomfortable. And best of all, it’s affordable – so you don’t have to break the bank to keep your skin safe this summer. Soleo Organics Sunscreen Formula is an excellent choice for natural, effective, and affordable sunscreen.
Sun Smart Outdoor Tips: Protect Your Eyes and Skin
Spending time outdoors can be fun and invigorating, but taking steps to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays is essential.
Wear Eyeglasses
Wearing sunglasses is one of the easiest ways to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Not only do they help prevent sunburn on your eyelids and surrounding skin, but they can also reduce your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.
When choosing sunglasses for sun protection, ensure they offer 100% UV protection and fit properly to provide optimal coverage. Look for sunglasses with large lenses and wrap-around frames that block out the sun’s rays from all angles.
Wearing a Hat for Sun Protection
Wearing a hat is another great way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing a hat can help shield your face, neck, and ears from the sun’s rays, reducing your risk of sunburn and skin damage. When choosing a hat for sun protection, look for one with a wide brim that shades your face and neck, as well as your ears and scalp. It’s also a great way to add style to your summer look.
Choosing a hat made from a breathable material, such as cotton or straw, is also essential. It will help to keep you cool and comfortable during outdoor activities. When choosing a hat, look for one with a UPF rating of at least 50. This measures how much UV radiation the fabric blocks, and a UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th of the UV rays can penetrate the fabric. Also, choose a lightweight and breathable hat to keep you cool and comfortable.
With the right sunglasses and hat, you can enjoy your time outdoors while keeping your eyes and skin safe from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.
Use Umbrella
In addition to wearing sunglasses and a hat, using an umbrella is also a great way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays when you’re outside during hot weather. The shade provided by an umbrella can help keep you cool and prevent sunburns.
Clothing and Fabrics
Wear protective clothing, such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, to shield your skin from the sun.
Light & Light-coloured clothing: it allows for better airflow and ventilation and reflects the sun’s rays. They can help to reduce heat absorption and keep you cooler in hot weather. Light clothing is often made from natural fibres such as cotton, which can be more breathable and comfortable than synthetic materials.
Additional Sun Smart Outdoor Tips
Seek Shade
It’s essential to take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors, especially during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Check UV Index
Check the UV index before heading outside, and plan your activities accordingly.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are not a safe alternative to sun exposure. They use UV radiation, which can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, premature ageing and other skin damage.
Stay sun smart outdoors with our tips!
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CAUTION
Staying hydrated and drinking coconut water can help maintain optimal health. However, during outdoor activities, it should not replace water, which is essential for proper hydration. Drinking enough water is crucial for staying hydrated and preventing dehydration. Dehydration can worsen the harmful effects of sun exposure. Also, while tanning beds may seem like a quick and easy way to get a tan, they are not a safe alternative to sun exposure. Tanning beds emit UV radiation, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer and other skin damage. Applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and taking breaks in the shade during outdoor activities can help protect your skin.
If possible, it’s best to avoid spending too much time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. If you must go out, try to schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not as intense.
Some foods to eat when outside in hot weather:
Watermelon & Cucumber & Frozen grapes – These juicy fruits are high in water content, making them an excellent way to stay hydrated. Watermelon is rich in electrolytes like potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps. Cucumber is high in vitamin C and low in calories. Frozen grapes are delicious and refreshing snacks on a hot day. They’re high in antioxidants and also low in calories, making them a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Salad greens – Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are high in water and nutrients like vitamin C and iron. They’re also low in calories and easy to digest, making them an excellent light and refreshing meal option.
Grilled chicken – Lean proteins like grilled chicken can help keep you feeling full and energised without weighing you down. Grilling is a great way to cook without heating your kitchen.
Try sprinkling some organic coconut confetti on top of these foods! You can also top it on your favourite smoothie or yoghurt for a tasty and nutritious snack that keeps you cool and refreshed all summer.
Stay cool and nourished when spending time outdoors!
Summing Up
Hydrating your body and protecting your skin are crucial in outdoor activities. Coconut water is an excellent natural hydrator that provides essential electrolytes and nutrients, while sun-smart outdoor tips can prevent sun damage and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Be sun-smart and plan your routine to enjoy the outdoors while keeping your body healthy and protected. Stay hydrated and sun smart!
