Queensland sunshine is one of the best things about living here, long, warm days that practically beg you to get outside. The sun’s just got a bit of bite to it, especially through summer, so a few simple habits go a long way toward making sure everyone gets home happy, not sore and red.
The whole thing really comes down to five easy habits, and once they’re part of the routine, nobody even has to think about it.
Slip on something that covers you up. A shirt with sleeves, or even better, a rashie or long-sleeve lycra top if you’re in and out of the water all day, does a great job of taking the sun out of the equation for whatever it’s covering.
Slop on sunscreen, SPF30 or higher, and give it a good 20 minutes to soak in before you head out the door. Go for something water resistant if you’re swimming, and pop a reminder on to reapply every couple of hours, sunscreen doesn’t last forever, especially with a bit of splashing and towel-drying involved.
Slap on a hat, and a wide brim is your best mate here, it’s doing double duty covering your face, ears and the back of your neck all at once, the spots people usually forget.
Seek shade whenever you get the chance, whether that’s a tree, a beach tent, or just the shadow of the surf club for a break. It doesn’t mean staying out of the sun altogether, just giving your skin the occasional breather, especially in the middle of the day.
Slide on some sunnies, ideally ones that meet the Australian standard, your eyes are having just as much fun in the sun as your skin is, and they deserve the same protection.
None of this is about missing out on sunshine, it’s about setting yourself up so you can stay out longer, feel better at the end of the day, and keep your skin happy for the long run too. Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide, five easy habits and you’re sorted.
