KISS Smart in the Sun

With a scorchio forecast ahead for 32-36 degrees between now and New Year’s day here in Melbourne, it’s timely for some sensible sun loving reminders.

I have typical English skin, you know the type that goes pink by just reading a sunny weather forecast?  I can just about handle the sun in Europe.  I can lie out for a bit and I know when my skin starts to turn pink so I get in the shade and all is well.  In Australia however, it’s like a 5 minute exposure is a session in front of a blow torch. 

It's good to remember that the sun is a vital source of vitamin D which plays a role in the abosorption of calcium (healthy bones) and for a healthy immune system ........ ever noticed how good you feel in the sun?  It lifts your mood and can help combat depression!!  If I ever need a perk up I just head out for a walk in the sunshine and feel heaps better afterwards!

Safe sun exposure is what it's all about, for me, a bit of time in the sun (knowing that my skin is pale and the sun is strong) for my Vitamin D dose and the rest of the time I stay safe.  Here are my top tips for staying safe in the sun, from a natural, road of the least toxic and stylish all the same (if only to save yourselves from advancing wrinkles)....

1.       Find some shade, whether you’re on a golf course running for the shade from tree to tree or on a beach in your goofy little sun tent (I have one), staying out of the sun particularly when it's super strong or you know you've had enough is one way to minimise the sun credit you clock up.

2.       Wear a fabulous hat

3.       Wear a scarf and wear white, it’s cooling and the scarf can be used to cover up from the sun.

4.       Natural skin protection, oil up buttercups!! Jojoba Oil (SPF 15) and Coconut Oil – at good health food shops or online.

5.       Drink plenty of fluids, preventing dehydrating and assisting the skin to stay moist and slightly protected.

6.       SPF sun protection for the face (let’s not speed up the wrinkles now).  Kora Organics has a great tinted moisturiser option.

7.      To apply to skin after being out in the sun, I use aloe vera (look for a source with as little added chemicals as possible from your local health food and supplement store – you’ll notice the effect immediately when you apply it to your skin), natural organic yoghurt and again coconut oil. 

Above all be sensible and watch out for cool, cloudy and windy days where you can’t feel the heat in your skin signalling you’ve had enough!!

What do you do?  Any great suggestions?