Spending the day on the beach is one of the few socially-distanced activities that we can still do in order to make this summer look like the old times. But before you head for the shore, you need to make sure you have everything you need for a safe day in the sun. After all, Australia has a notoriously hot climate and a high rate of skin cancer, the highest in the world, in fact. Taking these essentials with you can help protect you from skin damage and heat stroke.
Beach Umbrella
It’s true that we need sun exposure to create vitamin D and absorb calcium. However, excessive sun exposure can cause a red, painful sunburn. A portable beach umbrella can provide some relief from the sun’s harmful rays.
You may be thinking that you will be already taking a number of things with you to the beach, so you don’t need the extra weight of a beach umbrella. However, there are beach umbrellas available on the market which have a lightweight and compact construction. This makes them easier to move from one location to another. Furthermore, portable beach umbrellas come with carrying bags, which frees up your both hands.
If searching for a beach umbrella online, make sure to inspect its features. Look for lightweight aluminium frames to ensure durability and a tilt function for adjustable shade options. A large model with a wide 220 cm diameter cover will provide just enough shade for the whole family or a group of friends. Articulated frames allow the umbrella to be adjusted while staying fixed in place so you can chase the shade. Vent features provide stability and allow wind and heat to escape, ensuring greater comfort underneath.
The fabric that the umbrella is made of will have a significant impact on its sun-blocking ability. Polyester is a material that doesn’t only block the heat but is also mould resistant, durable and easy to clean. It’s also flexible, which increases wind resistance and can dry very quickly.
Cotton is a natural heat repellent, which makes it ideal for beach umbrellas. It is also affordable and highly durable. Canvas is a resilient material that has a PVC coating. That coating makes the material entirely waterproof. Canvas is also very durable, which makes it such a good option for an umbrella for the beach.
Umbrellas injuring people is a big problem on beaches, so make sure to secure your umbrella well. When it comes to how to secure a beach umbrella in the sand, the best way is to use a rocking back and forth motion. Don’t just stab it into the sand. Bury the umbrella post at least 1/3 of the way down in the sand.
Sunscreen
Unless you live under a rock, you know that sunscreen is essential to prevent sun damage and keep your skin looking healthy, young and beautiful. When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, especially for the Australian climate, you need to be extra vigilant about the strength and quality of the product you apply to your skin.
Regular sunscreens are formulated in the way that when UV rays hit the sunscreen, the molecules in the compound absorb the radiation and then slowly break down and dissipate heat. Thin means, every time you apply a conventional sunscreen, you have a chemical reaction taking place on your skin. While this happens, there is a chance that your skin will absorb some toxic chemicals which are linked to cancer and hormonal issues. For this reason, you should consider using a natural sunscreen.
What is a natural sunscreen? It’s a UV-repellent product that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – natural minerals recognised as safe and effective by the FDA. These natural minerals work immediately and don’t seep into the skin like the chemicals in conventional sunscreens.
When it comes to buying a natural sunscreen, the “Sunbutter SPF50″ cream is a good option to consider. It’s high protection, water-resistant for up to 4 hours, reef safe, palm oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and comes packaged in a handy small plastic-free container that is perfect to pop in your beach bag.
For a non-greasy finish sunscreen, go with the”Simple As That SPF 30”. It’s a sunscreen that has been specially formulated to provide high protection from the sun using zinc oxide as the active ingredient. This sunscreen also contains Rosehip Oil, Raspberry Oil and Green Tea, making it perfect to use on the face.
For children, it’s very important to choose a sunscreen specially formulated for their delicate skin and free from harsh chemicals such as parabens and fragrance which can cause irritation. Look for natural formulas that contain zinc oxide, rosehip oil, green tea, and chamomile to keep their skin nourished.
UV Protection Sunglasses
Each time you spend in the sun without eye protection is dangerous for your eye health, and this applies wherever you are. However, it’s especially risky in places like the beach where sunlight bounces off the water and increase the intensity of UV rays. So, make sure your eyes are properly protected with a pair of shades that offer 100% UV protection. Sunglasses that offer a lower level of protection will only reduce light, which means your eyes will still be susceptible to damage including photokeratitis, cataracts, and cancer.
A lot of people ask “Does the UV protection of sunglasses wear out?”. Yes, it does. Exposure to the sun can deteriorate the protective coating in the lenses over time and reduce their full protection. According to studies, the protective UV layers in sunglass lenses do fade over time, as well as the tint in them. That being said, it’s recommended to change the sunglass lenses every couple of years.
Nowadays you can find cheap replacement lenses for about every sunglass brand and model. This means you can just change the lenses of your favourite pair of shades instead of having to buy new ones.
Water
If you are going to be on the beach the whole day, you are going to get thirsty. Water is a thing that people forget and it’s not always easy to find at the beach. And even though some beaches have plenty of eateries right off the boardwalk that are willing to sell you a cool drink, ti can be a pain in the neck having to walk back and forth. So, you may just think “Who needs water anyway?”.
While you may get away with that sort of thinking in the city, at the beach you’ll be sweating in the sun. And since your skin is wet, you might not even notice the signs of dehydration. That being said, it’s important to carry an insulated water bottle with you and take regular water breaks.
When looking for an insulated water bottle Klean Kanteen is a name to keep in mind. Klean Kanteen insulated water bottles come with lots of great features like food-grade stainless steel construction combined with double-wall insulation, which can keep drinks cool for up to 50 hours. The water bottle Klean Kanteen range is also known for its versatility. The brand’s classic model is compatible with different caps and lids, which means it can be transformed to fit almost every need.
The Loop cap makes it easy to transport your water without the risk of drops – just clip it anywhere. The spill-proof, high-flow Sport cap has a soft silicone spout and valve for easy drinking This makes it the perfect option for small children. And if you want to avoid plastic in every way, Kleen Kanteen bottles are also compatible with a bamboo cap, which is a stainless-steel cap topped with sustainably harvested bamboo.
And you get all of that with a durable finish, easy-to-fill and pour mouth, and a lifetime warranty. Kleen Kanteen water bottles are available in different sizes and in a variety of colours to match your bathing suit and beach bag. The brand also offers stainless steel food canisters that you can use to bring snacks to the beach, like fruit salad, muesli and yoghurt.
In my opinion, it’s worth investing extra money to get something once rather than buy one product multiple times in a lifetime, which has no end value and can’t be easily recycled and will ultimately end up in our food chain. A reusable bottle will benefit both you and the environment.
