With summer around the corner, it is time to consider sun protection seriously. While keeping ourselves protected from the sun should be a year-round practice, the blazing hot summer sun makes this even more essential.
Whether you’re heading to the lake for a picnic, spending the day at the beach, or having a poolside BBQ, sun damage is the last thing you want to worry about. Luckily, there are several sun protection items you can pop into your tote or weekender that will keep you covered so you can enjoy your summer in the sun while staying protected.
So, whether you’re heading off on vacation, hitting the beach for the day, or catching a tan poolside, here are five sun protection must-haves to pack in your tote.
Extra Sunscreen
While many apply sunscreen before putting on a swimsuit and that day’s outfit, carrying extra sunscreen in your tote is a must. Although most swimsuits now come with an Ultra-Violet Protection Factor (UPF), they rarely cover your entire body, making it essential to apply sunscreen to those unprotected areas.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while many sunscreen manufacturers claim their product is waterproof, you should still reapply it regularly, especially to sensitive areas like your face, ears, neck, and the tops of your feet.
When looking for sunscreen, finding one that works well for your face and body is handy because it means popping only one tube in your bag, saving space. Another thing to consider is the sunscreen you opt for – some brands offer a spray or stick (much like a deodorant) that is easy to apply and won’t leak in your bag.
Sunglasses
Protecting your skin from the sun is important, but so is looking after your eyes. Wearing a good pair of sunglasses goes a long way in shielding your eyes from the sun and adding to your overall look, so it’s a win-win.
When choosing sunnies, it is essential to find a pair that looks amazing and provides UV protection. Unfortunately, not all sunglasses have a UV protective coating, so checking before purchasing is a must.
If you wear glasses, opt for a pair of quality sunglasses. This way, your vision isn’t compromised, and your eyes remain protected.
When buying your sunglasses, make sure they come with a sturdy protective case. This way, if you go for a swim, you can pop them in your tote without worrying that they’ll get scratched or damaged.
Beach Cover-Up
Another handy sun protection accessory that is stylish and won’t take up too much space in your tote is a beach cover-up. Besides being a fashionable item, a beach cover-up comes in several colors and fabrics, making it easy to find one that matches your bathing suit perfectly.
While a cover-up makes an excellent fashion item, it provides a little more protection from the sun without making you overly hot. In addition to being cute, a beach cover-up is seriously packable, folding up relatively small to fit in even a smaller tote with ease.
Better still, they provide a little warmth when the sun starts to go down, and the air becomes breezy, making the beach cover-up a must-have summer accessory.
Packable Sunhat
A packable sunhat is a fantastic accessory to add to your tote this summer. While it looks like any other sunhat, you can roll up or fold the packable kind to fit neatly in your bag without damaging it.
Packable sunhats come in various materials like fabric, felt, or straw, and you can find them in a range of colors and patterns. They also come in several styles, making it easy to find the one that best matches your summer wardrobe. But, while there are numerous options to choose from, we suggest finding one with a wide brim that will keep your face and neck well protected from the sun’s harsh rays. Besides, big hats make for a timeless fashion statement.
Water Bottle
When it comes to sun protection, dehydration is one of the most overlooked things. While we protect our skin and eyes externally with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, keeping hydrated is just as essential. Although we often don’t notice, our bodies lose a lot of water when we spend time in the sun, which can lead to dehydration and some pretty nasty headaches, and sometimes nausea.
Carrying a water bottle in your tote will help you stay hydrated by ensuring you always have fresh water on hand. While there are many types, colors, and sizes of water bottles, we suggest finding one that is BPA-free (made with non-toxic plastics) and has a lid that won’t drip or leak in your tote.
Lastly, look for one that is recyclable, so if you decide to purchase a new water bottle in the future, this one can be disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
Conclusion
Popping these five items in your tote will ensure you’re ready for even the hottest days of summer so you can relax and have fun without worrying about staying protected. With your extra sunscreen, trendy protective eyewear, cute water bottle, and a light layer of added protection, you’re all set for days at the beach, afternoons at the lake, or lunchtime BBQs in your backyard. Not only will you stay safe from the sun’s harmful rays, but you’ll look cute doing it too.