Summer appeared with a bang this year; bringing with it a mini heatwave of soaring temperatures, a sell-out of cooling fans and paddling pools appearing in gardens. Ireland’s beaches, parks and gardens have never been busier!
While it’s always nice to welcome the sunshine, it’s easy to underestimate just how dangerous the sun can be. It can result in heatstroke, dehydration, sleepless nights and heat exhaustion. With a bout of hot weather, it’s important to remember that it requires more than one application of SPF in the mornings to keep you safe in the sun. Check out our expert tips for staying sun safe this summer:
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Top up your SPF throughout the day: This is a big one, as your SPF will need to be topped up while out enjoying the sun, particularly when swimming or sweating. But don’t forget areas like lips, ears and scalp.
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Stay hydrated: Keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day, an important reminder is to not wait until you’re already thirsty as that can be one of the first signs of dehydration.
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Check on others: Older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions can find the hot weather more difficult and be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
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Know the warning signs: Heat exhaustion can develop quickly, so it’s a good idea to know the symptoms; dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and weakness. If a person becomes confused, loses consciousness, stops sweating, or has a very high body temperature, seek urgent medical attention.
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Keep your home cool: During the hottest parts of the day, keep your blinds and curtains closed to prevent heat from building up indoors.
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Don’t forget your pets: Our furry friends feel the heat too, or even more so, thanks to their furry coats. Make sure they have constant access to fresh water and have a cool, shaded place to rest. Plus, avoid bringing dogs out on a walk during the heat.
If you need an SPF top up, check out just some of our favourites below, happy shopping!
Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50
A broad-spectrum SPF that’ll protect your skin and lightly moisturise, while imparting a dewy finish and peachy tint. It is non-comedogenic, oil-free, water-resistant and non-greasy, and what’s more, there’s no need to stress about a chalky white cast and photo flashback.
Sculpted Sun Mist SPF 50 Spray
A fantastic option for topping up your SPF during the day, particularly if you’re a makeup wearer. This invisible spray rehydrates and protects simultaneously, while moisturising with Vitamin E and Apricot Oil. Simply spray and go.
Elave Daily Lip Defence SPF 20
A nourishing lip balm that combines broad-spectrum SPF20 sun protection with intensive moisturising care to help keep lips soft, smooth and protected. Formulated for dry, sensitive and weather-exposed lips, this fragrance-free balm is a summer must-have!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Baby Lotion F50+
And for the little ones, Anthelios Baby Lotion is specifically formulated for children's delicate skin from 6 months old. Extremely water-resistant, non-greasy, it is exceptionally broad-spectrum and suitable for use on both face and body.
Try to enjoy the sunshine to the best of your ability while it’s here, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any further questions, pop into your local Meaghers Pharmacy to speak to one of our expert pharmacists or pop us a message on social media and a member of our team will get back to you.
