Sunny days invite you to get your dose of vitamin D and lift your mood outdoors, but have you found your sunscreen and know how to protect yourself from the sun?

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The sun is a tricky friend: you need to handle it to enjoy its company. Find out how to sunbathe safely and choose the right sunscreen for you in this guide.

Nothing beats the boost of energy and happiness when you enjoy a sunny day outdoors. The importance of sun exposure and vitamin D for our health is undeniable and clinically proven, but taking too much sunlight or being exposed without precaution can have some pesky consequences, which can ruin your skin and health. Sunburns are certainly annoying, but sun damage can go deeper. In this guide, we will explain how UV rays affect your skin, how different sunscreens work and what the label on your sunscreen means. Knowing what you spread on your skin helps you make the most of the sun and get a natural, safe tan.

How UVA And UVB Rays Damage Your Skin

UVA and UVB are familiar nouns by now, but it is good to spend a few lines on them. UV stands for ultraviolet light and is the energy radiated by the sun. This form of energy is released as a light spectrum that comprises UVA, UVB and UVC rays. UVC rays are blocked by ozone, but UVA and UVB rays reach us at different intensities.

UVB rays reach the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin and are responsible for common sunburns, but UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin. UVAs reach the dermis, the inner layer of the skin, where they cause the most damage. UVA rays are, in fact, accountable for skin ageing. However, excessive or unsafe exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can lead to repeated damage to the DNA at the cellular level and, ultimately, skin cancer. Among the many types of skin cancer, melanoma starts in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin. According to Cancer Research UK, 9 in 10 cases of melanoma in the UK could be prevented with good sun education.

Am I Safe From UV Rays When It Is Cloudy?

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Unfortunately not. Up to 90% of UV rays can pass through the clouds. Moreover, even if it feels breezy and cloudy in the UK, the sun's rays are strong enough between mid-October and mid-March to cause damage to your skin. To tell the risk of sunburn and skin damage throughout the year, you can use the UV index in your mobile's weather forecast app. The UV index indicates the sun's ray strength and ranges from 1 to 9+. When the UV index is 3 or higher, it is time to have sunscreen at the ready.

That is why it is a good idea to find the sunscreen that works best for your skin and stock up on it for the year. Yes, but which one?

Mineral Sunscreens VS Chemical Sunscreens

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The skincare market is brimming with a wide variety of options, perhaps too many, you might argue. While you cannot skimp on the strength of your ideal sunscreen – as we will find later in this guide – you can choose what is best for your skin and opt for a mineral or a chemical formulation. The difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen lies in the name, and this also influences how they work, how you apply them and how they feel on the skin.

Mineral sunscreens are also known as physical or organic sunscreens. This is because they work as a physical barrier against UV rays, and their active ingredients are minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This type of sun protection sits on your skin like a shield and makes UV rays bounce away.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain regulated chemical compounds such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate, which work like a sponge by absorbing UV rays and transforming them into heat that dissipates through the skin without damaging it.

Mineral sunscreens feel and apply like thick creams. They have a matte finish, but they leave a white cast on the skin. This white halo is the major disadvantage of mineral sunscreens. Their formula is suitable for dry and sensitive skin, as well as skin prone to acne, eczema, irritation and allergies.

Chemical sun protections feel generally lighter on the skin; they are easier to blend and more water-resistant, a factor which contributes to their longer protection. However, they might cause irritation or reactions in some people due to their main ingredients.

Ultimately, but less known, there are hybrid sunscreens that combine the best properties of physical and chemical sun filters.

How To Use Sunscreens The Right Way

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Their different formulas also suggest how to use them. Mineral sunscreens show their full potential from the moment of application, while chemical sunscreens must be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. This is the time it takes for the product to be absorbed into the skin.

Whether you use physical or chemical sun protection, you need to apply an adequate amount and cover every area exposed to the sun. Dermatologists recommend 2 milligrams, the equivalent of a glass shot of your favourite sun filter. However, it is very common to see social media users using their index and middle fingers as a guide for the right quantity. Then, it is recommended to reapply your sunscreen every two hours and every time you sweat or wipe your face and body to ensure protection throughout the day.

SPF, PA And UVA Star Rating Explained

You will find some acronyms and symbols on the label of your sunscreen. The best known is maybe SPF, which can range from 2 to 50. SPF means 'Sun Protection Factor', and its number tells you the difference between how much time your skin will redden without and with sunscreen. The SPF indicates how much your product protects you from UVB rays, but not against UVAs.

To find out how your sunscreen will protect you from UVA rays, you need to look at either the PA or the UVA Star rating systems. They both refer to the protection against UVA rays, but they are used in different countries and apply different methods and metrics.

The 'PA' stands for Protection Grade of UVA and was first developed in Japan. This system ranges from the lowest level of PA+ to the highest PA++++. It is still used in Japan and other Asian countries, including South Korea.

The UK uses the UVA Star system instead. A circle where the number of stars, from 1 to 5, shows how strong the UVA protection offered by the product will be.

Which Level Of Sun Protection Is For Me?

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If the choice between a mineral and chemical sunscreen is totally up to you, you should play it safe with the level of UVA and UVB protection. The sun protection recommended by the NHS and Cancer Research UK is a minimum of SPF 30 with a UVA protection of 4 or 5 stars. Opt for SPF 50 if your skin is fair or you plan to be outdoors for longer.

Tips For A Healthy Sun Exposure

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Finding the right sunscreen and adequate level of protection is probably the hardest part, but protecting yourself from the scorching sun goes beyond shopping for skincare.

• Follow these essential tips to fully enjoy the brightest days:
• Avoid the sun or stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day. In the UK, these are between 11 am and 3 pm.
• Cover your legs and arms with breathable clothing and apply a body sunscreen to exposed areas, such as your hands.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective sunglasses in the sun. Wrap-around sunnies offer the best protection for the eye area.
• Do not forget to protect the little ones of the family with breathable but protective clothing and sunscreen for sensitive skin or specifically formulated for babies' skin.

Free from sunburns and with complete peace of mind, you will enjoy an entire holiday in an exotic destination or the privacy of your garden.

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Summer is an excellent time to switch up your men’s style. Soft t-shirts and chinos are traditional summertime essentials you’ll need for your closet, but you should also pick up some accessories to finish your fresh look.

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The items on this list are subtle yet stylish enough to elevate any man’s summer wardrobe. Include them in your rotation, and you’ll be looking clean and classic all season long.

1. Versatile Summer Watch

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Summer watches are usually made of lightweight or water-resistant materials. They also tend to be lighter in colour than most men’s fall and winter watches. Swapping out a black leather piece or an intricate design can help move you into warmer weather.

If you’re shopping for a new timepiece to wear to work, a stainless steel watch with a brown leather strap is polished enough for the meeting room. While it looks professional, it’ll also match all your summer neutrals. You can even wear such a dynamic watch while you travel.

If you’re into outdoor adventures, get a fitness watch made of silicone and stainless steel. Details like reinforced glass will keep it from breaking while you’re out for a run or carrying your camping supplies. Some models come with GPS navigation to help guide you on your journey, while several sport modes for workouts will keep you fit and challenged.

Need more inspiration? Other popular choices in summer watches include designs with woven straps and timepieces with minimalist faces and mesh bands. With the right watch, you can accent a polo or a modal t-shirt without looking too loud or clunky. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your classic and understated style sense, a quality seasonal watch is just the right combination of fashion and functionality.

2. Braided or Woven Belt

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Woven and braided belts give off a more casual feel for men’s summer style. Versatile and timeless, you can find everything from thick, hand-braided belts to loom-braided belts for your shorts and pants. If you’re shopping for a rugged style for your outdoor adventures, the best accessories are usually made of leather and finished with a metal buckle.

You’ll find bigger braided belts in classic summertime colours like brown and tan, but a thicker black braid still looks laid-back enough for warmer weather. You can wear this style to work or even headed out to dinner. For an alternative to leather, try faux leather.

Since it’s summer, you can also go with a cotton blend. Linen woven belts are lightweight yet sophisticated, while acrylic belts can be perfect for traveling. Colours like khaki and white are popular, but guys also look great in olive green or rust red. Show off your chinos or khaki shorts with braided belts in trend-forward summer colours like blue and orange.

Some woven belts are multicoloured, which makes them fun for a party or vacation. No matter what look you choose, woven and braided belts are easily adjustable, which will help you to stay comfortable no matter what you’re doing. They’ll also feel lightweight, whether you’re wearing crisp white shorts or a classic pair of jeans.

3. Stylish, Lightweight Hat

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Hats are a classic summer accessory. The best styles make it easy to protect your head and face from the sun while still elevating your signature look. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, the bucket hat is one of the most trendsetting fashions this season. These hats come in many different materials and with features for every occasion, including adjustable drawstrings for breezy weather and sophisticated colours like black and camel.

The baseball cap is still the perfect addition to a white crew neck shirt or a grey v-neck tee. Light colours and washed styles give a casual feel that matches perfectly with neutral tees. There are many options, including the traditional snapback and the unstructured “dad cap.” Look stylish in a panel hat or a trucker cap. Fitted caps are still as popular as ever, with lighter fabrics making them more comfortable in summer weather.

When you’re shopping for something for a beach vacation or a dinner date, try the Panama hat. The woven straw look goes great with crisp white collared shirts and lightweight blazers. You can also wear them with a light blue or sage green t-shirt and a pair of white or khaki pants. Off-white and tan Panama hats are among the most popular choices, but you can also find them in classic hues like brown and black.

If you’re looking for something a little different, try a wide-brimmed fedora or a pork pie hat in a seasonal summer colour. While neutrals are an obvious choice, you can also find them in shades like grey or burgundy. Fisherman caps are an excellent accessory for a nautical feel, while western hats are always rugged and adventurous enough for a summer journey.

4. Polarised, Trend-Forward Sunglasses

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Like the men’s summer hat, polarised sunglasses are essential to your seasonal style. The best lenses will keep your vision crisp and clear while cutting down on glare. They’ll also come with stylish frames that can help to complete your summer outfits.

If you’re looking for polarised sunglasses this season, you can go with a traditional look or a trendsetting style. Aviators are classic frames that enhance almost any man’s face shape. Square-shaped sunglasses with black frames are sure to give off a beach vibe.

Lightweight, clear frames are popular for summer, while dramatic and masculine D-frames in black or grey will go with everything from white tees to denim collared shirts. Round-shaped tortoiseshell glasses are ideal for business casual outfits and sunset dinners. Double-bridged glasses will make you stand out while giving you the perfect amount of UV protection.

Oversized glasses are popular, which means you’ll find them in every frame shape. If you want a unique look that is both relaxed and trend-forward, try vintage-style sunglasses in retro colours like orange or yellow. Bold colours like cobalt blue and red will match the season’s most fashionable tees and jackets. Take them with you on the weekend or while you’re on vacation.

5. Comfortable, Seasonal Footwear

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In the summer, the style of your footwear should match the look of your clothing. Lightweight colours and materials will complement your shirts and pants while keeping your feet cool. Feel like you’re on island time with a slip-on style. Whether you’re hanging out by the beach or at home, canvas slip-on sneakers go with all styles of casual pants and shorts. If you’re wearing joggers or khakis, these shoes are comfortable and versatile enough for nearly any outfit.

For more choices in slip-on footwear, try woven shoes or leather loafers. Boat shoes are casual footwear that add a nautical feel to your wardrobe. They come in every summer colour from navy to brown.

Canvas sneakers match well with shorts and denim pants. If you like the look of athletic shoes, you can even find high-top sneakers in breathable material. Espadrilles are still a popular men’s style, especially because they’re airy and many fabrics are sustainable.

More clogs are being made for men, which means you can find this convenient style of footwear for everything from hanging around the house to tropical vacations. Just because it’s summertime doesn’t mean you can’t find something more formal. Driver shoes will complement everything from chinos to dress pants.

Feel Fresh and Stylish This Summer

When you have the right summer accessories for your closet, you’ll feel fresh and polished no matter where you go. Lightweight watches and footwear are perfect additions to your vacation packing list. You’re also sure to need sunglasses and a relaxed hat for your leisure time this summer. Since these items are perfect for all men, you can easily work them into your wardrobe as soon as the weather gets warm. While enjoying the weather, you may also find yourself with a new sense of confidence.

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