sun safe this summer
Stay safe in the sun this summer - here’s the low down on all things UV protection for a sun kissed summer
It’s official summer’s here! Sun drenched afternoons spent languishing in gardens and on beaches are what we live for with their mood boosting, vitamin D injecting loveliness.
This month we’re celebrating International Sunglasses Day (27 June) and the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect our eyes. Jump on board and show us your best #SunglassSelfie
sun safe skin
Too much sun is the main cause of both skin cancer and skin ageing. In the UK, almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma could be prevented by enjoying sun safely.
Here in the UK the sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 11am and 3pm from early April to late September. This is the time where the sun can cause damage, so we need to show it some respect.
One of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun's rays is to spend some time in the shade.
Shade and clothing are more effective than sunscreen and a lot more eco friendly to boot. Take a break under trees, parasols, canopies or our personal fave - head indoors for a lazy long luncheon.
Rays reflect off pavements and burn through sheer fabrics, so choose loose-fitting pieces with a close weave material. Hats are your friend - I don’t leave home without my trusty cap for full face protection.
screen your skin
It’s time to take a fresh look at our sunscreen. Whatever we put on our skin is absorbed into our skin, so it’s important to look at ingredients and go for more natural products that are kinder to your skin.
by Jakob Owens
We need to consider how ocean safe our sunscreen is too. The chemicals contained in suncreams are thought to be damaging to marine life and coral reefs alike.
Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate can seep into the water, where they're being absorbed by corals, algae, sea urchins, fish and mammals. Look for sunscreens with natural mineral ingredients aka titanium oxide and zinc oxide.
Choose a broad spectrum, high protection SPF with UVA 4* or 5* protection. Apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours. Don't leave it in the sun - it stops working when stored above 25°C . And yes, it has a shelf life - once expired it's not effective... so bin it and recycle that tube.
Shade those eyes
The sun's ultraviolet light and exposure to UV radiation is linked to some serious eye conditions... cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (corneal sunburn) and research has found that 5-10% of skin cancers occur on the eyelid… eek!
By Aral Tasher
Protect your peepers by investing in quality sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB radiation. Over 90% of UV can pass through even light cloud - so don't leave home without them.
It's not the colour of your lenses, it's the percentage of UV protection that matters, so you can go for that pale tint as long as you go for 100% UV. Oversized or wraparound sunglasses block the most sun, especially when those rays are bouncing off sand and sea.
good Summer habits
UV damage is cumulative, occurring over a lifetime of exposure. Children are especially vulnerable, so get them in good habits of throwing on their sunnies when you do. Burn now and pay later, so stay sun safe this summer.
Check out our range of 100% UV protected sunnies and get ready to turn up the heat.
Jo
Coral ... shades of summer
The sister of blush and part of the new neutrals family, Coral slots right in amongst our wardrobe staples. It's our go-to colour and summer in a shade...
The sister of blush and part of the new neutrals family, coral slots right in amongst our wardrobe staples. Summer in a shade, this pretty colour casts pink overtones and orange undertones, calming down high energy colours and adding a pop to whites and denims.
We're loving the corals in this Algae Illustration by Miss Capricho
Easy to wear and flattering to almost every skin tone, coral looks perfect with sunkissed skin (from a bottle or with a dollop of UV protection of course) - it's our go-to for summer lips, nails and sunglasses.
Our version is a beautifully made, original late 60s sumptuous optyl frame, by Italian brand Correna. Oversize vintage style with delicate peaches and cream tones and sculpted detail.
Coral was crying out for peach tinted lenses, we've added an anti reflection coating to give a little extra in the UV department. See them modelled by the delectable Caroline Jones from Knickers Models Own.
Best of all - now you can win your very own pair of vintage sunglasses in our competition to take home Coral - check out our Peep meets Knickers Competition and enter here.
Good luck peeps!
Jo
Peep Meets Knickers
Big news for all peep lovers! Caroline Jones of Knickers Models Own is a big peep fan! She's been spotted sporting some of our sunglasses and here's how you can win your own...
Big news for all peep lovers! Caroline Jones of Knickers Models Own, vintage devotee, fashion blogger and author of beautiful coffee table book 'A year of frugal fashion' (with photography by the talented Rankin), is a big peep fan!
the delightful Caroline Jones sporting Carrie
Caroline rocking our Coral sunnies - this could be you!
Head on over to our Instagram page to enter or sign up to our lovely newsletter to win Coral - your summer sunglasses, or do both and double your chances!
Don't get your knickers in a twist... on Instagram simply like and follow, comment with the hashtag #peepatknickers and tag in a friend. The more friends you tag, the better chance you have of winning!
The competition closes at 8pm Friday 23 June 2017. See below for the Ts and the Cs.
After losing her mother to cancer in 2014, Caroline was determined to raise money for Cancer Research UK, where her mother volunteered, and in 2015 embarked on a solo fundraising project, styling herself in a different outfit each day for a year.
Only pre-loved clothes found in Cancer Research UK shops were permitted (knickers model’s own!). Each day Caroline posted a photo on social media asking for donations to fund her campaign. She topped this off by taking home the JustGiving Creative Fundraiser of the Year Award.
"I've always felt entirely comfortable wearing other people’s unwanted clothes, mixed alongside those of my own. Inherited items, charity finds and brand new treat-to-self purchases, all blending together to make my tightly edited wardrobe ‘sweat the asset’.
With the support of followers, brands, the media and donors my campaign went on to raise £63,000 and become part of the slow fashion conversation."
The girl done good!
