sun safe this 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

Summertime Shine

Summertime and we're all livin easy; whether exploring our beautiful Isles or jetting off to far flung shores. But it's not all palm trees and pineapples - we're talking sun protection and here's the lowdown from Peep before you go...

Use your threads

We're big fans of the straw hat, the bigger the better. They do a great job protecting our vulnerable areas; face, neck and ears.  Steer clear of wet t-shirt competitions - they offer nothing in the way of protection or a place in modern society.  

Loosely woven fabrics and light colours also offer little protection, so pass the sunscreen!

Eye Eye

In our glorious summer months, radiation is three times greater than in winter. The sun's ultraviolet light and exposure to UV radiation is linked to some serious eye conditions... cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (corneal sunburn), and growths on the eye... ouch!

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 the lenses, it's the percentage of UV protection that matters. Go for 100% every time. Oversized or wraparound sunglasses block the most sun, especially when those rays are bouncing off sand and sea. 

Save Face

OK here's the science...

The two types of ultraviolet we know so well, UVA and UVB, both cause misery - UVA skin ageing and UVB causes sunburn and skin cancer. Mother nature takes care of UVC for us. UVA rays damage DNA and cause skin ageing  - wrinkles, collagen damage and liver spots... say what?

There's also the new kid on the block. IRA rays. These InfraRed rays may penetrate skin more deeply generating free radicals and causing mayhem... still with me?

Solution: choose a broad spectrum, high protection SPF with UVA 4* or 5* protection, one with antioxidants if you're feeling fancy. Apply liberally 15-30 mins before venturing out and reapply every 2 hours, especially after hitting the pool.

Don't leave your suncream baking 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... now. 

Don't panic! You'll still tan with SPF 30+ product. Yes it takes longer, but bonus, your tan lasts longer and you'll be saving your skin.  

Never let your skin burn - it's not the 80s - we all know better. Everyone's skin offers different levels of protection from the sun - if you're pale skinned you're more at risk.  Out with the baby oil and in with factor 50!

Seek out shade

Step out of the sun before you start to lobster - turning palest pink is a warning. Eleven until three pm is the danger zone when the sun is strongest - we recommend long lazy lunches under canopy.

Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate

Keep well hydrated, as the temperature soars, it's easy to dehydrate and be left a little limp. Up the anti and add cucumber, mint, citrus and fruity ice cubes to water, or snack on strawberries, cucumber and melon to keep cool.

All Peep sunglasses give 100% UVA & UVB protection enhancing sun protection and reducing glare, to make the most of our beloved summer days.

School's out for summer kids... Enjoy!

Jo