5 Most Important Things to Bring to the Beach
If you ask a toddler, “What are the most important things to bring to the beach?” they might say buckets, shovels, and their brand new NERF football. Ask a teen what the most important things to bring to the beach with friends, they might tell you a bathing suit, towel, and their new waterproof speaker is all they need. Ask a dermatologist or skin-cancer researcher what the most important things to take to the beach are, they list a number of sun-safe items and accessories designed to reduce cancer-causing sun exposure. Of course, if you want to bring all that other stuff, they’re certainly not going to stop you!
Whether you’re headed to the beach for the day, the weekend, or setting sail on a week-long trip to a tropical paradise, here are the five bonafide most essential things to take to the beach to stay safe in the sun and prevent potential skin-health issues down the road.
What to Bring to the Beach for a Day of Sun-Safe Fun
1. Sunscreen
With an estimated 90% of skin aging caused by the sun and the fact that more than five sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma, the need for sunscreen is undeniable for both skin health and appearance. Combined with the lack of natural shade at most beaches, the need for regular sunscreen application is crucial for optimal skin protection, and the number one item to put on your beach day packing list. For best results, apply before you head out into the sun, and reapply regularly throughout the day, as recommended by the directions on your sunscreen.
2. UPF 50+ Clothing & Sun-Safe Accessories
Let’s face it: reapplying sunscreen to every inch of your exposed skin can seem like a lot of work–especially if you are in charge of making sure others are well protected from the sun. Whether you want to cut your sunscreen application process down for your own sanity, or you simply want the best sun protection to double up your efforts, UPF 50+ clothing will be your best friend.
UPF 50+ clothing is made from a unique fabric designed to effectively block 99% of the sun’s UVA/UVB rays from ever reaching your skin. For babies under six months who cannot wear sunscreen, UPF 50+ baby swimwear is a must-pack item to include on your beach day packing list.
Boy’s swimwear and girl’s swimwear and UPF 50+ clothing for toddlers and tweens offer excellent sun protection in a variety of styles, including rashguards and long sleeve swimsuits, boardshorts, UPF 50+ hooded cover ups, and even sun leggings for optimal comfort and protection, especially if they have already experienced excessive sun exposure earlier in the day or week.
Similarly, UPF 50+ men’s swimwear and women’s swimwear collections offer more than just layers for wading in the water. For instance, UV Skinz® offers stylish UPF 50+ pieces for every sunny day adventure, from swimming in the ocean to seaside lounging on the pier or under the cabana, helping to reduce the amount of skin being exposed to the sun and helping you enjoy your beach trip to the fullest.
3. Sun Hats
Number three on your beach day packing list: sun hats. The sun can be sneaky at the beach, especially with that nice breeze and cool water that helps mask the reality of how hot it truly is. Without a sun hat, your scalp, face, ears, and neck are subject to severe skin damage even sunscreen may have difficulty keeping up with. The right sun hat will shade these areas where the skin is most sensitive so you don’t have to regret your day in the sun or fear stepping out into it during the rest of your beach vacation.
4. Sunglasses
Earning the number four spot on our list of what to bring to the beach for a day of fun in the sun is a sun-shielding pair of sunglasses.
Just like the sun can damage your skin, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause short and long term damage to your eyes, affecting your vision and increasing the risk of developing serious eyesight problems like cancer, cataracts, sunburned eyes (yes, that’s a thing!), macular degeneration, growths, and other serious issues. To best protect your eyes anytime you are out in the sun, we recommend wearing sunglasses designed to block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
Not sure if your current sunglasses fit the bill? You can take them to your local optical shop or ophthalmologist to check. Or, you can treat yourself to that brand new pair you’ve been eyeing!
5. Shade
Chances are, you will be hard-pressed to find the right amount of natural shade at your oceanside retreat, which makes it extremely important to pack your own reprieve from the sun if you’re headed to a place without their own sun-shielding accommodations.
In addition to packing your favorite beach umbrella, canopy, or UV-blocking beach tent, try to avoid peak sunlight hours where the sun is strongest (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and adjust your beach chairs and shading accessories to the direction offering the most shade possible.
Avoid Sunburns This Summer With UV Skinz® UPF 50+ Clothing
A trip to the beach is a perfect way to unwind while soaking up some Vitamin D. But without the proper protective items on your beach day packing list, your day of relaxation may become a long day of sun exposure you weren’t planning on. At UV Skinz®, we make it simple to stock up on the UPF 50+ apparel that’s comfortable and stylish enough for your beach-bound gang. Be sure to check out our beach clothes for men, women, girls, and boys!
Browse and shop UV Skinz® today to find your perfect sunny day layers. Then, head over to the UV Skinz™ Blog to learn more about How to Prepare Your Skin for Summer!
