7 Sun Protection Solutions for Ocean Lovers

For ocean lovers like yourself, protection from the sun is a constant struggle. Make things a little easier while you enjoy the ocean with these solutions for sun protection!

Why it’s important to protect your skin from the sun

A bronzed God, a tanned Goddess, or simply sun-kissed – the glorification of sun bathing. We’ve heard ’em all.

However, it’s no secret, UV rays can be extremely hazardous for your skin health. In fact, overexposure to sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Sure, we all want to look bronzed and tan, but it may be a better idea to hide those pasty pale thighs instead.

So what’s a sun chaser, beach bum, salty sailor, or ocean explorer to do about it? After all, every waking moment of our day seems to be spent in the warm, tropical sun. How can we protect our skin from the harmful UV rays?

As two professionals spending our work days AND play time in the sunlight, we’ve come up with a few simple solutions that we want to share with you!

Easy Solutions for Sun Protection: How We Protect Ourselves from the Sun

As much we love the sun, we still take necessary precautions to protect ourselves from it. How else are we going to be living this ocean lifestyle until we’re old and wrinkled anyway?

Well, these solutions for sun protection should make us at least a little less wrinkled…

1. Wear long sleeve shirts.

You think wearing sunscreen would be the first solution, right? Wrong you are!

When you’re working all day every day in the sun, it’s hard to stay on top of the copious amounts of sunscreen it takes to adequately protect your skin. It’s just not feasible.

The solution? Long sleeve shirts!

But not just any ole long sleeve shirt – but rather one with a high UPF rating!

What is UPF, you ask? Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is to fabric what SPF is to sunscreen. The higher the UPF, the less UV rays penetrating your shirt (for more, the NY Times has a great blog post thoroughly explaining the concept).

At this point in my life, I think all I wear are long sleeve, high UPF shirts. My favorite? Columbia, particularly their PFG line, and a local company making a huge difference called MANG! For every shirt purchased, they plant one mangrove tree for habitat restoration!

2. Hooded, long sleeve shirts work even better.

I know what you’re thinking: “isn’t that hot!?”.

In short, yes, it can be a little warmer. However, my thought process goes like this:

1. It’s hot.
2. It’s also sunny.
3. I’m going to sweat no matter what.
4. Might as well completely protect myself from the sun!

And honestly, it’s not that much hotter. Hooded, long sleeve shirts are made from lightweight, breathable material while also protecting yourself from the sun. It’s worth it.

Oh, and they look super cool.

3. Bucket hats are back in style.

Before purchasing my first bucket hat, I always thought I’d look like a goofball. Until, I moved to Florida. Everyone who’s looking for some sun protection is wearing a bucket hat. It’s definitely the cool thing to do.

Again, Columbia to the rescue!

4. UV polarized shades.

Not only does the sun damage your skin, it damages your eyes. Yikes! Best invest in a decent pair of shades!

Costa del Mars are our favorite – they’re specifically made for ocean activities with boaters, divers, and outdoor adventurers in mind.

5. Neck gaitors, buffs, or face shields.

Or whatever you’d like to call them.

Before they were the cool thing to wear in the era of a pandemic, people on the water were wearing face shields as protection to the sun. Contrary to popular belief, their purpose hasn’t changed.

6. Use reef safe sunscreen

Obviously, sun screen was going to make an appearance eventually! After all, it’s the most apparent way to protect yourself from the sun!

However, did you know all sunscreens aren’t created equally?

In fact, many popular sunscreen brands contain extremely harmful chemicals to you AND the environment! Specifically, oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Because of this, we’ve partnered with our favorite brand of reef safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea! We want to get YOU discounts so you can lather up with a piece of mind.

7. Drink plenty of water.

It seems obvious but you’d be amazed how many people walk around these days dehydrated. And that’s not even considering how much water is lost as you frolic in the sun and splash in the ocean!

Staying hydrated is crucial in protecting yourself from the sun. Your skin moistens and you sweat – reflecting UV rays from your body.

So do yourself a favor and get yourself an eco-friendly water bottle and carry it wherever you go.

Our favorite? It’s tough to beat Hydro Flask! They just work so dang well.

How we protect ourselves from the sun: Final thoughts

Protecting your skin is vital to your health and longevity. From a couple of ocean lovers to you, here are the key takeaways and our best tips of advice to protect yourself from the sun:

• Covering up using high UPF fabrics is the best form of sun protection.
• Bucket hats are always in style.
• UV Polarized glasses can do wonders for your eyes.
• Face shields are a must.
• When using sunscreen, use the reef-safe kind.
• Hydrate or die-drate!

Take it or leave it though. Just remember: don’t you want to be chasing the sun into old age? Take care of your skin and use sun protection and you’ll be doing just that!