This month, Coolibar guest blogger Jillian Murphy from How to be a Redhead shares her top tips on how redheads should protect themselves at the beach. For people with red hair, sun protection is even more important because their skin and hair are more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. Here’s to Coolibar’s redheaded fans! Wishing you fun in the sun this summer.
Sunblock
This is something that you have probably been reminded to do since you could walk, but it bears repeating. In my 21 years as a fair skinned redhead, I have learned just how important this is. I’ve found that putting some quality ‘redhead friendly’ UV protective sunblock on right when you get to the beach and after any swimming/physical activity is the best way to go. Although I found it annoying as a kid to keep lathering myself with lotion when I just wanted to play, I am always grateful when I wake up the next day and I’m not in a lot of pain and red as a lobster.
A Cover-Up
I usually bring two different cover-ups to the beach with me. I pack a loose, lightweight, light colored t-shirt for when I plan on playing Frisbee with friends or going for a run. I also pack a cute sundress, one that covers my back (the forgotten and hard to reach place). It’s nice to have something to throw on when you’re lying on the blanket reading a magazine and something for when you plan on being active. And, you have the option of choosing UV Protective Clothing to keep you extra protected. Check out Coolibar’s line of sun-preventative beach wear.
A Big Umbrella
Last summer, a few of my girlfriends and I went to Newport, RI for a weekend getaway. One of them brought a large umbrella and let me tell you, it was the best idea! If you’ve covered up and reapplied sunblock and you just want to lie down without being bothered, hanging out under the cool shade of an umbrella is a great, protective way to go. Coolibar offers some great UPF 50+ umbrellas!
A Hat
I like to run around on the beach and play different sports all day, so I usually bring a baseball hat with me. An alternative to that (and one that covers the back of the neck) is a floppy brimmed sun hat. The nice thing about bringing a hat is that it protects both the sensitive skin on your face and scalp, and gives your eyes a break from squinting. I also like to use a scarf or bandana as they provide protection for my hair, neck and scalp and are versatile pieces!
Sunglasses
Squinting brings me to my next tip: sunglasses! I recently invested in prescription sunglasses because I like to protect my baby blues as often as possible in the summer, but I also like to be able to see. I usually go for a pair with a fairly large lens, so that the sensitive skin around my eyes is protected from the sun, too.
Join me on How to be a Redhead’s 2015 fashion and beauty tour, Rock it like a Redhead! The national tour premiered in Austin on April 30th, but you still have time to sign up for one of the four remaining tours in Nashville (June 18th), Seattle (August 13th), Chicago (September 10th), or New York City (November 5th). The events are live, red carpet events focused on the beauty and fashion of redheaded women. The mission is to empower every redhead to feel confident, look amazing, and rock their beauty!
