From picnics and paletas to seashores and yard barbecues, is it any surprise that we love summer season in South Texas? Whether or not you get pleasure from lengthy, lazy days lounging poolside or a leisurely float down the Guadalupe River, the chances for summer season enjoyable are countless — and so is the warmth.
The San Antonio solar is brutal, and with out the right precautions, it will possibly trigger issues that vary from sunburn to extra severe points, together with extreme dehydration and warmth stroke. Earlier than you resign your self to staying inside all season, listed below are just a few suggestions for staying protected within the solar and having fun with all of the summer season enjoyable San Antonio has to supply.
1. Keep Solar Savvy
One in every of life’s merciless ironies is that whereas nothing makes you are feeling more healthy than a radiant, sun-kissed glow, subjecting your pores and skin to the solar’s dangerous UVA and UVB rays is likely one of the worst issues you are able to do to it. At greatest, solar publicity causes hyperpigmentation and accelerates the growing older course of. At worst, it can lead to extreme burns and pores and skin most cancers. That’s why it is very important be sun-savvy and defend your physique’s largest organ. Your first line of protection is sunscreen, however with so many manufacturers in the marketplace, how are you aware which one to decide on?
“Search for an SPF (solar safety issue) of fifty or increased,” advises native dermatologist Elizabeth Hughes, MD FAAD, who suggests reapplying it each two hours and extra usually if you’re within the water.
When you’ve chosen the right SPF, it’s essential to select a formulation. Whereas it could be tempting to go together with the comfort of a sprig, Hughes suggests utilizing a cream or lotion as an alternative for extra exact protection and making use of a thick layer at house earlier than heading out. We just like the regionally made Supergoop! line of solar safety merchandise for its big selection of formulation and finishes.
2. Decorate to Defend Your Eyes
Along with sunscreen, Hughes suggests a wide-brimmed hat and sun shades to guard the fragile pores and skin in your face and round your eyes. We like Sunshine Tienda hats for his or her cute kinds and colourful trim. Yow will discover them at Sundown & Co. We’re additionally large followers of GoodR sun shades for his or her slip-proof design, enjoyable colours, wonderful UV safety and fewer than $40 value level. Yow will discover them regionally at Moon Mippy.
3. Don’t Wait to Hydrate
Don’t simply carry that stylish water bottle round, use it! Ready till you’re thirsty to drink water is like ready till you’re sunburned to use sunscreen. So how a lot do you have to drink? You’ve most likely heard the eight glasses of water a day rule. Whereas that’s a strong fundamental guideline, it will not be sufficient relying on the place you reside, how a lot you sweat and different elements.
Hate water? No worries! You may get fluids from different sources, together with non-sugary sports activities drinks and recent vegetables and fruit. These will assist with hydration and add electrolytes, nutritional vitamins and minerals. Moreover, there are many hydration enhancers in the marketplace that you would be able to add to water to replenish and refresh deliciously. Liquid IV is a well-liked selection amongst these within the know and is well ordered by means of Amazon, together with sugar-free variations. San Antonio is house to a number of locations that provide IV drips to assist with hydration. Recharge Zone is a go-to for a fast repair.
A phrase of warning relating to hydration: Not all liquids are created equal. Whereas that margarita or chilly beer could look chilly and refreshing, alcohol is a dehydrating substance, so eat it mindfully and carefully, and ensure you drink loads of water together with it.
4. Know What To Do When You Overdo It
Regardless of our greatest efforts, summer season slip-ups occur. Take note of your physique. For those who expertise nausea, complications, confusion or comparable signs whereas open air, get within the shade and name 911, as you possibly can be affected by warmth exhaustion or the extra lethal warmth stroke.
If a day on the seaside has you wanting like a lobster, Hughes recommends taking ibuprofen, making use of cool compresses and utilizing over-the-counter lotions with camphor or pramoxine. For extra extreme burns or blisters, seek the advice of your dermatologist.
The underside line is that with some widespread sense and precautions, it’s potential to reap the various advantages of time spent outdoors with out obsessing over the dangers.
“I’d wish to see a small portion of the day spent making use of sunscreen and donning protecting clothes after which the remainder of the day spent worry-free in an atmosphere that may enhance temper and health and create recollections for you and your individuals,” Hughes stated. “Suppose empowerment, not worry.”
