Donning a simple straw sun hat, such as this one from J. Crew, will help to shield your face and eyes from the sun.

Despite a particularly rainy spring, we announce, in the words of the Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun.” But these days, we know those words also mean it’s time to take precautions when it comes to ultraviolet rays. Following are three tips for a safer summer.

• We took the Coppertone pledge to help strike out sun damage, and promised to seek shade, wear UV-blocking sunglasses and use UVA/UVB, high-SPF sunscreen when outdoors. For every person who takes the online pledge, the sunscreen company donates $1 (for a total of up to $30,000) to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, which donates to 50 worldwide laboratories working on cutting-edge research.
• T-shirts have an average SPF of 7 — fine for limited outdoor time. But for all-day activities in the sun, such as kayaking, hiking, sailing and gardening, it might be wise to wear some additional sun protection with ExOfficio’s Sun Guard clothing, made of treated fabric to create an SPF of more than 30, blocking 98 percent of the sun’s harmful rays. Selections include the Women’s Neptune Short-Sleeved Shirt ($46) and Amphi Short ($55). Many of the items also have additional built-in technology — from moisture wicking to Insect Shield.
• We love a classic straw beach hat, such as the one shown here from J. Crew ($28). The wide brim not only shields our face from dangerous wrinkle-inducing rays, but it also assists our sunglasses in keeping our eyes shaded.

For more summer essentials, check out the beach-inspired beauty products in the July/August issue of VIVmag. We remember when sun worshiping and tanning accelerants were all the rage. What types of products and practices have replaced your reflective foil and baby oil?

Tags: Accelerant, baby oil, beach-inspired beauty products, Firefighting, Rubber, Sun tanning