Natural Sun Protection for People and Pets
With rising temperatures, protecting yourself from the strong sun is not just a summer concern, but a year-round issue for both yourself and all the family (including pets).
Whether you’re spending time in the garden, going for a walk, hanging out in the park or by the seaside, the sun (although it has other benefits like mental health and vitamin D) can damage the skin (both beauty-wise and with skin cancer).
Drink plenty of water and hydrating foods (fresh fruits and vegetables, which are not just refreshing but contain nutrients to help protect against free radicals).
Shade and Shelter
One of the simplest ways to avoid sun damage, is to stay in the shade. Trees, canopies, or parasols all make excellent shelters for people and animals. Always ensure pets have somewhere shady in gardens (even cats can get heatstroke) and fresh water bowls.
You can also buy portable gazebos and awnings.
Protective Clothing
Wearing lightweight clothing can help to block rays, without making you feel hot. Think of people say in North America, who wear loose clothing (not tight jeans) in hot weather, far higher temperatures than we have here.
Worn with wide-brimmed heats, long-sleeved shirts, trousers and summer dresses all good ideas.
Timing Outdoor Activities
Before slathering yourself in sunscreen, use your common sense. Avoid the strongest rays from 10am to 4pm, and plan walks, playtime and garden sessions in early morning, late afternoon or evenings. This is especially important for say walking dogs (don’t walk them at all in very hot weather, just have a little indoor play, and a pee/poo break).
Sunglasses and Eye Protection
UV rays can hurt your eye health and cause wrinkles. So use sustainable sunglasses (choose biodegradable ones near the sea, in case recycled plastic ones fell off a boat, they would still break into microplastics).
How to Choose More Natural Sunscreens
There are two types of UV rays:
- UVA rays age skin
- UVB rays cause sunburn
Both types of rays break the skin cells down, and weaken the immune system.
Conventional sunscreens are usually packed with chemicals (just one drop washed off your skin can go down the drain and pollute the sea).
You can now buy mineral sunscreens, which have moved on from big white stripes on cricketers’ noses.
However, they usually contain zinc or titanium dioxide, these are toxic to pets, so never use on animal friends (ask your vet for suitable brands if used). And wash off your skin, before letting pets lick or kiss you – same for mineral cosmetics.
Do a patch test, and do not use sunscreen on broken skin (and keep away from eyes). Use supervision for children (use child-friendly sunscreens).
Good Brands of Natural Sunscreens
Green People Age Defy SPF30 Moisturiser combines a skin cream and sun protection in one, made with organic ingredients and sold in sugar-cane packaging that is easy to recycle. This company also sells eco-friendly sun protection for men and babies.
Suntribe is another good brand of organic sunscreen for adults and children. This is a good European brand, and has extensive information on site on how to keep safe in the sun.
Lucy Bee’s SPF Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen is one of the better ‘chemical sunscreens’ on the market, wait up to 20 minutes after application before going outside.
Natural Self-Tanning Products
Surprisingly, tanning salons are still legal, as they cause skin cancer and eye problems (even if you wear goggles). Instead, exfoliate your skin to avoid streaks, and use a natural self-tanning liquid.
Age Defy Liquid Gold Tanning Drops are naturally non-streaky, just use a drop or two for a subtle soft or deeper tan. Mix with any serum, body lotion or moisturiser for a safe tan within hours. With 9 ingredients including seaweed to firm skin and collagen-protecting green tea, ideal for people over 30.
Sun Safety for Pets: Protecting Dogs and Cats
All pets (especially large breeds and older pets) are at risk of sunstroke, and that includes cats, even though many like warm weather. Blue Cross has tips to keep pets safe in warm weather.
- Ensure pets have access to fresh clean water (take travel bowls on walks).
- Only walk dogs early morning and late evening in warm/hot weather (and not at all, during heatwaves). If it’s too hot for your hands/feet, its too hot for paws.
- Swimming can mask signs of heatstroke (they may even exert more energy than they should, playing ball). 75% of heatstroke cases are with running/playing dogs. A shallow paddling pool without toys, may be a good idea.
- Groom regularly to avoid matted fur (stops regulating temperature).
- Some dogs with thin coats or pink noses, may benefit from a pet-safe sunscreen (ask your vet about suitable brands). Use parasols to protect from sunburn.
- Always check before travel if dogs are allowed wherever you are visiting (to save wasted trips, and to stop irresponsible people leaving dogs in cars). Read more on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
How to Prevent and Treat Pet Heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke are:
- Heavy panting
- Weakness
- Red gums
- Vomiting
If dogs are panting with red gums, or vomiting/collapsing, move to shady area and pour cool (not icy) water over body (not head) until breathing normal. Give small sips of cool water.
- Use a fan (or place ice wrapped in a towel) on groin/armpits.
- Don’t place wet towels on the body, this can raise temperature.
- Put air-conditioning on in car, when driving to vet.
Keep Dogs Away from Adders
Dog-Friendly Cornwall has tips on when to avoid walking near basking adders (‘safe hours’ were before 9am and after 7pm). But rising temperatures means times may change. Adder bites need emergency vet care (read more on how to avoid & treat adder bites).
Never Leave Dogs in (even warm) Cars
- Never leave dogs in (even warm) cars, as the temperature heats up quickly inside (air-conditioning can fail), and can kill in minutes (same for glass conservatories).
- If you find a dog in a hot car, smash the window and move to a shady area, then use cool (not cold) water as above, and immediately call the vet, RSPCA and police (take registration number).
- You may be charged with criminal damage, but most people who leave dogs have ‘forgotten’ and will not prosecute. They will feel terrible.
