Natural Sun Protection (for people and pets)
Years ago, many people just slathered on oil and baked in the sun. But today we know better. Never use tanning salons (they can cause skin cancer and even blindness, even if you use goggles). And stay out of strong sun (between 10am and 2pm). Also read about sustainable sunglasses.
The simplest way to avoid sunburn is to stay out of strong sun, and stay in the shade (use a parasol and a floppy large cotton or hemp hat). Other options are portable gazebos and awnings.
How to choose more natural sunscreens
There are two types of UV rays: UVA ages the skin and UVB causes sunburn (both can weaken the immune system). But most sunscreens are packed with chemicals (and many contain ingredients that pollute the oceans, when they wash off skin and go down sinks).
‘Mineral sunscreens’ have moved on from big white strips on cricketers’ noses. But still do a patch test and don’t use on broken skin.
Green People organic vegan sunscreens are some of the best on the market. All are organic, vegan and free from palm oil, sold in easy to recycle packaging (either at kerbside or at your local Boots recycling box).
Choose scent-free for pregnancy and nursing. Most natural sunscreens contain zinc oxide, which is toxic to pets. So never use human sunscreens on pets. And wash off your face and body, before letting pets kiss you!
Some of these sun creams contain cocoa butter. Although some vets say it’s fine to use if you thoroughly absorb it and wash your hands after use, we would advise to avoid these if you live with or are near pets, and use versions (or any skincare) free from cocoa butter (which contains the same ingredient as chocolate).
Choosing a sunscreen can be mighty confusing. So take Green People’s simple spf quiz, to find out the best sunscreen for you (or your child) to use.
The range includes:
Scent-Free sun screen has over 2000 5-star reviews and is clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin, to protect against 97% of UVB rays and is also good for people prone to prickly heat rash and is easily absorbed.
It also contains aloe vera to soothe sensitive skin and antioxidants like edelweiss, green tea and berry wax, for a splash of water repellence. It’s also reef-safe, to help protect the oceans. Safe for babies from six months, or you may prefer to use Green People’s children’s sunscreens.
Reapply frequently and after swimming, sweating or towelling off. You should this within six months of opening, to ensure UV filters remain stable and provide effective broad-spectrum protection.
Apply generously for 20 minutes before going outside. Wear protective hats, shirts and sunglasses and keep babies and children out of direct sunlight and avoid sun exposure from 11am to 3am, and store away from extreme heat and sunlight.
Mineral Sunscreen is similar with jojoba oil, and also contains chamomile to calm and antioxidant sequoia leaf cell extract for a smooth firm complexion.
Sknfed SPF30 Face Cream
Sknfed SPF30 Face Cream is a coral-reef sunscreen made with Pentavitin™ to strengthen the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump, this cream helps maintain skin health while defending against environmental stressors.
Enriched with botanical oils and butters like shea, jojoba, pomegranate, rosehip, and borage, it soothes, nourishes, and restores – ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and mature skin. Scented with real essential oils.
Due to essential oils, choose scent-free options avoid for pregnancy/nursing. Keep away from children and pets.
Many skincare products contain cocoa butter or zinc oxide (in sunscreen, cosmetics and deodorants). If you live with pets, wash off before letting pets kiss you, or ideally avoid completely.
Scent-Free Facial Sun Cream is a moisturiser and sunscreen in one, with prebiotics from chicory to balance sensitive skin.
Age Defy Moisturiser SPF30 combines a moisturiser and sun protection in one product. For the face only, it contains extracts of buds from the everlasting youth tree to strengthen the skin’s epidermal structure and smooths fine lines, by boosting hydrating by 30%. Contains oils of rosehip and pomegranate. And zesty floral notes for scent.
Scent-free organic children’s sunscreen SPF30
This has no fragrance or essential oils, and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, presented in a squeezy sugar-cane tube that’s travel-friendly and ideal for day trips. Contains eczema-friendly ingredients.
Green People Tinted Moisturiser SPF15 is a blend of sheer mineral make-up covering and age-defying actives, even for sensitive skin. To cover pigmentation, redness and rosacea.
It also gives SPF15 protection and contains antioxidant sea fennel stem cells for a smooth even skin tone, and protect against ageing. Collagen-stimulating Spanish needle works alongside. Scented with exotic Tiaré Tahiti flower.
Liquid Gold Tanning Drops are certified organic to use at home, a drop or two gives skin a subtle tan, or just more for a deeper tan. They develop a tan with no sun, just mix a few drops with any facial serum, moisturiser or body lotion and your non-streaky tan will appear within hours.
Made with nine active ingredients including skin-firming seaweed and collagen-protecting green tea, ideal for use over 30.
Suntribe is another good brand for adults and children. The site 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
If you want a tan, avoid tanning salons and instead choose Age Defy Liquid Gold Tanning Drops(just one or two drops can offer a subtle tan within hours). Made with 9 ingredients (including seaweed and green tea), this is for people over 30.
The real risks of sun exposure
Sunlight brings joy. However, UVA and UVB rays damage deeply. UVB causes instant burns. UVA sneaks in, wrinkles skin, and raises cancer odds.
In the UK, doctors spot over 16,000 melanoma cases each year. Numbers climb. Fair-skinned folks suffer most. Children build lifetime risk from early burns.
Pets face trouble too. Dogs with thin fur blister on noses and bellies. Cats hide but still scorch. Horses develop eye issues from glare. Vets see rising bills for sunburn treatments. White-nosed animals burn quickest.
Proven natural shields for human skin
Clothes and shade lead natural sun protection. Foods and oils boost them. Studies show real SPF from nature. Always pair with cover. No single fix blocks all rays.
Topicals need reapplication. Patch test first. Dilute oils right. These add layers to habits. They fit busy lives. Families stay safe outdoors.
How to keep pets safe in the sun
All pets (especially large breeds and older pets) are at risk of heatstroke (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 (not at all, during heatwaves). If pavements are too hot for your hands/feet, they are too hot for paws.
- Swimming can mask heatstroke symptoms (75% of cases are with running/playing dogs). A shallow paddling pool (with no 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 pet-safe sunscreen (ask your vet about suitable brands). Use parasols to protect from sunburn.
- Always check before travel of dog-friendly places (to save wasted trips, as dogs should never be left in cars). Read more on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
How to Prevent and Treat Pet Heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke in pets 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 the 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 the car, when driving to vet.
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.
- Visit My Dog is Cool to download free posters for your community. Likewise, don’t leave dogs (or other pets) in cold cars either.
It’s important that babies don’t overheat (remove hats, socks and cardigans in warmer temperatures and don’t let babies sleep in car seats). Aneby has excellent posts on dressing babies in layers and dressing babies for sleep. Also find safe sleeping advice at The Lullaby Trust.
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).
