summer solstice Sally Swindell

Sally Swindell

The sun is wonderful but it’s important to avoid strong sun (from 10am to 2pm). Drink water or iced tea, stay in shady areas and wear loose-fitting natural fabrics (cotton, hemp, linen) and wear floppy hats to protect your eyes (along with

To stay cool in the sun, just use your common sense. Avoid the hottest times of the day (10am to 2pm but often now longer with climate change heatwaves). Drink lots of water or iced tea. Wear loose-fitting natural fabrics (cotton, hemp, linen) and wear big floppy hats and sustainable sunglasses.

Natural Sun Protection

Quality sunscreen may sound expensive, but you don’t actually need that much, most people apply too much. Experts say to use around 1/2 teaspoon for your face and 6 to 8 teaspoons for your whole body.

So a quality brand should last a long time, as long as you are not always going swimming! Rub in and then add another coat after 30 minutes, if wished. Reapply every 2 hours or after sweating/swimming.

Do a patch test and do not apply sun screen to broken skin and keep away from eyes. Supervision for children (use special sunscreens) and do not use on pets, due to zinc/titanium oxide. Wash your skin, before allowing pets to lick you!

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.

Scence SPF30 sunscreen balm stick is sold in cardboard packaging. And an SPF30 version. Sold in a cardboard tube, just push the base firmly into the tube lid, then warm the stick against your skin for a few seconds. Handmade in Cornwall, oils may darken the tub, but this does not affect quality.

Store in a cool dry place, if it goes above 30 it will liquify, but solidify again when cool. Use within 24 months of purchase. Contains sunflower seed wax and organic fruit oils.

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.

Liquid Gold Tanning Drops with Green Tea

green people tanning drops

Age Defy Liquid Gold Tanning Drops are naturally non-streaky, just use a drop or two for a subtle soft or deeper tan, with erythulose and DHA. These develop a quick tan in no time, just 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.

How to Prevent Heatstroke in Pets

heatstroke in pets red and howling

Red and Howling

All creatures (including cats) can get heatstroke. Parking in the shade, opening windows or using air conditioning do not reduce temperatures enough in warm or hot weather. For dogs trapped in hot cars, smash the window, pour cool (not cold) water over and call for help. 

heatstroke symptoms red and howling

Blue Cross has tips including to ensure dogs have access to large bowls filled to the brim with fresh clean water (take travel bowls on walks). If pavements are too hot for your hands, they’re too hot for paws.

Only exercise in cooler mornings and evenings (and avoid for heatwaves). You can gently mist dogs on hot days, with cool water. Know that swimming can mask signs of heatstroke (they may play ball and exert more energy – a shallow paddling pool without toys, may be a good idea.

Groom regularly to avoid matted fur (stops regulating temperature). All dogs (not just light nosed-ones) are at risk of sunburn as are some breeds of cats.

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).

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