LOVE . SUN . BEAUTY

Fourth of July is just a few days away. While technically summer began in late June, we're not alone when we say that this holiday always feels like the real first day of summer. For this holiday weekend, we expect bustling beaches, packed parks, and crowds just about anywhere outside. Whether you plan on hitting the sand for beach volleyball, enjoying a backyard BBQ, or wandering around the city and enjoying the holiday vibes, follow our tips for sun protection pre-, post-, and during the weekend.

Pre-Weekend Preparation

Before you start the weekend, exfoliate and polish your skin to remove any dead cells and give it a nice glow. If you're feeling on the pale side, lather on self-tanner or bronzer and let it soak in for at least a few hours before getting your skin wet.

After exfoliating and/or self-tanning, moisturize your skin with a rich lotion, body butter, or dry oil. Not only should you hydrate your skin, but also your entire body! Drink lots of fluids, especially water. If you want something flavorful, consider coconut water or an electrolyte-enhanced beverage.

Weekend Tips

Whether the sun is bright and shining, or hidden behind clouds, make sure you protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Before you head outside, slather on sunscreen, pack sunglasses and a hat, and wear UV clothing. We love the Sundriven Ava double layer dress. To protect your shoulders and chest, which are such sensitive areas, pair your dress with the Sundriven Gemma wrap.

If you plan on driving long hours, protect your delicate hands with a pair of driving gloves. If you can, try to find shade during peak hours - 10am to 4pm - when the sun's UV rays are strongest. Or, just make sure your skin is thoroughly covered. Don't forget to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen to easily forgotten areas, like your ears, back of the neck, and nose.

Drink cool fluids throughout the day, especially if it's particularly hot outside. If you feel flushed, try to go inside or sit under some shade for at least half an hour to help your body cool down.

Post-Holiday Tips

Even if you've thoroughly protected your skin, the sun can take a lot out of your body. After a day or two in the sun, your skin and body is likely dehydrated and needs some TLC. We recommend soaking in a bath with Epsom salts. If you skipped wearing a hat, or went swimming, condition your hair with a rich mask. Once you've dried off, moisturize with aloe vera or lotion to help repair your skin if it was in the sun (even if you were wearing sunscreen).

By following these tips, you can enjoy the sun without worrying about damaging it. Have a safe and happy weekend!

Author: Melissa Darcey

You've got your Sundriven UV wear to protect your body, you have sunscreen for your face...but what about your hair? Just like your protecting your hands, many people forget that they should be protecting their hair and scalp from the sun. Excessive sun exposure can make your hair look dry, brittle, discolored, frizzy, and even thinning with split ends. Your hair is even more vulnerable to sun damage if it is a lighter color or fine. Some dermatologists even say the sun acts like bleach on the hair - it can really damage your hair's cuticle and protein.

Regardless of your hair type, it's important to protect it from the sun. To sufficiently protect it, follow the same rules you would for your skin.

• Try to avoid being in the sun too long during peak hours - the afternoon.
• Wear a hat or carry around an umbrella to thoroughly protect your hair and scalp from sun rays.
• If you swim in a pool, make sure you rinse out the chlorine afterwards.
• Moisturize! Just as you would use lotion on your body, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. You may also want to consider doing a weekly hair mask to keep your hair in healthy shape.
• Try to avoid excessive styling using hair straighteners, blow dryers, and curling irons. When you do use them, make sure you use a UV heat protecting spray.

There are a few products out on the market that have UV protectors in them and are designed to protect your hair from UV damage. While these may be able to help a little, many dermatologists agree that no product on the market can entirely protect your hair and scalp except a hat or umbrella.

If a hat or umbrella isn't your style, consider a stylish hooded scarf, like the Sundriven Olivia hooded scarf or the Lena hooded wrap. If you own a small silk scarf, consider wrapping that around your head like a turban. However, just remember that silk doesn't have UPF in it like Sundriven's natural fabric does.

We are big proponents of living an active life outdoors, which is why we don't avoid the sun and instead just make sure to protect our beautiful skin and hair!

Author: Melissa Darcey

The First Steps to Take When You Get a Sunburn

Sunburns are the worst, not only because they hurt, but also because they severely damage our skin. Even if you wear sunscreen, there's a chance you may forget to reapply it (or maybe didn't apply enough to begin with) and end up with a sunburn. We're not going to lecture you on why sunburns are bad, so instead we're going to share a few tips of what to do when you get a sunburn and how to treat it.

Get Out of the Sun

The moment you notice a sunburn forming, take action. If your skin is red, get out of the sun. A sunburn can take four to six hours to develop so even if you only think your skin is red, it could turn into something worse a few hours later. Also, take ibuprofen, which can reduce swelling and redness.

Take a Cool Shower

Jump into the shower and turn the shower head to a mild cool temperature. Avoid overly perfumed soaps and delicately clean your skin with an unscented, plain soap.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

It's critical that you keep your skin moisturized. After a sunburn, your skin is incredibly thirsty. Moisturizing not only helps your burn heal faster, but it also lessens the severity of skin peeling. Use a moisturizer that has aloe vera in it.

Stay Hydrated

Not only is your skin thirsty, but your entire body is dehydrated after a sunburn. Drink a lot of fluids, especially water and sports drinks.

Heal Naturally

There are a number of natural options for healing a sunburn. For one, try witch hazel for anti-inflammatory relief. Moisten a cloth with it and drape the cloth over your burn for several minutes. Fat-free milk can also help soothe your burn. In the shower, instead of using soap, try vinegar, which is a great astringent.

Once your sunburn heals, don't be afraid to go out in the sun again. Just make sure you are thoroughly protected. If you have a bad habit of not remembering to reapply sunscreen, consider wearing UV wear, which is clothing with UPF in it. This is a great way to protect your skin all day long.

Author: Melissa Darcey