eremedies

Summer Essentials

You're ready to head for the beach. But do you have everything you need? Don't forget the essentials!

* Don't leave home without it: sunscreen. Whether you're young or old, dark or light- skinned, wear it. Use SPF 15 or higher and reapply every 2 hours or as the bottle says. Most these days are PABA-free, but look for that and especially reapply after you swim or towel off. Don't forget to sunscreen up your face.

* Stay cool with shades. Make sure they block both UVA and UVB rays (this applies to your sunscreen too). Wear them at all times outside to protect your delicate eyes.

* Hydrate. Make sure you're getting your 8-10 glasses of liquids a day - and that doesn't include caffeinated drinks (they act as diuretics that can actually make you LOSE water). Drink juices, milk, eat fruits, yogurt, or just good old water.

* Cover up. To keep the heat from getting to you, sit in the shade, wear a hat, cover up with light, bright clothing that doesn't absorb heat. Wear whites that reflect sunlight, not black, which absorbs it. Don't worry about missing those precious rays - take a break from the sun.

* If you have to get a tan, fake it. There are great sunless tanning options available. Stay away from tanning salons, which are just as bad as (if not worse than) direct sun, leading to skin damage and cancer.

So save your skin and body while you show it off and soak up some great beach weather!