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10 tips for a sun-smart, sustainable summer

At Thoclor Labs, we are all for enjoying “Vitamin Sea” and soaking up the feel-good Vitamin D this festive season. However, we must stay mindful of the damage the sun can do to our skin.

For those of us living in the southern hemisphere, it’s important to remember that South Africa has one of the highest monitored ultraviolet (UV) levels in the world, resulting in some of the highest skin cancer rates globally. However, sun-smart, sustainable summers can still be had – read our top tips to stay safe and sustainable this summer.

All sun is sun exposure: remember that all sun is sun exposure, regardless of the time of day. Apply your sunscreen in the morning and reapply it throughout the day. Carry it with you in your bag and be sure to have a hat on hand for when you find yourself in direct sun.

Plastic-free hydration: one of the best ways to beat the heat? Stay hydrated. Get the perfect plastic-free summer refresher with reusable bottles and straws.

Choose the right sunscreen = mineral sunscreen: it’s essential to know the difference between sunscreen and sunblock. Sunblock allows damaging UV rays to enter your skin, after which it changes the harmful rays into heat. Some dangerous molecules form in the process, like free radicals, that damage the skin in other ways. Sunblock might also contain chemicals that trigger allergies or acne, so be very particular about the ingredients you allow on your skin. Sunscreen is a physical blocker that reflects sunlight off the skin like tin foil. Broad-spectrum sunscreens typically contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and reflect both UVA and UVB rays.

Energy-saving cool-down: as temperatures rise, so can our energy consumption. Whether energy is used from air conditioners or fans, be sure to unplug, close the shades and optimise airflow.

gf2 for a sustainable sun smart summer thoclor labs

Keep a close eye on your kids: experts warn that one severe sunburn during the first 15 years of a child’s life can double the risk of skin cancer. A child should wear protective clothing, a wide brim hat, and go into the shade every 30 minutes. Be sure to apply and reapply their sunscreen throughout the day.

Wear ethical clothing: when you need new outfits for a holiday, choose brands that offer sustainable options. They use environmentally friendly processes and materials to produce clothing and, at the same time, ensure social justice. We partnered with Dawn II Dusk for our latest photoshoot and can’t get enough of their collection. They have some stunning eco-clothing options on their store for the summer.

Know your stats: Southern hemisphere countries have a high melanoma risk. Skin cancer is a very avoidable condition: 80% of melanoma cases are preventable by avoiding sunburn. South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia have some of the world’s highest melanoma skin cancer rates. Sunburn is not a red glow turning into a golden tan – it is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged by too much UV radiation. If your body cannot repair the damage, skin cells can begin to divide and grow uncontrollably, which could become cancerous.

Aquatic safe skincare: whether you are at the beach, dam, lake, or river, be sure to choose skincare and sun care that not only cares for you but the environment too. Our Thoclor GF Skin Series is 100% natural and contains no nasties, giving you complete peace of mind all summer long. Also look for reef-friendly or reef safe options when you shop for sunscreen.

Eat the right immune-boosting foods: there are no pills or supplements that can prevent sunburn, but it’s a good idea to boost your diet by eating lots of immune-boosting fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C. A multi-vitamin could also help as vitamins act as antioxidants, reducing the damage caused by sun exposure.

Know your sunburn remedies: our GF2 formulations work wonders in reversing DNA damage and redness if you do get sunburnt. The spray will lessen peeling, decrease pain, and speed up the healing process. Read more about how to use our GF2 after sun exposure here.

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