If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the, please make sure that you are well hydrated (and using sunscreen from SPAR).  The sun (and alcohol) dehydrates our bodies, so replace fluids with water.  If you drink fruit juice, dilute it with water because it contains a lot of natural fruit sugar.  Limit fizzy drinks and concentrates that consist of sugar and colourants.  If it's too hot for your rooibos tea, make a whole jug and let it cool, then add some apple juice, lemon slices, mint leaves  and ice blocks for a healthy refreshing drink.
 
Skin cancer is a real threat to South Africans who spend lots of time in the harsh African sun!  Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in SA, so suncare needs to be part of our daily routine. Skin damage from the sun cannot be reversed, so protect your skin now by applying a good sunscreen whenever you venture outdoors.

Basically there are 2 different types of rays that affect our skin:

UVB rays are harsher than UVA, since they attack the top layer of skin, the epidermis. The sun penetrates the skin and damages the blood cells, breaking them down and allowing more blood into the area - this causes redness,swelling, pain and sometimes even blistering. Constant exposure to the sun without suitable protection may lead to skin cancer. Severe sunburn in childhood and adolescence can produce malignant melanoma. This type of skin cancer can be deadly.

UVA rays penetrate the second layer of skin, the dermis. Constant exposure to UVA rays causes premature ageing, which none of us want!
So what is ''suitable protection''?

Firstly, you need to choose the right product. Choose something with a high SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. This means the product will help to filter out harmful rays - so it's obviously important to choose one that protects against both the UVA and UVB rays.

Secondly, you need to apply this sunscreen at least 20 minutes BEFORE you go outside, so that it has time to be absorbed into your skin.

What does the SPF number mean?

Here's an example: If you usually start to burn within 5 minutes of being in the sun, and you have a product with an SPF of 15, then multiply the two (5 x 15 = 75). This means the product will protect you for 75 times longer than if you had not applied sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the longer the product will protect you for. Remember to re-apply frequently!
Thirdly, if you will be swimming or are very active, a water-resistant product is important. Remember to re-apply after swimming or sweating a lot!

Other important points to remember for sun protection:

• You are MOST at risk if you are very fair skinned with light hair and eyes,and burn easily.
• Avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm. Sit under an umbrella with your sunscreen applied!
• Wear a hat!
• Encourage children to play in the shade, even though you've applied sunscreen.  Clouds only provide a light filter for harmful rays, so it's important to always use a sunscreen on hot and cloudy days.
• Swimming in a T-shirt does not provide enough protection against the sun so you should still use a sunscreen.
• Keep your sunscreen product cool.
• Dark skin is less affected by sun exposure, but the use of a good sunscreen is still advised to prevent sun damage and premature ageing

Look out for the entire range of SPAR Sola products in stores.