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Posted 5/30/13 by Brinton Parker in Lifestyle
 
 

Steps You Should Take to Stay Healthy, Safe, and Sexy in the Sun this Summer

summer safety
summer safety

I

t’s summertime. The minds of most college students during this heavenly hiatus are on having fun and relaxing rather than on responsibilities. Of course, that’s what this vacation is for; after 9 months of working oneself into a stressed-out stupor, a rest period is simply a requirement for a healthy mental state! However, one responsibility that you shouldn’t neglect during your vacation is your health… unlike homework and finals, the body doesn’t cease to be an important feature of a college student’s life after graduation. Heck, after two semesters (or three quarters!) of sleepless nights, over-caffeination, and a Hot Pocket or Top Ramen diet, you should be giving your body a rest as well as your mind. Here are some reminders about how to keep your “bikini body” safe, healthy, and rested while still enjoying every part of your summer vacation.

 waipioCreative Commons License paul bica via Compfight

Have a (SP)Fun Time in the Sun

You’ve read this in every fashion magazine’s summer issue since middle school. Sunscreen is a basic facet of summer health, and preventative practice for later sun-related complications… so why do so many students go without it? A bad sunburn not only has the potential to ruin a fun vacation; it can also lead to melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer; last year alone, it killed nearly 10,000 people! Now, you can take care of your skin without the sticky, smelly sunscreens of your childhood: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration is a sun protective lotion that smells and feels like a fresh body butter, rather than an oily mess of “public pool smell.” Rubbing it on every hour or so will keep your skin from drying out as well as shielding it from the sun’s harmful rays. You can also check out this LTCL story listing 6 more sunscreens that work wonders! Prevent wrinkles, sunspots, skin cancer, and burns by staying aware of your body’s need for sun protection, and find a sunscreen that you love putting on.

 Sunscreen Joe Shlabotnik via Compfight

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Your… Liver?

No that you’re older, summer can be a time for drinking as well as relaxing. Whether it be packing a cooler with Pabst and heading to the beach, or simply getting together with old high school friends for a drunken reunion, it can be easy not to pay attention to exactly how much you’re imbibing. While celebrating with friends, make sure that you pace yourself when it comes to alcohol consumption; the sun’s effects can seemingly amplify intoxication. Take in lots of water in between each alcoholic drink to prevent dehydration and alcohol poisoning while you enjoy the break from school.

 Its My Birthday! Party Wooo! ( also TGIF ) Sam Ilić via Compfight

Water You Thinking? Keep Hydrated!

While having fun in the sun, it’s easy to forget to keep drinking water. Whether it’s hiking, surfing, or even just sitting inside watching movies, it’s important to listen to your body and increase your intake of healthy liquids during the hotter months. Again, this may seem like common sense, but it’s easy to forget!

Also Read: Hot Summer Body: The 5 Foods Every Student Needs

Orange is the happiest color.Creative Commons License Nattu via Compfight

Silky, Sexy, and NOT Sun Damaged

Your hair can be damaged by the sun as well as your skin. However, a sunburn can be felt after a few hours… Sun/heat damaged hair can be a lot harder to recognize. This is why it’s extra important to take care of your hair during the summer months- you don’t want to hurt it without even knowing! Try out a few of these products that can keep it moisturized, healthy, and sun-safe, or buy a few awesome hats to wear outdoors!

 Holy BlossomCreative Commons License Bhumika Bhatia via Compfight

Make sure to keep these summer safety tips in mind, and have tons of fun in the sun!

 


Brinton Parker

 
Brinton is a third year student at the University of California, Davis and is majoring in English, with a minor in Textiles & Clothing. Her passion (at the risk of sounding extremely cliché) is fashion, as well as writing, cooking, fitness, and movies. Pursuing a career in magazine journalism is the next check on her to-do list.