“While it is important to expose your skin to sunlight for purposes of Vitamin D absorption/synthesis, it is essential to practice sun-safety by adding sunscreen into your daily morning routine. Exposing your face just 10 minutes per day / 3 days per week is enough to get all the Vitamin D you need. It is hard to imagine that most of us don’t get this much. Please keep in mind there is no evidence that daily use of sunscreen reduces Vitamin D levels.”
- Dr. Scott McGregor (Skin Cancer Physician)
1. Hiking Among the Wildflowers
The best way to get outside and reconnect with nature is to go hiking. It’s not only great fitness, but it also improves our mental health. There couldn’t be a better time to get walking, as the wildflowers are in bloom! Western Australia’s wildflower season showcases thousands of floral species, many of which are only found in this part of the world. So whether you’re in the northwest ascending the gorges in Karijini National Park, hiking the Stirling Ranges down south, or even simply driving a country road, you’re sure to see the vivid display of colour.
2. Ocean Activities
The weather is warming up and so is the ocean. We’ve been hanging out for longer beach days and they’re finally here. With less coverage on our skin and longer exposure to the sun, remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours. If you’re spending long periods of time in the water, like going surfing or boating, we suggest using our Sticky Zinc with SPF 50+ and over 4+ hours of water-resistant protection. So next time you head to the beach and you reach for your towel, make sure you’re grabbing your sunscreen too!
3. Mountain Biking
If you’re a thrill-seeker but the water’s still too cold, mountain biking might be your gig. This sport has grown as one of the fastest and most popular family-friendly lifestyle activities in the country, and we’re starting to understand why. Often mountain bikers develop a peaceful connection to the landscape around them as they traverse the trails, while also taking part in a heart-healthy workout. It’s low impact and works every part of your body. Australia’s ever-growing network of trails appeal to all skill levels, so we suggest trying it!
P.S. you may think you’re covered under the tall trees, but even those glimpses of sunshine can cause damage to your skin.
4. Heading to Your Local Park
For those of you with little ones, going to your local park can be a great place for you to bond with your kids and get outside. It’s also extremely important for improving your child’s mental and physical health while they explore their imagination and make new friends. Your child’s health and safety are just as important to us as it is to you. We suggest using our Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50+, as it is fragrance-free and gentle enough for the softest skin.
5. Supporting A Local Business
Next Level Kayaking - Kingston Beach, TAS
If the ocean is your thing and you love to go the distance, try paddlesport. Our stockist, Next Level Kayaking in Kingston, Tasmania, has been getting people together for the love of kayaking for nearly 10 years. You don’t have to have any particular fitness in order to start paddling, so don’t be shy! It’s a beautiful way to clear the mind and perhaps make new friendships.
“I think paddling helps you escape, so when life gets busy its really nice to push off shore and leave the normal world for an hour or two.” - Owner, Ben Maynard
Next Level Monkey Business - Dunsborough, WA
An adventurous outing for the whole family here in the southwest is our local high-ropes + zipline course park, Next Level Monkey Business. Located in the beautiful natural bushland of Dunsborough, WA, they offer a range of ‘challenges’ for all ages. From low-height courses for your youngest ones (4+), to a “Mega Zip” for teens and adults, you’re sure to have a great time. As they say on their website, safety is their #1 priority and so is ours, so make sure you apply sunscreen!
2020 is a year for change! So if you weren’t sun-smart before, now’s the time.