5 Must Have Accessories for Looking and Feeling Great This Summer

(BPT) – While you’re frolicking through summer fun, are you thinking about your health? Looking good is most satisfying when you’re also feeling your best. It’s easy to look great and protect your health. You just need to choose the right accessories.

Here are five must-have accessories that will help you look great while protecting your eyes, skin and body from sun damage this summer.

* Sunglasses – The sun can damage eyes more than skin; exposure to UV radiation over many years can increase cataract risks, and possibly damage your retinas, according to the American Optometric Association. If you’re an eyeglass wearer, it can be difficult to find a fashionable, affordable option for protecting your eyes from the sun. Solar Shield Sunglasses and ClipOns fit easily over your everyday glasses, look great, and are more reasonably priced and convenient than expensive prescription sunglasses. The accessories are polarized to reduce blinding glare and block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays. While prescription sunglasses can be so costly you would buy only one pair at a time, Solar Shield products are affordable enough to keep multiple pairs around – in the car, your gym bag, etc. Visit www.solarshield.com to learn more.

* Long-sleeved coverup – While creams, lotions and sprays go a long way toward protecting your skin from UV rays, they can be messy, inconvenient and ineffective if you forget to keep reapplying them to exposed skin. Coverups and swimwear, however, can provide practical yet good-looking ways to add another layer of protection. Choose lightweight materials and styles with long sleeves for maximum protection. You can also find products treated with polymers that supply additional UV resistance.

* Smart, supportive footwear – Summer cries out for comfy flip flops and sassy sandals. But while you’re showing off your pedicure or enjoying the feeling of fresh air on your toes, you also need to protect your feet from hot sand and the risk of sprains, strains, fractures and irritation that can come from poor footwear choices. When choosing flip flops or sandals, look for styles made of high-quality soft leather to minimize rubbing and blisters. Shoe soles should bend at the ball of the foot, but you shouldn’t be able to completely twist the shoe. Flip flops with extra padding in the thong part that fits between your toes will be more comfortable, and a thicker sole will provide more support and protection for the soles of your feet.

* A hat – Even if you don’t consider yourself a hat person, summer is a great time to be exploring this time-honored accessory. Many styles, colors and materials are available and most will do a good job of protecting your head, face and shoulders from the sun. Keep in mind that styles with wider brims will shield more of your face and body, while lighter colors will do a better job of reflecting heat. Look for lightweight, breathable materials that will allow for air flow around your head.

* Sweat-wicking workout gear – You’ll want to keep up on your workout this summer to ensure you look your best, but you want to be comfortable and fashionable while exercising. Look for workout gear made of sweat-wicking fabrics, which help keep you cool and comfortable while minimizing heat rash and chafing. Some options also offer UV protection properties.

With the right gear for summer, it’s possible to take care of your health – eyes to toes – and look great at the same time.