Gallery: The Pale Person's Guide to Surviving the Sun
01Titanium Beach Umbrella
Fourth of July weekend is all about barbecues, swimming, and fun in the sun. (Oh yeah, and America.) But being in the sun isn’t so great for your skin--especially if you’re running a little short on the melanin. Stand tall, pale folk of the world: You too can be daywalkers--if you prep accordingly. Excessive sun exposure -- specifically, exposure to UV radiation -- can lead to skin cancer. And those of us with pale skin who don’t tan, who have relatives who’ve had skin cancers, who get moles, or who get severe sunburns are [most at risk](http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/sunanduvexposure/skin-cancer-facts). To make matters worse, UV radiation is [three times stronger](http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/sunglasses.html) in the summer than in winter. Eek! Don’t worry, you don’t have to seek refuge in a basement apartment until November. There are a number of weapons at your disposal in the war against skin cancer, and some might surprise you. __*Above:*__ 6’ Titanium Beach Umbrella, $90 ------------------------------- If you’re hitting the beach, plunk your towel down under a big shady umbrella. The [Coolibar's](http://www.coolibar.com/product/Shade/Umbrellas-Shelters/6-Titanium-Beach-Umbrella/pc/2335/c/0/sc/2297/155590.uts) 6-foot diameter canopy is made of water repellant nylon, silver on top to reflect UV rays, green on the underside to absorb them. It stretches 7 feet tall when fully extended, but it packs up into a more modest 45-inch, 4-pound package when it’s time to leave. Good Housekeeping deemed a previous Coolibar model the “[best beach umbrella out there](http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/travel-products/beach-umbrella-reviews/best-beach-umbrellas).”
02Banana Boat Sunscreen
Kiehls Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50, $38 ----------------------------------------- Sunblock is an obvious must, and this oil- and fragrance-free goodstuff from [Kiehls](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/06/spring-camp-rafting-gallery/) provides subtle yet powerful protection from the sun -- minus the greasy look you get from cheaper sunscreens. It has a great, thin texture and absorbs into your skin quickly without irritating. You’ll just want to use this on your face and neck. __*Above:*__ Banana Boat Sport Performance Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, $10 ------------------------------------------------------------------ For the rest of your body (use if on your face too, if you don’t want to pony up for the Kiehls), slather yourself in [Banana Boat's](http://www.drugsupplystore.com/servlet/the-3776/Banana-Boat-Sport-Performance/Detail#.UcoTQhafaqQ) waterproof SPF 50 sunscreen. Whether you’re sweating, swimming, or just manning the grill, this stuff stays put, keeping the sun’s rays from transforming you into a lobster.
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Sol Cool Strappy Dress, $75; Sol Cool Long Sleeve Tee, $60 ---------------------------------------------------------- Almost any clothing will provide some protection from the sun’s rays, but if you’re fair skinned or burn easily, you may want to invest in UPF-rated clothing and swimwear. Ex Officio has a wide selection of respectable-looking tops and bottoms for men and women, and are UPF rated between 15 and 50. These range from button-ups and slacks to comfortable athletic wear. For a warm summer day, I’m a fan of the [Sol Cool](http://www.exofficio.com/products/details/womens-sol-cool-strappy-dress) strappy dress (below), while the [Sol Cool long sleeve tee](http://www.exofficio.com/products/details/mens-sol-cool-long-sleeve-crew-tee) (above) provides good coverage for guys. The polyester-spandex fabric is moisture-wicking, breathable, and feels almost swimsuit-like. Retailers like REI also offer a [wide variety](http://www.rei.com/category/1/q/Sun+Protection+Clothing) of UPF-rated apparel, and if you’re hitting the surf, [O’Neill](http://www.oneill.com/#/men/americacanada/collection/men/wetsuits/surf/uv_protection/) serves up a wide variety of UV protective rash guards, shirts, and hoodies. 
04Nalgene Silo
Nalgene Silo, $10.20 -------------------- Another threat of a day in the sun: heat stroke. Keep your innards cool by staying hydrated. Fill up a water bottle like the [Nalgene Silo](http://store.nalgene.com/Blue-Silo-p/682009-0570.htm) so you can sip H2O all day long. (This is especially important if you also plan on boozing it up.) Nalgenes are easy to clean and BPA-free, and the opening is wide enough to accommodate ice cubes.
05Outdoor Research Isla Hat
Outdoor Research Isla Hat, $35 ------------------------------ Sunscreen’s powuh pales against that of an actual physical barrier between you and our life-giving star. Protect your face’s delicate skin with a shade-providing hat, like [Outdoor Research’s Isla Hat](http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/accessories/hats/womens-isla-hat.html), which sits somewhere between whimsical and utilitarian on the fashion scale. It breathes fairly well, which means your head won’t get all sweaty underneath, and it rolls up easily for storage.
06UV Index App
UV Index, Free -------------- Know exactly how intense the sun’s rays are with an app like [UV Index](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ultraviolet-uv-index/id445874481?mt=8). It tells you how high the risk of damage from sun exposure in your area is. The app serves up easy-to-understand explanations of what the day’s particular UV level means for you. UV index of 1? A little sunblock will do. UV index of 11? Good god, stay indoors!
07Oakley Style Switch
Oakley Style Switch, $180 ------------------------- UVB rays can damage your eyes as well, potentially leading to macular degeneration, cataracts, and cancer. UV protective sunglasses help nix that danger, and also hide the bloodshot evidence of your 3rd of July party. Lenses that are brown, gray, or green minimize brightness without distorting how you perceive color, and polarized lenses cut down on glare further -- especially useful if you’re near water. Wraparound models provide the best protection. We like the [Oakley Style Switch](http://www.oakley.com/products/7170/27287), which filters out 100 percent of UVA, UVB and UVC rays.
