Here’s What’s Missing from Your Sun Day Packing List
Big sun days look different for everyone: a beach trip, a city rooftop, a farmers’ market, a hike, sitting in the park. The one thing they have in common? More time outside than a typical work day or school day – and a little UV prep for that can go a long way.
What to Pack for a Big Sun Day
The foundation is the same whether you're heading to the water or spending the day on foot in the city:
- Broad-spectrum SPF for face and body
- A hat for physical shade
- Sunglasses
- Water, consistently throughout the day
- Something to help skin recover afterward
Let’s break each one down.
What to Look for in an SPF
- Broad-spectrum protection, meaning coverage across both UVA and UVB rays. We’re Team Mineral – known to be the better choice for your skin, your hormones, and the environment.
- SPF 30 or higher for extended time outside
- Water and sweat resistance if you're swimming or active
- A formula you'll actually want to reapply every couple of hours. Texture & finish matter!
We love the SunDay Mineral Serum SPF 50+ for an active day or a beach/boat trip and SunDay Invisible Defense SPF 40+ for a city romp. Make sure to get the high exposure but easy-to-miss spots like your ears, chest, and backs of hands (Body Balm SPF 40+ is our go-to for no-fuss all-over coverage).
Do Sunglasses Actually Protect Your Skin?
UV400 lenses block the rays that cause eye damage (e.g. cataracts, macular degeneration, etc.) over time.
The skin around your eyes is also thinner than the rest of your face, has almost no oil glands, and tends to show UV accumulation earlier than anywhere else. It's also one of those areas where SPF coverage tends to be spotty because you don’t want sunscreen in your eyes.
On a really bright day with high sun and rays reflecting off of buildings, water, or the pavement, a good pair of sunglasses helps (and not squinting for six hours straight is its own reward).
Why Hydration Matters More on Long Sun Days
A few hours outside, even if you’re just walking around, tends to leave skin feeling it by the end. Common signs:
- Tightness or dryness
- Sensitivity or mild redness
- Dullness compared to the morning
Drinking water consistently throughout the day helps. If you're moving between air conditioning and outdoor heat, your skin is also adjusting more than usual.
How to Help Skin Recover After a Long Day Outside
Even with good protection in place, your skin needs a little time to recover after a long day out. Heat, UV exposure, and environmental stressors like pollution or wind can leave the skin barrier feeling depleted by evening.
That’s when we grab a SunDown Restoration Electrolyte Sheet Mask. Electrolytes and Vitamin F help rehydrate stressed skin, while coconut water helps restore balance in just 20 minutes after a full day of exposure.
For after-sun care generally, ingredients worth looking for:
- Electrolytes to rehydrate
- Barrier-supporting actives like squalane
- Calming extracts like oat and bisabolol
Before You Go…
Spending time outside is good for you. It lifts your mood, helps you sleep, and keeps your vitamin D up. Even if you have a suncare routine that you follow most days, big sun days can sneak up on you, so it’s worth being extra thoughtful when you can plan!