10 Tips for Sun Safety while at Comic-Con
When it comes to attending Comic-Con, you might not have sun safety on your mind. After all, there is a LOT more fun things to focus on at Comic-Con. And, if you haven’t been to Comic-Con yet, you might be wondering how big of a deal can the sun be? I mean, Comic-Con takes place INSIDE the San Diego Convention Center, right?
While this is true, that most events take place inside the convention center and nearby hotels, you might be one of thousands of attendees who actually spend quite a bit of time outside. Perhaps you’re determined to get into Hall H or another room, even if that means standing in line outside for hours. Or maybe your spending one of your days visiting the Gaslamp Quarter. The sun can also be a factor if you will be walking to and from a hotel or if you plan to visit some of the outdoor events. This doesn’t even include the fact that you might want to do some non-Comic-Con activities while you’re in San Diego, like visiting the beach or the San Diego Zoo.
As someone who has fair skin, I’ve learned the hard way what can happen if you don’t take simple sun safety steps. Our first year attending, we stood in the Hall H line outside for hours and hours…on numerous days. Sadly, sunscreen was the furthest thing from my mind when packing for our Comic-Con trip and needless to say, I got a killer sunburn.
Ever since that year, I’ve been much more diligent about sun safety while at Comic-Con. Not just for me, but for my kids too. I know…I sound like a total mom. But, seriously, with just a bit of pre-planning, you can make your San Diego trip much more comfortable and avoid putting your skin at risk.
Here are my 10 tips for sun safety while at San Diego Comic-Con:
#1. Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen may be a no-brainer, but few people are consistent when it comes to applying it on a daily basis. Wearing sunscreen while you are at Comic-Con is the #1 tip. I recommend bringing a bottle with you and apply before you leave your hotel room in the morning. Then, bring a smaller travel size container of sunscreen with you while you are actually at Comic-Con so that you can reapply. There are some misconceptions that you can apply sunscreen once and be safe, but you should really reapply it as frequently as needed. Be sure sure to review the instructions for the sunscreen you buy.
#2. Drink Plenty of Water
When it’s hot outside, your whole body needs the benefits of water. Your body can easily become dehydrated in the sun, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to keep yourself safe.
#3. Wear a hat
Wearing a hat can help protect your face and head from the harmful rays of the sun. If you feel that a hat can work for you style-wise, I recommend bringing one along, especially if you know that you’ll be outside quite a bit.
#4. Sit in the shade
When it comes to being outside at Comic-Con, the shade can be your best friend. While most of the time you’ll be on the go and you probably won’t want to stop in the shade, grab breaks without the sun shining directly on you here and there.
#5. Wear lose fitted clothing
Okay, I know that this won’t work for many people, especially if you’ll be cosplaying, but sun safety experts say that wearing light clothing that covers your body is one smart way to shield your skin from the sun.
#6. Grab a freebie swag fan from the exhibit hall
As you’re walking through the exhibit hall, one of the most common swag items is a hand-held paper fan. If you see a booth giving these away, grab one and tuck it in your bag. Not only can it be used to cool you off a bit, but it can be a useful way to shield your face from the sun if you end up taking a break in direct sunlight.
#7. Sunglasses
Don’t forget to protect your precious eyes from the sun as well. Your eyes are some of the most sensitive parts of your body, so make sure you take the time to cover them up.
#8. Lip Balm
Did you know that your lips can even get sunburned? Bring a lip balm that offers a SPF to help keep them moist and protected from the harmful rays of the sun.
#9. Free Sunscreen
The FX/Fox area outside during Comic-Con 2013, offered a sunscreen station where you could get free sunscreen. If you forget your sunscreen, look for opportunities like this.
#9. Avoid the Sun at Certain Times
There are certain times of the day where the sun is completely brutal. If you are very sensitive to summer heat, consider this when making your plans to be outside during Comic-Con. Of course, this could also mean missing events or panels that you are interested in, but it’s important to listen to your body.
Remember, while you’re out in the sun, you may not feel that effects of it right away. Following these tips will help not only to keep you safe from the sun while at Comic-Con, but leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for fun!
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