Exercising in the sun is particularly pleasant. The sky is blue, the light is at its brightest and you feel great. But to avoid sunstroke and sunburn, it's essential to get the right sun protection. Ekosport has a wide range of sun protection accessories, including trail caps, cycling caps, hats, sports sunglasses, ski goggles and lifestyle sunglasses.

Why use solar protection?

Sporting activities in direct sunlight are not without risk. Those most at risk are trail runners, hikers, cyclists and skiers. The sun is synonymous with UV rays, dehydration and sunburn. At altitude, UV rays are absorbed even less and their intensity is 40% greater at 3,000 metres than by the sea. The risks are real: redness, sunburn, aggravation of certain skin diseases, skin ageing, dehydration, etc. That's why it's essential for sportsmen and women to take a few precautions if they want to do sport in the sun. First of all, it is advisable to practise at times when the sun is weakest (early morning or late afternoon). There is a wide range of equipment available to protect you from the sun: caps, hats, sunglasses, sun cream and anti-UV clothing. Of course, it's essential to pay particular attention to hydration during the hottest part of the day.

Protecting your eyes from the sun

The first essential piece of equipment for practising your favourite sport in the sun (but also for driving, going for a walk or having a drink on a terrace) is sunglasses. This protective eyewear is a must-have at any age. By getting your child used to wearing children's sunglasses from an early age, you're protecting their eyes. Sunglasses and goggles (for skiing or cycling) fall into several categories, depending on their level of protection. Category 0 to 2 goggles filter low light, but protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. In bright sunlight, opt for category 3 sunglasses or category 4 lenses, which not only filter out UV rays but also reduce glare, allowing you to enjoy your activities in complete safety. For endurance sports, opt for sports sunglasses with lightweight frames and wrap-around lenses. Numerous brands such as Julbo, Bollé, Cairn and Oakley offer ventilated sports sunglasses that are often equipped with technology. These include photochromic lenses, whose tint adapts to ambient light, and ultra-resistant lenses. For winter sports, you can choose ski sunglasses or ski goggles. Category 3 or 4 ski goggles provide effective protection from the sun's rays and fit perfectly over your helmet.

Protecting your head from the sun

The head is the most exposed part of the body to the sun. Hair offers only limited protection against the sun's rays. Without protection, you run the risk of sunstroke. This increase in body temperature can cause nausea, headaches and fever. That's why it's a good idea to wear headgear when you're out doing sport, as well as on a day-to-day basis. For endurance sports, you can choose a sports cap adapted to your activity. A trail cap is light, airy and has a long peak. It is designed to wick away perspiration. To improve visibility in the middle of the night, some brands even add reflective details. Cycling caps are designed with a short, round peak. Some models can be worn under a cycling helmet. For other outdoor activities, you can choose a hiking cap or hat. This sun protection equipment is often made from anti-UV fabric. The hat offers greater protection because its shape also protects the back of your neck.