We can’t all be bronzed gods and goddesses.

Some of us are meant for that classic,… We can’t all be bronzed gods and goddesses.

Some of us are meant for that classic, covered-up kind of beauty.

Despite the scantily-clad sunbathers lounging on every grassy patch from here to Carlow University during the summer, tan isn’t the ideal. You’ve heard it a thousand times — wear sunscreen, don’t stay in the sun or you’ll start to look like that leather wallet, etc.

No matter how dark you are, too much sun exposure damages and breaks down your skin and hair, can give you cancer and will almost certainly make you appear older.

Melanin is what gives your hair pigment and protects you from the sun by absorbing the UVA/UVB rays. You burn when there are too many for your melanin to fully absorb. But even if you aren’t burning, you’re doing wrinkle and spot-causing damage.

As for your hair, that natural lightening effect happens when the pigment in your hair gets broken down protecting the proteins in your hair from the sun. So while you’re lightening, you’re also damaging.

So you need to protect yourself.

That means sunscreen — preferably with micro zinc oxide, which will stop wrinkle-causing UVA rays. SPF depends on your skin color. Everyone should wear at least SPF 15, but if you’re paler, you should be using a higher SPF.

You can also look for clothes with high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) ratings. Even if clothing doesn’t explicitly state its UPF rating, it might have one. A regular T-shirt has a UPF of about 5, which isn’t particularly high, but still gives some protection.

And sometimes the best sun protection means wearing more clothes. Think loose and breezy woven fabrics that will keep you looking and feeling cool in the sun.

From top-to-bottom:

Hats

With the ’70s look of high-waisted pants and shorts back in style, consider incorporating an adorable sunhat of the same era. A brim that’s 3 to 5 inches the whole way around will do wonders to protect your face. And some hats even come with extra sun protection, so you can look for that in your hat shopping.

Sunglasses

Make sure these have UVA/UVB protection. Sunglasses that are tinted but do not protect against these rays will actually do more damage. Your eyes dilate behind the dark lenses, and if your specs don’t block UVA/UVB rays, they’ll let more into your eye than you would have gotten without glasses at all.

Top

They might seem intolerable in the heat, but long sleeves can do wonders to keep your arms out of the light. And they’re not as bad as they seem.

Gauzy materials such as linen were made to wear in the heat of summer. Breezy cottons and other breathable fabrics will also be tolerable and will protect you from the beating sun. There are fabrics you can buy that have high UPF ratings, if you’re really dedicated.

Just make sure to wear things in light colors — remember, black will absorb heat.

Bottom

The bottom isn’t quite as problematic for many people, since pants and long skirts in summer aren’t unusual. Consider rocking a long skirt — it’s in vogue and won’t be too hot.

Again, think light linens and cotton — something heavy will leave you sweating and grossly unhappy.