Tropical Travel Tips: How to Stay Safe in the Sun CheapOair Staff July 1, 2019 general This post was last updated on September 1, 2023. Hey, we all love to have fun in the sun when we travel. Years ago, coming home from vacation with a deep brown tan — or even a deep red sunburn — was a point of pride. However, these days we know a lot more about the importance of protecting your skin and yourself from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Beyond the immediate discomfort of sunburn, prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection can lead to premature aging, heat-related illnesses, and skin cancer. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and safeguarding it from harmful UV radiation should be a top priority. By wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary, you not only preserve your skin’s health but also ensure a more enjoyable and worry-free travel experience, allowing you to explore destinations with confidence and vitality. Whether it’s in the heat of summer or on a tropical vacation, be sure you’re protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Here are our tips on staying safe from the sun while you’re traveling the world. Be sure your sunscreen is “broad spectrum” Broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays prematurely age the skin and contribute to wrinkles, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. The term “broad spectrum” indicates that the sunscreen guards against a wide range of UV radiation. Using such sunscreen ensures comprehensive protection, shielding your skin from both immediate sunburn and the long-term damage that can result premature aging and skin cancer. It’s an essential choice for comprehensive sun safety. Avoid tanning oils Tanning oils — including coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and baby oil — are generally not safe. They may enhance the tanning process by intensifying UV radiation exposure, increasing the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer. These products often contain low SPF levels or no sun protection at all, leaving your skin vulnerable to harmful UV rays. It’s essential to prioritize sunscreen with adequate broad-spectrum protection, protective clothing, and safe sun practices instead of relying on tanning oils, which can have serious consequences for your skin and health. Tanning should never come at the expense of your well-being, and the use of tanning oils is discouraged by dermatologists and health experts. Apply sunscreen correctly. And reapply. No matter how high the SPF, applying sunscreen incorrectly can make it less effective. Many people use too little of their chosen sunscreen, or neglect to apply it evenly around their bodies. Always apply sunscreen liberally –- one ounce, or a shot glass is enough, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Apply it to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Then reapply every two hours, or after you’ve been swimming or sweating heavily – whichever comes first. Pay special attention to protecting sensitive areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet, as they are often overlooked. If you’re using spray-on sunscreen, hold the canister close to your skin (about 4 to 6 inches away), and apply in a well-ventilated area. Spray evenly, making overlapping passes to cover all exposed skin. Rub it in to ensure even coverage, especially for sensitive areas like the face. Don’t rely on the sunscreen in your daily products Lots of makeup and daily moisturizers now contain sunscreen, with SPFs or 30, 50, or above. But if you’re spending the day on the beach, you need a proper dedicated sunscreen as well. Apart from anything else, you need to reapply sunblock every two hours and you don’t want to be slathering on more and more expensive makeup and moisturizers. Also, find a sunblock that’s water resistant, even if you don’t plan on going in the pool – it’ll stay put more when you sweat — which, let’s face it, is fairly likely in the sun. Make sure your sunscreen hasn’t expired Sunscreens have a limited shelf life, especially after you’ve opened them, so checking the expiration date on your sunscreen is essential. Expired sunscreen may lose its effectiveness in shielding your skin from harmful UV rays, potentially putting you at risk of sunburn and skin damage. To stay safe under the sun, always use fresh, unexpired sunscreen when traveling and enjoying the outdoors. Beware the “base tan” Getting a “base tan” before a vacation is not a safe strategy. It’s a misconception that a tan provides adequate protection from sunburn. A tan is a sign of skin damage from UV radiation, and it offers minimal protection against future sun exposure. Additionally, tanning beds are extremely hazardous. They emit intense UV radiation that significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage. Instead of seeking a base tan, focus on sun safety measures like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and staying in the shade to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Wear protective clothing Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats to cover exposed skin. Look for clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) for added sun protection. Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Use fans or portable misting devices to help cool down in hot conditions. Seek shade, drink water Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This reduces direct exposure to UV rays. Also, consider using sun umbrellas or beach tents to create your own shade while outdoors. Take breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas when possible. And drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially in hot and sunny environments. Dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses. Check the local UV index Be mindful of how much time you spend in direct sunlight, especially if you’re in a tropical or high-altitude destination where UV radiation can be intense. Be sure to check the UV index for your location. This index provides information about the strength of UV radiation in your area, helping you plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Check your meds It’s vital to check your medications before you get any sun exposure on vacation as some drugs can increase photosensitivity, making your skin more susceptible to sunburn and adverse reactions. Medications like antibiotics, diuretics, and acne treatments are among the most common culprits here. Failing to recognize this risk can lead to severe sunburn, skin irritation, or even rashes, which can spoil your vacation experience and harm your health. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information on your medications’ sun-related side effects and take appropriate precautions, such as extra sun protection and avoidance during peak sunlight hours. You Might Also Enjoy: 8 of the Best Clothing-Optional Beaches ‘Round the World And if worst comes to worst… Sometimes, despite our best intentions and protective measures, we still get sunburnt. Aspirin and ibuprofen (or other NSAIDs) can help relieve sunburn pain and inflammation to some extent. They may reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort when taken at the recommended dosage. You can also apply cool compresses, use aloe vera gel, and keep yourself hydrated. Over-the-counter creams with hydrocortisone can reduce inflammation. Also, it might help to soak in an oatmeal bath. The best way to deal with sunburn is prevention through sunscreen and protective measures, as these medications and measures won’t undo the skin damage caused by excessive sun exposure. FAQs: Q: Is sunscreen necessary on cloudy days? A: Yes it is! Clouds don’t fully block UV rays. Apply sunscreen even on overcast days for comprehensive protection. If you can see the world around you, that means sunlight is still getting through, and so are the harmful UV rays. Q: Can I wear makeup over sunscreen? A: Certainly! Opt for makeup products with built-in SPF or apply sunscreen as a base before makeup. Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen? A: Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Q: Are tanning oils safe? A: Nope. Tanning oils offer minimal sun protection and can increase the risk of sunburn. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen instead. Q: Can I get enough vitamin D while protecting my skin? A: Yes, short periods of sun exposure provide adequate vitamin D — about 10 minutes or so. However, relying solely on sun exposure for vitamin D is risky; consider dietary sources and supplements. Q: What’s the best treatment for sunburn? A: Cool compresses, moisturizing creams, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help soothe sunburn. Consult a healthcare professional for severe burns. Do you have any tips about staying safe in the sun? Tell us about it in the comments below!
