Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Are you planning a warm weather holiday somewhere sunny? Dreaming of lying on the beach with a cocktail in hand, the sound of waves crashing, and a gentle breeze brushing your skin? Looking forward to spending a family holiday enjoying the pool with your little ones, watching them splash around joyfully under the sun?
Although a sunny holiday is great for your mood and provides a perfect setting for relaxation and fun, you’ll need to take extra precautions to keep yourself safe from the sun’s harmful rays. From applying sunscreen regularly to wearing protective clothing and staying hydrated, it’s essential to follow some simple steps to ensure you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about sunburn or heatstroke.
Read on to discover how to stay safe in the sun whilst travelling and make the most of your sunny getaway.
Always Use Sunscreen
The first and most important rule for staying safe in the sun is always using sunscreen. Did you know that even if it’s not sunny, you should wear sun cream to protect your skin daily? Harmful UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause damage to your skin year-round. But it’s not enough to just put on any old sun cream in the morning and call it a day; you need to make sure you are using the correct sun cream with an appropriate SPF for your skin type. Additionally, reapplying consistently, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying, is crucial to ensure continuous protection. For those who spend extended periods outdoors, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during peak sun hours can further enhance your sun safety.
READ MORE: About Sun Awareness Week
What SPF Should I Use?
It would help if you always opted for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Anything under this is only seen as mild protection. It might be okay to protect you on an overcast winter day, but if you’re enjoying a holiday in the sun, opting for SPF 30 or above is necessary. Broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures it can help to limit sun damage from both UVA and UVB rays, covering a wider range of harmful light.
The number that follows SPF refers to the amount of UVB rays it absorbs. When properly applied, an SPF 15 will block 93% of UVB radiation, an SPF 30 will block 97%, and an SPF 50 will block 98%. So, although higher SPFs like 50 or above are available, they only offer a slight increase in protection. Additionally, using a very high SPF can cause a false sense of security, making you feel more protected than you are, which may result in less frequent reapplication. This can lead to inadequate protection as sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
We spoke to Lauren of Lauren’s Lighthouse travel blog, who recommended her favourite: “An absolute must-have on all your travels, whether to sun destinations or any place you'll be outdoors, is the COSRX SPF50 PA+++ Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. I've tried every sunscreen under the sun, and this one is by far the best, leaving little to no residue on your skin and making the perfect base for any makeup.” Lauren also mentioned that the soothing properties of aloe make this sunscreen particularly good for those with sensitive skin who might experience irritation from other products.
You also need to ensure that your sunscreen is in date, as once it isn’t, it won’t be able to protect you effectively. Sunscreen that has expired can degrade and lose its potency, leaving you more exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. If you are flying to your holiday destination, one thing that might be worth doing is picking up a brand-new bottle at the airport after checking in. That way, you can know it’s in date and has a powerful SPF. This can also save space in your luggage and ensure you’re not carrying any excess liquids through security.
How Often Should I Reapply Sunscreen?
So, you’ve got an excellent SPF sunscreen that’s in date; how often should you apply it? You should try to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, as the sun and your skin's natural oils will gradually break down the product. This ensures continuous protection throughout the day.
However, if you are swimming or sweating heavily, you should reapply it more frequently to maintain its effectiveness. Just jumped out of the pool? Make sure to towel off thoroughly and add another layer of sunscreen. Even if you have “water resistant” sun cream, you must reapply it to ensure you’ve got a proper and even application.
Water resistance means it holds up better against water exposure, but it's not entirely waterproof. The last thing you want is to have missed patches and end up with uneven sunburns. Proper and frequent application is key to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage.
Should I Limit My Exposure to the Midday Sun?
Limit how much you are out in the midday sun if you can. You may think midday sun means just the sun around 12 and one; however, the UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Prolonged exposure during these hours can increase your risk of skin damage, and sunburn, and even contribute to long-term effects like premature ageing or skin cancer.
This doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside. Instead, consider taking an umbrella to sit underneath on the beach so that you are in the shade, or trying to sit inside for a meal rather than outside in the sunshine.
Just making a conscious effort to be in the shade as much as possible will be something your skin will thank you for. Your future self will appreciate the extra care you took to protect your skin from the harsh effects of the sun.
What Kind of Clothes Should I Wear in the Sun?
Whether you cannot stay out of the sun or want to add another layer of protection to your arsenal, wearing light clothing that covers more of your skin can be extremely helpful. Consider wearing thin, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that protect without trapping heat. Opt for long-sleeved linen shirts, floor-length skirts, or loose-fitting pants to shield your skin from direct sunlight. Although it might be seen as counter-intuitive, and we usually opt for as little clothing as possible in the heat, this means an increase in the amount of skin on show and an increase in the potential areas at risk of skin damage.
By covering up with lightweight, airy clothing, you can stay cooler while also protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term damage. Additionally, pairing your outfit with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses can provide further protection for your face and eyes, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely.
A helpful tip from Christa at The Spirited Explorer recommends: “Though I'm a cold-natured traveller, I do find myself spending several weeks at a time in sun-drenched destinations like Italy or Costa Rica. So, I always bring long-sleeved linen layers to protect my skin. That layer and a lightweight sun hat give me the added protection my fair skin needs without making me feel hot. Honestly, I've found that a linen layer actually helps regulate my body temperature and keep me comfortable in even the hottest places.”
Sunglasses and Hats
Making sure you pack your favourite pair of shades is essential for looking and feeling good on holiday, but you also need to ensure your sunglasses are working for you and protecting your eyes from the sun. It’s all well and good having sunglasses that make you feel fabulous, but if they don’t protect your eyes, they shouldn’t be in your rotation.
Most sunglasses you buy today will have UV protection embedded, but to be confident, you’ll want to ensure that your shades are labelled as either 100% UV protection or have a UV filter category UV 400. If you have an old pair of sunglasses, many opticians can check what UV protection they provide. Additionally, when choosing sunglasses, consider the lens colour and material, as darker lenses do not necessarily mean better protection. Polarised lenses can also be beneficial as they reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and sand, making them a great option for beach holidays.
Don’t forget that a wide-brimmed hat can also provide excellent protection from the sun, shielding not just your eyes, but also your face and neck. A good hat is a perfect accessory to complement your sunglasses and ensure you stay stylish and sun-safe during your travels.
Medications and Sunshine
If you need to take medication with you on holiday, it's crucial to secure travel insurance with medical conditions before you travel. Additionally, you should also take time to understand how your medicine might interact with the sun. A wide range of medications can cause photosensitivity, which could make you more sensitive to sunlight than you usually would be. This increased sensitivity can lead to sunburns, rashes, or other skin reactions even with minimal sun exposure.
The medications that can cause sensitivity to the sun include antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, pain relievers, diabetes medications, and more. It’s important to note that it’s not the case that everyone on these medications will experience increased photosensitivity. However, it’s wise to know before you travel somewhere hot that it might be something you’re more likely to encounter.
READ MORE: What medical conditions get worse in hot weather?
In conclusion, protecting yourself from the sun's harmful effects while enjoying your holiday is not only advisable but essential for your long-term well-being. Taking simple measures such as limiting midday sun exposure, wearing appropriate clothing, using sunblock, and selecting UV-protective accessories can make a significant difference.
Additionally, understanding how your medications may interact with sun exposure is vital to prevent any adverse reactions. By making these conscious efforts, you can savour your sun-filled adventures safely and keep your skin healthy for years to come. Always remember, that a little extra care today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.
Looking for more helpful tips and guidance? Check out our travel blog and guide pages for more.