Sun Safety
May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month so I would be remiss if I did not write about something near and dear to my heart. And I might be a bit preachy, but with good reason.
Nothing can ruin a vacation more than a bad sunburn. Sunscreen is important every day, but more so when we are on vacation because we tend to spend more time outside and especially at times when the sun is at its peak between 10am and 4pm. It is critical that sunscreens are broad spectrum to block both types of damaging ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen protects from UVA (rays that cause cancer and premature aging) and UVB (rays that cause sunburn and cancer). I am pretty sure nobody wants to look like an old leather shoe or have cancer, so apply that SPF!
We have all heard people talk about how they are going to tanning salons to get a base tan before they leave on vacation. Base tans provide approximately the equivalent to a sunscreen with an SPF 4. Do you even see that for sale or recommend by a dermatologist? No. Do yourself a favour; save your money and your enormous risk for skin cancer and just apply a good SPF on vacation instead.
While there is debate about reef safe sunscreens, my view on this is better to be safe than sorry. And since there are great reef safe sunscreens out there it is a no brainer. I rather not risk bleaching and killing the coral reefs! Some locations, such as Hawaii, do require you to use reef safe sunscreen.
Aerosol sunscreens are popular and convenient, but there are downsides. They can be problematic with application - not applying enough and easier to miss areas since you are not physically touching yourself to feel where it has been applied properly. Spray sunscreens need to be rubbed in to be effective. So if you have to get your hands involved with spray, you might as well just use a lotion or cream. Aerosols are also horrendously bad for the environment.
Sun protective clothing is also a great way to shield yourself from the sun. Look for clothing that has UPF rating. The sun’s rays are either absorbed or reflected by the material or both. There are plenty of stylish items for good prices so there is no excuse not to protect yourself from a sunburn on vacation! When I know I’ll be spending a full day on the beach, in full sunlight I wear a rash guard and swim capris. When I snorkel I wear a UPF rated swim cap to protect my scalp. Favourite brands are Columbia, Tilley, North Face, and Eddie Bauer.
I will also be realistic. Sunburns do happen - even when you have been so very careful. Treat your skin with kindness; apply aloe vera gel, medicated creams with lidocaine, and even take ibuprofen to help reduce swell (for lidocaine and ibuprofen take only if allowed by your medical care team). Also apply plenty of moisturizer to help prevent peeling.
Here is a list of my favourite sunscreens. I love sunscreens that are water resistant, have a variety of sunscreen filters, and don’t leave a white cast. I have also included my favourite mineral-based sunscreens as well, which are most often tolerated by sensitive-skinned people.