Traveling outdoors is indeed fun but it often entails tanning and the other pesky issues that come with it. Though others love being baked under the sun, remember that skin tanning is unsafe and causes damage to the skin, even putting one at risk of developing skin cancer.
As such, it’s vital you prep yourself for the scorching heat each time you travel on a hot, sunny day. After all, what you only want to take home are lots of memories and photographs, sans the suntan. Don’t fret, as we got you covered! Here are the top tips for avoiding sun tanning while traveling that will help you enjoy the outdoors with fewer worries and still end up with healthy skin.
Apply sunscreen.
During travel, especially when you’re visiting tropical locations and beaches, never ever forget to bring your sunscreen and apply it every three to four hours. It will protect your skin from sun damage and sunburns and keep your skin from getting tanned. The best sun blockers have an SPF of at least 30, which can effectively block nearly 97 percent of UVB radiation. SPF 50 filters 98 percent, while SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of the harmful UV rays. Other cosmetic products, particularly ones with mineral ingredients, also have sun-shielding properties, which you can use for maximum protection.
Hydrate yourself.
One of the best ways to keep your skin looking healthy outside is by starting from within. Make sure to drink gallons of water while traveling. It ensures that your skin is hydrated completely, preventing dryness and keeping sunburn and tanning at bay. You can also use hydrating masks to lock in moisture and help the skin fight any environmental damage it can sustain as you travel.
Avoid peak hours.
An obvious yet perhaps one of the most effective ways of preventing sun tanning is avoiding exposure to the sun during its peak hours. The UV light is the strongest, between 10 am to 4 pm, so you may want to chalk out your activities during the said period. In case you still need to go out, don’t stay under the sun for too long. Find shady spots or a complete sun-safe place to minimize exposure and reduce the damage and sun tanning caused by the sun’s rays.
Wear protective clothing.
Dressing appropriately can also do a lot in avoiding sun tanning. Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved dresses, long pants, and rash guards, to protect your skin from sun exposure. Big hats and sunglasses are not only fashionable items, but they protect the delicate skin on the face, which is most sensitive and vulnerable to damage and tanning.
Remember, protective clothing is a must whatever the weather is or whatever activity you are doing. Winter is cool and may feel comfier to the skin, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t cover up from the direct sunlight. Meanwhile, UV rays can penetrate the water’s surface and damage your skin and cause tanning even if underwater and feeling relatively cool. So, whether you’re visiting the French Alps or snorkeling and diving in the French Riviera, wearing protective clothing is a must.
Steer away from wearing perfume.
It’s always nice to spritz your favorite perfume before traveling, especially if you’re expecting to get sweaty on a hot, humid day. But while this may seem odd, wearing perfume isn’t actually recommended when going outside. Perfumes have high traces of alcohol that make the skin more sensitive. Thus, making it also more vulnerable to irritation and tanning. Direct sunlight also degrades the component that makes perfumes’ scents last long, counterpointing their use – it’s better just not to wear one at all.
Cleanse and exfoliate.
Wash your face regularly, around three to four times a day, more importantly after being exposed too long under the sun. The cool water detoxifies and cools down the skin, taming any damage or tanning effect that may occur after the exposure. Be sure to exfoliate afterward to remove any dead skin cells, and reveal your glowing skin.
Takeaway
Though you may find lots of guides in curing sun damage and reversing the suntan, be mindful that prevention is better than cure. Why go through such a hassle when you can prevent them in the first place? So, follow these tips and indulge in your travel while keeping your skin healthy.