Whatever tropical paradise you’re traveling to, it’s always a good day for a beach day! Summer is the season of less clothes and more skin which means more unprotected sun exposure. It’s really all not that bad because your body works it’s magic by turning sunshine into that infection fighter, bone builder vitamin D. And fun fact: It’s the only vitamin that your body can make! But too much of a good thing can be bad. Too much UV radiation from the sun is actually the leading cause for skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. So let’s talk about how you can be safe when you’re in the sun so that you won’t feel the burn.

How much can your skin take?

Melanin is a chemical that provides a natural protection against the harmful effects of the sun and the reason why some people get sunburned faster than others. If you have light-colored skin, the less melanin you have. If you have dark-colored skin, the more melanin you have. Understand your skin type to protect it appropriately and take a look at the Fitzpatrick Scale below. It classifies complexion types based on the tolerance to the sun.

Skin Type I	Ivory	Always Burns, Never Tans
Skin Type II	Beige	Usually Burns, Sometimes Tans
Skin Type III	Light Brown	Sometimes Burns, Usually Tans
Skin Type IV	Medium Brown	Rarely Burns, Always Tans
Skin Type V	Dark Brown	Never Burns, Always Tans
Skin Type VI	Very Dark Brown	Never Burns, Always Tans

Schedule your sun time

Find the UV index on any weather app on your phone and track the UV index throughout the day. Limit your time in the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun’s rays are the strongest because the higher the UV index, the more exposure you have to higher levels of UV radiation from the sun, increasing your risk of skin cancer.

UV Index	Exposure Category
0-2.9	Low
3-5.9	Moderate
6-7.9	High
8-10.9	Very High
11+	Extreme

Protect and cover up

Sunscreen

Pick a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UBA rays. How can you tell? Look for the keywords “broad spectrum” on the label. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you’re getting in and out of the water. If you hate that sunscreen smell, slather or spray on Ocean Potion’s orange creamsicle scented sunscreen. You’ll smell irresistibly delicious!

Get it: Ocean Potion Protect & Nourish Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Lip Balm

Dry, chapped lips aren’t sexy. Sunburnt, dry, chapped lips are even less sexier. Who wants to kiss that, right? Right. Swipe your lips with a nourishing balm that has a dash of SPF protection. It’s perfect for every day use as a light sheen to your lips or as a base for your (waterproof) lipstick.

Get it: Fresh Advanced Lip Therapy Treatment

Aloe Vera Gel

After sun care is even as important as pre-sun care. If you forget to reapply your sunscreen or stay in the sun a little longer than expected, cool your skin down with an aloe-based gel to reduce redness and prevent inflammation and peeling.

Get it: Ocean Potion Aloe Vera Gel

Hat

This classic hat isn’t just another fashionable beach accessory. The bigger and floppier the hat, the better. The wide brim style provides more protection for your face, neck and shoulders.

Get it: Black Floppy Hat

Sunglasses

Stop squinting from the glare of the sun and shield your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Plus, squinting really does lead to more fine lines and wrinkles. Protect your eyes in style with rainbow lens sunglasses and goggles for under water protection, too. The one’s I wear aren’t polarized, so bonus points for extra protection if you’ve got ’em.

Get it: Heart Shape Sunglasses

Get it: Beezee-Pro Swimming Goggles

Water Bottle

They say to drink eight glasses of water each day. Drink every time you’re thirsty, but you should drink even more when you’re out in the hot sun. Might as well have a cute water bottle, right?

Get it: S’well Water Bottle – Teakwood

Size Matters

Don’t forget that if you’re travelling, pack your sunscreen and gels in TSA approved bottles by using travel-sized bottles. Sun safety is always in season so to stay hydrated and sun-safe, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and wear a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing and drink more water! Limited unprotected sun exposure is good for you, but it’s better to be safe than sunburned.

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