Get the bronze look without the risk
A simple sunburn can ruin your holiday. Think about it. One day overdoing it in the sun can cause severe pain & ruin those prized holiday snaps with lobster-red skin. Further to that, excessive sun over-exposure can lead to premature ageing & prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of developing cancer… not exactly the news you are looking for when booking your island holiday to paradise… that is of course if you do not take the necessary precautions.

The good thing is that understanding sun damage & sunblock is extremely easy & following some simple steps will protect your skin long-term and ensure you optimise your time on the island or beach for magnificent timeless memories.

TOP WLH TIP: Avoid unprotected sun exposure at peaks times between 10am – 2pm.

UVA & UVB
The first key element to understand is the difference between UVA & UVB light:

UVA light – UVA Rays are those that penetrate the skin into the deep dermis. They cause the skin to prematurely age & cause sun spots as you get older.
UVB light – UVB Rays are shorter wavelengths & cause the skin to burn. These are the rays that cause redness & pain.
You, of course, need protection from both.

Sunblock do’s & don’ts
Let’s start with the basics; SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is calculated by how long it takes for the skin to burn in the sun after it has been treated with the sunscreen, as compared to skin with no sunscreen. This means SPF 30 will protect your skin for longer that SPF 15, which in turn will protect your skin for longer than if it were unprotected. Get it?

Modern Sunblock products are available as broad-spectrum Sunblocks & this means they protect your skin from both UVA & UVB light. When in doubt, always choose a broad spectrum option.

TOP WLH TIP: For maximum protection apply sunblock 20min before heading out into the sun. And don’t forget to reapply.

Choosing the right Sunblock for you
Sunblock products are available in many sizes & forms: from sticks to creams to sprays & gels. Selection should be based on personal preference but always follow the guidelines for application.

The key criteria to look for in your choice of sunblock is between two options (each has pro’s & cons depending on your family’s skin. i.e your personal selection may differ from your child or your toddler):

Physical Sunblock – these are characterized by zinc-based sunblock that are often available in crazy colours that all the kids love. These sunblock products offer more protection immediately after they are applied, but they are not very water resistant or sweat resistant, so bear that in mind when applying.
They are less irritating to the skin so ideal for those with more sensitive skin. Physical sunblock works by reflecting the harmful sun rays away from the skin & this makes them a preferred choice for those with heat sensitivity. Unfortunately they are also much thicker so they may take longer to rub in & often leave a chalky residue.
Chemical Sunblock – these products provide more options & are available in sprays that make them quick & easy to apply… perfect for activity-mad children. Chemical sunblocks tend to be more water & sweat resistant but they do require time to penetrate the skin for maximum protection.
In more recent times chemical sunblock products have improved how they react with skin sensitive individuals too, making them a popular choice. But remember, you may need to reapply more regularly than with physical sunblock products, so take that into account when making purchasing decisions.
TOP WLH TIP: Apply sunblock even on cloudy days. UVA & UVB rays are just as harmful despite cloud cover.

There you have it. The lowdown on ensuring you get the sun for the tan you want, while protecting the skin of both yourself & your family. Take advantage of the mornings & evening sundowners to get your healthy dose of Vitamin D that will bronze your beach body to perfection & protect yourself in the heat of the day.

We can’t wait to see you tanned-up on one of our gorgeous beaches.