When it comes to the sun’s harsh rays, skin tones don’t matter. Everyone should wear sunscreen to protect against skin damage while enjoying a fun day at the beach.
With so many SPF options on the market, finding the best sun protection for your skin needs and preferences can be challenging. Consult the guide below to learn how to choose the proper SPF sun protection.
Sun Protection Type
Sunblock comes in creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and sticks. The type of sun protection you use doesn’t matter if you use it correctly. You’ll need to apply about a shot glass or golf ball-sized sunscreen to your exposed skin for the application to be effective.
Sun Protection Factor
Dermatologists often recommend broad-spectrum protection that prevents or minimizes skin damage from UVA and UVB rays from the sun. UVA rays cause wrinkles, and UVB rays cause sunburn. However, too much exposure to either can result in skin cancer.
Skin Type
Your skin tone does not matter regarding the sun’s damaging UV rays. However, your skin type will affect the effectiveness of your SPF protection.
A board-certified dermatologist will likely suggest non-comedogenic body sunscreen for a patient with oily or acne skin. This sunscreen type won’t block pores and worsen acne. However, a person with dry skin would benefit from sunblock with moisturizers or hydrating ingredients.
If you have sensitive skin, physical sunscreens are best. These creams and sprays contain minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of chemicals.
Water Protection
Some sunscreens have water-resistance properties. As a result, they allow you to spend some time swimming or participating in water-based activities like paddleboarding or jet skiing. However, the sun’s UV rays bounce off water, so you’ll have to take extra precautions to protect your skin.
Consider investing in sunscreen with high SPF and water resistance. Most water-resistant sunscreen only protects the skin for a little over an hour.
It’s also best to wait 15 minutes after applying the lotion or spray before getting in the water. Doing so lets your skin absorb the product and prevents it from washing off.
Physical Sun Protection
Sometimes the best sun protection is not what you apply to your skin but how you shade your body. For instance, you can reduce the risk of sun damage by staying under shaded spots outside. You can also wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or a beach cover-up consisting of tightly woven fabric to minimize your sun exposure.
Wearing a wide-brim hat on your beach adventure is a good idea. It can shade your body if you intend to be in direct sunlight for more than a few minutes.
Stay Safe in the Sun on Your Next Naples Vacation
At Naples Beach Adventures, we want every guest to practice sun safety while enjoying our tropical beach setting and swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply enjoying nature. The best sun protection will help you enjoy your beach adventure without damaging your skin.
If you’re ready to plan your next beach trip in Naples, FL, call Naples Beach Adventures at (239) 431-0958.