When you’re getting ready for your summer vacation, you’re wondering whether or not sun protection makes sense. Of course it makes sense! Sun damage is the most common cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. But after being warned about the damaging effects of the sun for so long, it’s easy to go in the wrong direction.
It’s easy to become a “solar-phobe” and reach out for the highest SPF whenever you’re about to go under daylight. Let’s not forget that the sun is our main source of Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health. Recent research also suggests that Vitamin D plays a role in our mental health, so moderate sun exposure is becoming an important aspect of depression treatment.
Did you see what we did there? Moderate. That’s the crucial thing to remember.
It’s great to get out in the sun, but it’s important to do it in moderation.
Tips for Summer Health: Mistakes to Avoid Under the Hot Sun
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Buying the Most Expensive Sunscreen
When you’re so afraid of skin cancer, you’ll think about buying the ultra-blocking sunscreen with the best marketing campaign. This is usually the most expensive product of this type. Be reasonable! Get a dermatologists recommended sunscreen with an SPF 30. It will block about 97% of UVB rays, so it will definitely protect you from sun damage.
There’s no reason to pay too much money when a reasonably priced product gives you the same level of protection.
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Not Using Any Sunscreen
We said that you shouldn’t get obsessive about protecting yourself from the sun. But that doesn’t mean we want you to be careless. Sunscreen is still important. The point is to get an affordable product and use it as instructed. Apply it before you go out in the sun, and reapply whenever you get out of the water.
It’s also important to put a hat on. Sunglasses are cool, too. They are stylish, but also good for protecting your eyes.
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Working Under the Hot Sun
You know those pretty images of students or freelancers working on big projects on the beach? Yeah; those are just photos. Not reality.
First of all, your computer doesn’t like being hot. But your brain also doesn’t like hot temperatures when in working mode. If you really need to complete a paper but you also want to spend time on the beach, it’s best to use Edubirdie. A professional will cover part of your work, and you’ll get to have the relaxation you deserve.
The beach is for relaxing and having fun. What’s the point in work while the surroundings are so beautiful? Enjoy your time there; you’ll work when you get inside!
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Being Outside During the Hottest Part of the Day
You’re playing volleyball at the beach and you love it! You want to spend the entire day with your friends, so you don’t mind being out during midday, when the heat is at its peak.
No.
Here’s the recipe for healthy sun exposure: go at the beach early in the morning, then have a break from the sun, and go out again after 4 p.m. It’s important to know when to avoid the sun. If you absolutely have to be outside during the peak, don’t forget your SPF and stay in the shade as much as possible.
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Forgetting to Drink Water
A long, hot day at the beach can easily get you dehydrated. That’s why your skin gets dry and your lips look chapped. But that’s not the biggest problem. Water deprivation also leads to overall fatigue, aching joints, and headaches. That’s a nice way to ruin your vacation.
Always have water with you. Not beer. Not alcohol. No sugary drinks. Get plain water and drink it slowly, all the time. If you really need flavor, then coconut water will work. Fruits are cool, too! You can eat watermelon, melon, peaches, strawberries, and any other kind of fruit you like.
Avoid coffee and energy drinks. If you’re feeling foggy, it’s because you got too much sun. Instead of coffee, you should get inside to cool off.
The Sun Is a Gift! Let’s Enjoy It Responsibly
Without Vitamin D, our body can’t absorb calcium. It doesn’t matter how much cheese we eat or milk we drink. Our bodies are created to work in synergy with the sun.
However, the sun also has damaging effects to our skin and our entire system. If we get too much of it, we might regret it.
The mistakes can go in both extremes: some people are too afraid to get out in the sun, and others are careless. It’s important to get some sunlight, but we need to stay safe while doing that. By avoiding the mistakes we listed above, you’ll stay safe while enjoying your vacation.
BIO: Alvin Franklin is a writer, editor, and guest blogger for several online publications. He loves to travel. His work as a freelance writer enables him to see as many places as possible without quitting the job.
