It’s a beach vacation! Have you planned any skin care protection?
We love the beach, but enjoying the sun means our skin is exposed to a lot of harmful UVA/UVB rays. Make sure you are thinking about protection when you head to the beach this season to help you have a great time in the sun’n’sand without sun burn or other long-term effects!
Lather on the Sunscreen
Be sure to use at least 30 SPF sunscreen and apply 30 minutes before you go outside. Look for “Broad Spectrum” sunscreen that is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. In other words, it will protect your skin from all unhealthy effects of the sun from sun burns to premature aging and skin cancer. (American Cancer Society) And remember to reapply when you get out of the ocean, as most sunscreen will come off after swimming. Water-resistant sunscreen will only last for 40-80 minutes in the water; to be safe, reapply at least every 2 hours.
Make sure your Sunscreen is not expired. Although an expired sunscreen may still look OK, it could be ineffective in fully protecting your skin from the sun. If there is no expiration date, you should discard any you’ve had for more than 3 years. (FDA)
Find Shade
The sun is the most intense between the hours of 10AM – 2PM (which is prime beach time!) so try to find shade or wear cover ups between water play (Skin Cancer Foundation). You can rent or buy umbrellas in various locations along the Boardwalk.
Create your own shade with hats and cover-ups. When you are not in the water, pull on a light shirt or dress to cover your bare skin. A wide-brimmed hat will provide portable shade. You can wear it while walking through the sand or wading in the water.
Don’t forget about your eyes!
Your eyes are prone to damage by the sun just as much as your skin. Over exposure to your eyes could cause discomfort and growths. And that exposure comes from the reflections off the sand and water, similar to snow-blindness. Make sure to wear sunglasses that cover the eyes with a lens that blocks UV rays to decrease your risk of any permanently damaging exposure. (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
When you purchase sunglasses, make sure you are checking that they are protecting against both UV-A and UV-B rays, often labeled as “100% UV Protection.” Even if you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you still need sunglasses to protect the rest of your eye and the skin around them. Wraparound styles provide the best protection.
Next time you head to the beach, make sure you’re prepared. There are tons of stores along the boardwalk that sell sunscreen options as well as hats and sunglasses. If you need help, feel free to ask one of our front desk attendants; they’ll make sure you get exactly what you need!