Protecting Yourself from the Sun

A day on Anna Maria Island’s beaches is a fun and relaxing way to spend a day. While you are enjoying our beautiful beaches, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. A bad sunburn can take the fun out of your stay in one of our vacation homes.  Here are some tips on protecting yourself from the sun while enjoying your stay on Anna Maria Island. 

Why is Sun Protection Important?

The Food and Drug Administration points out that the sun’s UV radiation can cause sunburn or eye damage. It can also make your skin look older than you really are. It is also a factor in skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the US. 

 Tips for Sun Protection at the Beach

Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Sunscreens use a rating system to help you know which one to choose. This rating is called the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The higher the number, the stronger the protection. The FDA recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.  Visitors with fair skin may want to choose higher numbers.

Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin before going outside. It is recommended to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Also, the time of day is a factor. 15 minutes of sun at 1:00 pm is roughly equal to 1 hour of exposure at 9:00 am. 

Pro tip: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing protective clothing can also help to protect your skin from the sun. Tightly woven fabrics provide a better barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays than loosely woven fabrics. Dark colors and dry fabrics are better at blocking UV radiation than light colors and wet fabrics. There is also clothing that is designed to be sun-protective. Wearing a hat with a brim to protect your face and neck is a good practice. Sunglasses can protect your eyes, but they should be UV-rated lenses. 

Seek Shade

Sometimes, protecting yourself from the sun means getting out of direct sunlight. It may sound simple, but that’s because it is. Spending time in the shade can be an easy way to protect yourself from the sun. It doesn’t matter if it is under a beach umbrella or a tree. But keep in mind that UV radiation can still penetrate through some types of shade, such as tree branches and some fabrics. A bonus though is that the shade will reduce the temperature, allowing you to be a little more comfortable.

Avoid Peak Sun Hours

The sun’s UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, avoid spending time in the sun during these hours. Plan your beach day for earlier or later in the day when the sun is less intense. There are some other advantages to this practice. You will see some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets if you are out on the beach early or later. Even if you’re not an early riser, you should experience at least one sunrise. 

Stay Hydrated

Did you know that just drinking plenty of water can help to protect your skin from the sun? Staying well hydrated with good for your overall health, but it also helps you protect your skin. When your body is dehydrated, your skin can become more susceptible to sunburns and other types of damage. Drinking plenty of water helps lower those risks. It also pays off in other ways for the rest of your body and its functions.

We are glad you’re staying with us and want you to have a great time. Protecting yourself from the sun while enjoying the beach is one way to do that. Spending your vacation with a bad sunburn is no fun for anyone. Follow these tips to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen regularly. 

We hope you love your stay on Anna Maria Island. If you are looking for sunscreen, umbrellas or other items to help protect yourself, our local experts can help you find those things. Just get in touch with us.