It’s finally Summertime! I usually share travel guides, tips, and reviews from destinations all over the world, but nothing in my own backyard. This summer I’m taking a break from going away to do more in New York. An issue I see often is going to the beach, water park or vacation is black people not applying sunscreen. I’ll be honest, sunscreen is not something I religiously wore growing up. As I became aware of the long-term effects of sun exposure, I make it my business to have a good skincare routine and wear sunscreen and facial moisturizers with SPF on a daily basis. The melanin in dark skin allows us to not need as much sunscreen, but it still is necessary. Since July is right around the corner and also UV Safety Month, here are some tips for sunburn prevention.
Use Sunscreen
Check your sunscreen labels and make sure you’re using one with an SPF of at least 30 and it is protecting you from UVA and UVB Rays. UVA rays cause you to tan while UVB ray exposure causes sunburn.
Protect Yourself
If you do plan on being outside, wear the proper gear. You can wear breathable clothing like cotton and wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
Apply and Reapply
When applying sunscreen, apply at least 15-30 min before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. Most sunscreen is water-resistant for this amount of time, but if you sweat a lot or are in the water and dry off, apply more frequently.
Stay Inside
If you don’t have to be outside, stay in between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Although it isn’t recommended to be out during these times, it IS the best time to be outside for vitamin D production.
Just because you have these tips doesn’t mean you won’t slip up. The majority of my birthday weekend in Martinique was spent on the island’s beaches and I burned and peeled for the first time when I got home. It wasn’t as bad as my cousin’s, but it was because of too much time in the sun and not reapplying. If you happen to get a sunburn, treat the area with a cool washcloth and apply some aloe vera gel to decrease stinging or itching. When it does get cool enough, make sure to keep the area moisturized as your skin begins to repair itself.
Read More Beauty Tips and Reviews
How To Use Coconut Oil for Your Hair and Skin
My Travel Toiletry Bag Essentials
COOLA Cucumber Sunscreen Moisturizer
I will also had to stay hydrated and eat lot of vegetables and fruits.
Currently spending time in Germany and there really is not to much sun to stay out!
I used to be really terrible with this. This summer I’ve been much better. Consistent using it on myself and the kids.
Good reminder I normally don’t spend much time in the sun unless we’re traveling. Packing my sunscreen now off to Vegas soon.
These are great tips! I’ve been doing better about re-applying sunscreen when I’m out in the sun for hours.
It is very true, sunscreen is very important and always forget to buy and bring it with me on my trips. I got a sun burn and peeled from my last trip to Cuba. Its been 2 months and still have the tan lines.
I have a beach day planned on Friday. I’ll have to use these sun safety tips because my skin does not like extreme heat.
Thanks for these tips. My husband learned the hard way. I’m headed out of town in a few weeks. Guess I’ll pick up some Aloe Vera ??♀️
Sunscreen is soo important. I remember getting a sunburn and I had no idea what was going on!
I’m so bad about wearing sunscreen and I know I should. It’s like I take all of this melanin for granted. I really need to do better
This is a tip I really need to follow Joanna – I have been guilty of not protecting my skin from the sun and over the past couple of years I have been peeling away. Thanks for the important reminder!
Thanks for sharing! My husband doesnt believe he is supposed to wear sunscreen because he is darker, but I still make he wear it. After I spray the kids I spray him too LOL!
Lol good job
Thanks for the reminder! And LOL at the good side eye you anything over 50 SPF.