Coconuts and Sunburns, Beware! Time to get shade!
If you’re planning a trip to the beach, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. While soaking up the sun can be enjoyable, overexposure to UV radiation can lead to painful sunburns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Luckily, there are many ways to enjoy the beach while staying out of the sun, from bringing an umbrella or beach tent to finding the perfect palm tree shade spot.
By following these sunshade tips, you can have fun in the sun while keeping your skin happy and healthy.
- Bring an umbrella or beach tent: A beach umbrella or tent can provide a shaded area for relaxing and enjoying the beach while avoiding direct sunlight.
- Wear protective clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats with wide brims can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, even if you plan to stay in the shade. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
- Go for a swim: Take a dip in the ocean or a pool to cool off and avoid the sun if possible and limit time if you’re in the sun.
- Bring a book or magazine: Reading a book or magazine can be a great way to pass the time while avoiding direct sunlight.
- Enjoy beach food and drinks: Many beaches have food and beverage vendors that offer refreshing treats, like ice cream or smoothies, which you can enjoy in the shade.
- Take a break indoors: If you need a break from the sun, consider heading indoors to a nearby cafe, restaurant, or museum to cool off and relax.
- Visit the beach during non-peak hours: Avoiding the midday sun by visiting the beach early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also help keep your skin happy and healthy.
TIP: If sitting under a palm tree is your only option, know that it can be a great way to enjoy the beach while staying out of the sun. Palm trees can provide a natural shade, which can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but beware.
Here are a few tips for finding the perfect palm tree to sit under:
- Look for tall, healthy trees: Trees with many leaves and a tall trunk can provide more shade than shorter or sparser trees.
- Check the ground for shade: If the ground under the palm tree is already shaded, it’s a good sign that it will provide shade throughout the day.
- Be aware of falling coconuts: If you’re sitting under a palm tree with coconuts, be mindful of the potential danger of falling coconuts. Look for trees that have already dropped their coconuts, or consider sitting safely from the tree trunk.
- Bring a blanket or beach chair: Sitting on the ground can be uncomfortable, so consider bringing a blanket or beach chair to make your sitting area more comfortable.
NOTE: Sitting under a palm tree can be a great way to enjoy the beach while staying out of the sun. Just be sure to use sunscreen and take other precautions to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, even in the shade.
Did you know?
Sunshade tips is that palm trees can offer limited protection from the sun’s UV rays. While they provide a natural shade, their protection depends on the tree’s location, size, and time of day.
It’s important to remember that sitting under a palm tree can still expose your skin to indirect sunlight, so wearing protective clothing and sunscreen is crucial.
A little history:
Sun shades can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece, where people used large parasols made of leaves, feathers, or animal skin to protect themselves from the sun. In Rome, wealthy citizens would watch chariot races from the shade of a velarium, a retractable awning made of linen or canvas.
During the Renaissance, wealthy Europeans used elaborate sunshades made of silk, lace, and embroidery to protect themselves from the sun while walking in the gardens or attending outdoor events. In the 19th century, the popularity of beach vacations led to the invention of the beach umbrella, which became a common sight on beaches worldwide.
Today, many different types of sun shades are available, from portable beach umbrellas to retractable awnings for homes and businesses. Technological advances have also led to developing specialized fabrics and coatings that provide even more excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays.Â
