The one thing Floridians know best is how to avoid a sunburn and how to treat one the best possible way. If you are planning on visiting our gorgeous beaches here in the near future the best thing you can do is read these next three tips and tricks!
The Most Obvious Choice: Sunscreen
I know this seems like an obvious solution but not everyone thinks they need it. When you are outdoors, especially at the beach, you need it. Did you know that when it is cloudy you are actually more susceptible to a burn than when the sun is blazing? Well, you do now. You need to be wearing at least 50+ SPF at all times. The smartest thing to do is to invest in a good waterproof sunscreen to avoid getting burned while partaking in water activities. The sun reflects off the sand and that’s what will really get you. This will happen regardless if you’re laying out, floating in the water, or running along the coast. Make sure if your hair is thinning or balding to apply evenly to your scalp. A lot of people with lighter hair will also do this to avoid a burn. Do not forget about your lips! Using a chapstick with SPF 15 or higher will help keep your lips moisturized and avoid the discomfort of the burn. Even the locals will tell you that they do not leave their house without a bottle of sunscreen on them and SPF chapstick in their pocket.
What do I do if I Burn?
Sometimes the sunburn is inevitable. No matter how much sunscreen you put on there’s always the chance of getting a burn. Most Floridians keep an aloe plant at their house but when they are traveling they buy a bottle of aloe and put it in the fridge. This is definitely one of our best-kept secrets. This gives the instant cooling sensation and instantly starts healing the burn. The best way to apply it is after a cool shower, this might be uncomfortable at first but will essentially help remove the sting, and then apply the aloe and put a big t-shirt or any loose clothing on. You are not going to want to wear anything tight fitting as it will be extremely uncomfortable.
Extra Precautions: Timing is Key!
A few extra friendly tips are to avoid the sun from the peak hours of 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. and to constantly seek shade. Wearing clothing with UPF protection (ultraviolet protection) along with sunglasses that also provide UV protection will help you tremendously in staying safe this summer while having a blast on our gorgeous beaches. Another great accessory to consider is a big floppy hat or safari hat. There’s a reason you see so many of us wearing some sort of hat all-year-long. You want to make sure you are protecting your skin as well as your eyes throughout your time outside, even when you think you don’t need it.
Hopefully, these few tips help you prepare for a fun summer out on our gorgeous beaches at Beacher’s Lodge. If you remember one thing from this blog it should be the words sunscreen and aloe! DO yourself a favor and pick these up before hitting the sandy beaches and glistening ocean!