Summertime in Cayman means time spent at the beach. Although most people have their beach day planning down to a fine art, there are always elements that can be tuned to make everything run even smoother. After all, a day at the beach can be anything but a stroll in the park, as anyone who has gone home covered in sand and with an impressive sunburn will testify. Prevent beach burnout by sticking to the following tips:
Sunscreen:
Sure, you've heard it a million times, but it bears repeating: apply sunscreen every time you plan to spend the day outdoors. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that:
- Is water resistant.
- Has an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, using 1 ounce (approximately enough to fill a shot glass) to cover all exposed areas of your body.
Sunburn treatment:
In case you missed the sunscreen tips above (or simply happen to burn easily), try to keep in mind the following tips for sunburn treatment:
- Try cold compresses with a damp washcloth. It will help soothe the inflammation and make you feel a lot better.
- Drink plenty of water! Dehydration often results from prolonged sun exposure, so do your best to replace what you lost.
- Take a cool, but not cold, bath. Avoid using oils, perfumes or bath salts - the chemicals could potentially irritate your skin.
- Find an aloe-based lotion, and apply it to the sunburned area. Aloe naturally cools and soothes irritated skin.
Towels and clothing
Make sure to bring along an extra towel or two, just in case one of the kids decides to take theirs into the water with them. And remember to bring along an extra T-shirt or pair of shorts should your beach trip continue on into the evening when temperatures dip. Also, consider bringing a pouch for storing jewellery and other accessories to prevent them from being lost. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to use a metal detector to find lost items