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Nature Lovers Paradise : Belize Sun Tips : Belize News
Making it "Fun in the Sun"
Do you want to guarantee yourself a really fun vacation in Belize? Then be sure to protect yourself from the tropical sun using these key tips and you'll be enjoying your holiday from beginning to end!
The sun is just plain stronger in the tropics, protection for you and your family (especially young children and adults) is vital!
You can effectively counter the sun in the following ways:
- Clothing
- Chemical sunscreens (and sunblocks)
- Staying out of the sun
Use all the ways wisely to properly "save your skin"!
What's up with the sun?
The sun radiates ultraviolet radiation (UVR) which produces daylight, warmth and nutrients fro plant growth.
The sun's radiation is measured using 3 bands, UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA is not near as strong as UVB, but should seriously be considered because you'll get about 100 times as much UVA than UVB. Also UVA rays are the primary cause of skin cancer, cateracts and most wrinkles of the skin. UVB is the strongest band and is the primary cause of sunburn. UVC is not a concern because very little of it reaches earth's atmosphere.
Protecting children from sunburn is particularly important since researchers believe that 80-90% of skin damage that causes skin cancer and wrinkles is received before age 18. It can be misleading when you're out in the sun whether or not you are risking skin damage since signs of sunburn does not show up right away while you're in the sun.
About SPF Ratings
SPF (or Sun Protection Factor) is a measurement for protection against UVB rays only. The way it works is that the number indicates how much longer it will take for you to get a sunburn using the sunscreen vs. how long it takes without the sunscreen. For example, if the SPF is 2 then it will take twice as long to get a sunburn. If it is 15, then it will take 15 times as long.
As far as skin types are concerned here are some guidelines on what sunscreen (SPF) you should use:
|
Type
|
Skin |
SPF |
|
1
|
Always burns, never tans (fair skin, light-eyes, freckles) |
30 |
|
2
|
Usually burns, tans with difficulty |
20 |
|
3
|
Sometimes burns, sometimes tans |
15-20 |
|
4
|
Burns minimally, always tans |
15 |
|
5
|
Rarely burns, tans profusely |
15 |
|
6
|
Never burns, deeply tans (dark skin, dark eyes) |
15 |
It is recommended that you use a sunscreen that has a minimum SPF of 15 and is labeled "broad spectrum" for best results. Make sure the label says it contains avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide, and they should be effective against the entire UVA spectrum . Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before exposure to the sun to allow it to "set" on the skin and reapply it every two hours or so.
Places to remember your sunscreen are your ears, nose, shoulders & the tops of your feet. If your are snorkeling, remember your calves & thighs!
About the Ozone
The ozone layer is a gas that surrounds our planet and filters UVB rays. It does not filter UVA rays. Note that in tropical locations like Belize, UVR levels are 1000 times higher than at the North or South Poles. It is also thinner during summer and fall between 10 am & 2 pm.
UVRs are increased in their intensity by the sand, which reflects the sun & increases it's potency by as much as 80%. You may be surprised to know that water reflects very little UVR and clouds also help protect you from harmful rays. But don't let cloud cover determine your level of protection from the sun!
The ozone layer is much less efficient at high altitudes so bring that sunscreen if you plan on mountain climbing.
Clothing Protection
Use the following list to determine how your clothes can protect you from the tropical sun:
- Sun Tanned body Only a protection of SPF 3
- 100 % Polyester Highest SPF of all fabrics
- Darker clothing (especially black) High SPF rating
- Light clothing (especially white) Low SPF (about 5) rating
- Knits are better than woven fabrics
- Nylon spandex (any color) has high SPF factor
- Wet fabrics will INCREAS the amount of UVR that reaches you. It is not recommended to stay in web clothing after swimming.
For best results, wear loose fitting, tightly woven clothing. This will provide good protection from the sun.
You may want to wear a dark colored t-shirt when snorkeling or swimming for long periods. The dark shirt will lower UVRs that reach you while a light t-shirt will increase your exposure to UVRs.
Children should always wear sun protection clothing and sunscreen. NEVER use sunscreen on infants 6 months old or less. Cover them up in sun protection clothing instead. Also, note that baby oil does not contain sunscreen!
Another good idea when going out in the tropical sun is to wear a hat and sunglasses.
Following these tips will ensure that you have a pleasant and "sun safe" holiday when visiting Belize or any other tropical destination.
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