Real tan or fake tan? For serious sun worshippers there is no competition. It has to be real and it has to be found on a baking hot beach at the height of summer. That's fair enough, after all it's a personal choice, but deep down we all know the dangers of skin cancer, sunstroke and all manner of unpleasantness lurking in the sand and sea just waiting to make our lives a misery.
The bottom line is that a tan is so important to many people that they choose to bury their head in the sand, so to speak and cook to death under the relentless UV rays, oblivious as to the consequences it has on their health.
A healthy glow from time spent in the sun should be just that – healthy. The beach is a fun and relaxing place at which to spend your free time and if you are well informed and well prepared it doesn't have to come with a health warning. The majority of sun and sea related accidents at the beach are preventable and striking a balance between having a good time and staying safe isn't difficult.
Many risks associated with sun exposure take years to surface so caution is key especially in the long term. Don't go out in the sun without plenty of high sun protection factor (SPF) cream and top it up regularly, especially after swimming. Pay particular attention to the neck and shoulders, as that is where you will burn first if you're not careful. A floppy hat or turned around baseball cap gives further protection to the back of the neck if you are walking on the beach and for the very fair skinned it's often wise to cover up entirely with loose lightweight clothing, ideally sun protection rated.
A couple of hours either side of midday are the worst for sunburn so stay in the shade as much as possible and cool off with regular dips in the water. Don't forget that a gentle swim or a brisk walk along the beach is all great exercise, so you could be doing wonders for your health without even realising.
If you plan to spend time in the sea, stay within designated safe to swim areas. These are clearly marked along well populated beaches or monitored by lifeguards. If you're unsure of the conditions, don't swim, even if the water is shallow as there can be unexpected hidden ledges and currents quite close to the shore. The terrain of a beach can change dramatically between spring and winter tides so depending on the time of year, underwater sand deposits may move significantly. Do remember that the sun's UV rays penetrate water and that covering up and applying sun protection are just as important here, despite the cooling effect of the sea.
An overly generous helping of sun, sea and sand can potentially be bad for your health, but it all comes down to common sense and taking responsibility for your own wellbeing at the beach. Take the necessary steps and you can enjoy your rest and relaxation uneventfully without looking like a sun-ripened tomato or ending up requiring medical attention.
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