Do I also need to protect myself from sunburn in the tropics?
February 4, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Kock
Dear Online Consultation Team,
My name is Emma Krebs and I am planning a trip to the tropics in the coming weeks. Since I have rarely been in sunny areas before, I am worried about the possibility of getting sunburned. I have heard that the sun in the tropics can be particularly intense and that the skin can burn faster there.
I have very fair skin and tend to get sunburned quickly. I have always protected myself from the sun with high SPF sunscreen, but I wonder if that will be enough in the tropics. Are there specific sunscreens that I should use there to adequately protect myself from sunburn? Should I wear certain clothing to further protect my skin?
I also wonder if there are specific rules of behavior that I should follow to avoid getting sunburned in the tropics. I want to enjoy my time there and not be affected by a painful sunburn.
I would greatly appreciate your help and advice on how to protect myself from sunburn in the tropics. Thank you in advance for your support.
Kind regards,
Emma Krebs
Dear Emma Krebs,
It is very understandable that you are concerned about the possibility of getting sunburned during your trip to the tropics, especially if you have fair skin and tend to burn quickly. In fact, the sun in the tropics is more intense due to the closer proximity to the equator and lower air pollution, causing the skin to burn faster than in temperate climates.
To protect yourself adequately from sunburn, it is important that you continue to use a sunscreen with a high SPF. In the tropics, a minimum SPF of 30 is recommended to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. There are also special sunscreens for the tropics that are waterproof and provide additional protection against heavy sweating. These creams are often more durable and resistant to the extreme conditions in the tropics.
In addition to using sunscreen, it is advisable to wear light, long-sleeved clothing made of breathable materials such as cotton or linen to protect your skin from direct sunlight. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection can also help protect your face and eyes from the intense sun.
It is important that you observe certain rules of behavior during your stay in the tropics to avoid sunburn. Avoid being outdoors in the midday sun when it is strongest. Instead, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and regularly apply sunscreen, especially after swimming or sweating.
I hope this information helps you protect yourself from sunburn in the tropics and enjoy your stay there. If you have any further questions, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Ralf Kock
