If you are a beach lover looking for a perfect and healthy tan, sunblock can be your best friend and Sandos Hotels and Resorts has the guide for you!

 

How often do I have to apply sunscreen?

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, since most people do not use enough.

Inorganic sunblockers are composed of minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which works as a physical blocker to reflect UV rays and move it away from the skin.

In contrast, organic sunscreens contain avobenzone or oxybenzone which have molecules that absorb ultraviolet light. The more it absorbs the weaker it becomes, making it emit heat, and thus sunscreen needs to be reapplied more frequently.

So, what is biodegradable sunscreen?

It’s a common recommendation for places like Mexico to bring biodegradable sunblock with you, and you should pay attention that the “Biodegradable” label refers to the product itself and not the packaging.

Biodegradable sunscreen is chemical-free and doesn’t harm nature or animals when it breaks off from your skin while you swim, sweat, surf, snorkel or dive. If this is required, it is strictly enforced and common sunblocks are confiscated until you return from the tour.

What does FPS mean?

The Sun Protection Factor is an index which indicates the ability of sunscreen to protect skin against UVB radiation. These rays can get you a beautiful tan, but it can also burn your skin.

Long story short, the number of FPS indicates the level of protection and how long it would take for your skin to turn red. For example, if your skin takes 10 minutes to do it and you have a sunscreen FPS15, multiply those 10 minutes by 15, resulting in 150 minutes, that is, 2 and a half hours.

Of course it is an approximate time and it also depends other factors such as humidity, skin sensitivity and sun intensity.

When is the best time to get a tan?

If you want to minimize the risk of damaging your skin, Sandos recommends you moisturize before being exposed to the sun. This includes drinking lots of water and eating foods with beta-carotene, a natural anticarcinogenic component.

Also, use sunscreen whenever you expose your skin to the sun, even if it is only to leave the house and go directly into the car. You can buy a small travel bottle to carry with you.

If you want to tan in the least harmful way, we recommend you to get in the sun for 20 minutes every 3 hours. Use the morning sun before 10 o’clock, and afternoon sun after 4 o’clock. This way you will get a perfect and healthy tan!

Help! I already spent too much time under the sun?

For some relief there are fresh and light after-sun gels which are specially designed for easy application with a non-sticky formula.

If you are looking for something more natural, you can cut an aloe vera leaf and apply it directly in the areas with more pain. This will give you much needed hydration and it’s 100% natural!

For more information, visit sandos.com