Tips for Sun Protection While Boating This Summer

Summer is here and that means that it’s time to head outside, soak up some sun, and enjoy activities in Coeur d’Alene Idaho! Before you do, though, don’t forget to invest in some sun protection. It will go a long way in making sure your summer is safe, fun, and healthy.

Be proactive

Before heading outside this summer, be proactive about your skin health. There are plenty of things you can do throughout your daily routine, throughout the entire year, that will make sun protection easy. 

Without protection, your skin may start to take on some negative effects of sun exposure. It may start to appear thickened or leathery, or dry and scaly. Follow these tips to keep your skin looking healthy.

Drink plenty of water

First and foremost – drink plenty of water! Our bodies are made mostly of water and keeping hydrated ensures that skin stays healthy and elastic. Don’t skip out on this one and make sure you’re hitting your daily recommended levels.

Use moisturizer

Along with water, it is a good idea to include a moisturizer in your skin care routine. Showers can often cause our skin to dry out, especially after toweling off. So include a hydrating lotion in your shower routine to keep some moisture in your skin.

Schedule an annual doctor visit

People often forget that visiting a dermatologist on an annual basis is just as important as the dentist or family practitioner. A dermatologist can check your skin and make sure that it’s healthy and not prone to conditions or cancers. They can also prescribe medications or skin treatments if necessary for specific conditions like dry skin and acne.

If you notice anything out of the norm for your skin, such as lumps and bumps, schedule an appointment and have yourself checked immediately. 

Avoid Tanning Beds

Avoiding tanning beds is a great way to stay proactive about your skin care. Tanning beds increase your risk of skin cancer and during the summer, when you’re already exposed to the sun outside, the risks increase even more.

If you are concerned about your tanning bed exposure, speak to a dermatologist to make sure that you’re taking good care of your skin, especially during the summer months.

Interested in reading more about the risks of tanning beds? Click here.

Types of sun protection

Now that you’ve established a proactive care routine, it’s time to start investing in some sun protection for those long summer days. Below, we’ll go over the most common types of sun protection to keep you safe from the sun’s rays this year.

High SPF sunscreen

The most obvious protection of all: High SPF sunscreen! Look for something that is at least SPF 30 and make sure to reapply it often, especially on days where the temps near triple digits. Every 2 hours should be plenty but if you feel your skin burning sooner, don’t hesitate to put more on. You can never be too careful when it comes to sun protection.

Rash guards and protective clothing

Rash guards and other forms of protective clothing are rising in popularity these days.

Rash guards are nylon or spandex shirts that are meant to be worn in or around water. They were designed for two important uses – to protect the wearer against rashes caused from abrasion (like falling off a paddleboard!) and to protect against sun exposure. Comfortable and lightweight, they provide full coverage from the sun for your arms and chest. 

If you’re not comfortable in rash guards, you can also look for light weight spandex workout wear. Whatever makes you comfortable and provides protection for your skin will work! 

Sunglasses and hats

Don’t forget to protect your eyes and face! The eyes and facial skin are extremely sensitive to the sun. Therefore, wear sunglasses that provide a lot of shade to keep your eyes from straining. 

Wear hats to protect your head from the beating sun, too. You may think that because your head is covered in hair that it is safe from the sun’s harmful rays. However, that’s not the case. Scalps and ears are very susceptible to sun and are difficult to coat in sunscreen. Therefore, they usually get left out to bake. Keep them safe under a hat, you’ll thank yourself later.

Umbrellas and shades

If you’re going to be sitting in the sun all day, try to remember an umbrella or shade cover. Spending time outside during the summer is always fun but when you’re exposed to the sun’s rays for hours on end, you can do serious damage to your skin. Take an umbrella or cover with you wherever you go and make sure that you’re taking frequent breaks underneath it. 

If you’re on a boat that has retractable awnings, don’t hesitate to use those either! You might think that because you’re moving and the wind is blowing that you’re not burning. However, that’s simply not the case. If your skin is exposed to the sun, it’s soaking up rays and is in danger of burning. 

After Exposure

After enjoying a day in the sunshine, it is important to continue taking care of yourself. Take a cool shower to remove any sunscreen and follow up with a moisturizer to replace any water that you lost during the day.

If you did get any sunburn, make sure to treat it right away with aloe vera or cold compresses. You can find aloe vera at your local grocery store or pharmacy. For severe burns, try refrigerating it first – the cool gel will soothe your skin and help it heal faster.

Hit the Water!

Now that you’re armed with sun protection, it’s time to hit the water! 

Don’t have a boat? No problem! Resort Boat Rentals, located on Lake Coeur d’Alene, offers pontoon boat rentals, ski boat rentals, paddleboard rentals, and more. Give us a call today!