Essential Tips for Protecting Your Skin on Holiday

As the excitement builds towards your holiday and you’re getting your packing sorted, make sure you don’t forget one of your most important accessories: sun protection. Whilst a major draw of going on holiday is basking in the sun, long periods of exposure to UV rays can damage your skin. To combat this, here’s what you need to know about protecting your skin on holiday.

Top Sun Protection Tips

There’s plenty of ways to enjoy spending time in the sun responsibly on holiday whilst avoiding those UV rays. The first of those tips for helping you and your family stay safe in the sun is:

1. Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 as a minimum will help protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied generously on all exposed skin. If you have kids, then you should consider using sunscreens that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

2. Reapply Regularly

Applying sunscreen is never a one-and-done situation, instead you should be reapplying every two hours or if you are swimming or sweating, even more regularly. Be wary of ‘water-resistant’ sunscreens as these do not mean waterproof so keep that bottle of sun cream handy. Again, if you have children, it is likely they will be in and out of the water more frequently, so this is even more important for them.

3. Seek Shade

Between 10am and 4pm the sun’s rays are strongest so it is best if you can try to stay in the shade, when possible, to avoid sun damage. An umbrella is a great way to get some shade, or if you are out and about try to find some shady spots.

4. Wear Protective Clothing

Hats – especially wide brimmed hats, long-sleeve shirts, and trousers all provide an excellent barrier against UV rays. Try to look for clothing with a UV protection factor for added safety, equally, rash guards and sun hats are good ideas for children when playing outside in the sun.

5. Don’t Forget Your Eyes

UV rays don’t only damage your skin, they can damage your eyes as well. It’s important that you find a pair of sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This will not only protect your eyes but also the sensitive skin around them.

6. Stay Hydrated

Even though you’ll be in holiday mode, potentially having a cold pint or a cocktail by the pool, make sure you still rehydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water. If you are active in the sun, then it’s even more important.

7. Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are awful for your skin, even if you, friends, or family members are trying to get a “base tan” before you travel. The intense UV radiation your skin will be exposed to can significantly damage your skin, so it is best to embrace your natural skin tone and protect your skin with the tips above.

8. How GP on Demand can help

GP on Demand subscription is included with all Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies and provides you with remote access to a UK, NHS practising GP 24/7, 365 days a year. Should you be concerned about your sun damaged skin then you can book an appointment through this service to speak to a doctor on demand at a time that suits you.

The GP you speak to can provide you with help, advice, and diagnosis, if required, to help you stay safe in the sun.

Get Your Travel Insurance with Voyager Plus – Now with 24/7 Remote GP Access

Voyager Plus policies offer 4 levels of cover, Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance options, access to GP on Demand, and include cover for the following:

• Emergency Medical Expenses – up to £10,000,000
• Cancellation Cover – up to £10,000
• Baggage Cover – up to £3,500
• 100s of activities covered as standard
• Cover for 100s of pre-existing medical conditions

And so much more!

You can get a Voyager Plus Travel Insurance quote by clicking the “Get A Quote” button below or by calling our UK Based Call Centre on 01483 806 680.

Whether you’re looking for Travel Insurance for Europe or further afield, Family Travel Insurance, or a policy just for you, alleviate some of your worries with the peace of mind a Voyager Plus Travel Insurance Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip policy provides.

Get a Quote

To discover exactly what a Voyage Plus Travel Insurance policy cover, please see our policy wording.

Sun safety is key, so make sure you do your best to avoid skin damage from the sun’s UV rays as this can sadly lead to skin cancer such as melanoma – an incredibly dangerous type of skin cancer.

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording for the latest terms, conditions, and exclusions.