The most important thing to take care of when you head out to the beach is to be very diligent about protecting your skin from the sun. Melanomas are at epidemic levels, and we know so much more now about prevention of this disease, as well as premature skin aging and other skin related disorders. Sun block lotions are available now to protect you and your children that were not available several years ago, and this can make your beach outing or beach vacation safe as well as fun!
The most intense sun hours are from 10:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon as the sun is directly overhead. Your sunblock should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of at least 15, though some recent clinical trials have shown sunblock with an SPF rating of 30 provided significantly better protection than those with an SPF rating of 15. It should provide a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB blocking agents and be applied frequently, no longer than every two hours. Lip balms with higher SPF ratings can be used to protect your lips. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide products protect by acting as physical barriers to UV radiation, and work especially well for sensitive skin.
Lightweight protective clothing that blocks the skin from sun damage is available for additional protection. None of the sunblock products completely block all wavelengths of UV light, so comfortable clothing, broad brimmed hats, and limiting your exposure during the intense sun hours are additional measures that you can take. It is especially important to be mindful of these factors with children. The skin never forgets a burn.
Sunglasses are pretty much a must for your beach vacation. Not only will they help protect your eyes, but you need to look stylish while you are there. Having noted that, many clear prescription lenses provide UV protection in them, so check with your eye doctor about your lenses.
A folding beach chair with a beach umbrella will help you slip right into your comfort zone once you are settled in on your beach vacation. The best chairs for the beach are the ones that provide head support, so you can rest your head as your eyes drift shut. Of course, if you are at the beach with children, this may not be the best idea. A quick alternative to a folding chair, is the old standby of a large towel to stretch out on, and don’t forget the book!
There are an infinite number of beach toys to pick up to entertain your kids at the beach, and any parent will know right away which ones to select. If you are not on vacation but commuting to the beach, one idea is to forgo the little plastic toy shovel, and throw in your regular shovel from the garage. Kids can be entertained for hours digging in the sand with a manly shovel!
Of course you would not be on your beach vacation without your camera. It is an essential part of your outing to capture those memories.
Bring plenty of water or drinks, along with whatever picnic food to complete your day. If you are at a beach resort on vacation, many of these items may be readily available.
Having a simple first aid kit on hand is a good idea, and some aloe based skin lotion after being in the sun would also be good to use.
So here are the items we mentioned.
- Sunblock with an SPF 30 or greater
- Lip balm
- Broad brimmed hat
- Lightweight clothing
- Zinc oxide for the nose and lips
- Sunglasses
- Towels
- Chair
- Umbrella
- A good book
- Beach toys
- Large shovel
- Camera
- Something to collect shells in
- Water and drinks
- Picnic food
- First aid kit
- Aloe skin lotion for later