sun and sunblock

[beachbum617]

Hello all,

This will be my first time to aruba in 10 days!!!!! I travel frequently to the Bahamas and occasionally have to use sunblock while there, usually towards the end of my vaca, as I am on the beach, walking, jet skiing, on boats, in the water etc and get really dark with a red tint. Reading on the forum I see alot of people talking about how strong the sun is and I am a tanning goddess LOL and already have a good tan going on, is it that strong that someone that doesn't normally need to use sunblock should definately use it? I would hate for a sunburn on any of us to ruin our vaca, I have since purchased 3 cans of the coppertone water proof sport continuous spray #30 & 50 sunblock, for all of you seasoned aruba travelers, do you think that this sunblock will be sufficient for keeping us burn free, and I know that this sounds stupid, but even with a tan should we use it right from the get go? Also, just in case anyone does get a burn any suggestions on what I should bring to help one, so no one suffers from it?

You all rock, and have made me hold my breath with anticipation for our upcoming beach bliss with all of your wonderful advice and tips!!!!!!!

Thanks so much!!!

[EdnaSmith]

Make sure you use sunscreen from day one as the sun is VERY strong with the island being so close to the Equator. Aruba doesn't compare with the Bahamas in the strength of the sun. Use waterproof sunscreen and keep applying it as you can get a good burn even if it is cloudy. We speak from experience, don't fool around.

[Arubalisa]

With Portuguese skin I tan okay. In winter in Aruba and no base I started with spf 30 (I use the Coppertone as well) for the first 5 or 6 days and then switched to spf 15 and came home with a decent tan.

In June with a good base I used only spf 15 for most of the trip, for going using anything the last few days and came home with a really nice tan.

Imo, as long as you have a decent base when you go, exchange the spf 50 for spf 15 and use the spf to start out.

[Jacki]

As for what to use in case of sunburn? Definately pick up some Aruba Aloe after sun - the best stuff on the planet!

[cindyo]

When we go in April its a progression for us, we start with 40 a few days, then we go to 30 for a few days, and the last leg of our vacation we use 15 and then 10 or 8....just remember you are sitting on the equator, and the sun will fry you unless you are prepared for it. Seriously, take it slow.

[Bill]

With my Irish butt I use 50. Put it on before during and after.

[moneytalks]

I tan easily and generally am quite brown when I get to Aruba each July. I have sat by the pool waiting for our room to be ready sans sunscreen and noticed that I was already starting to burn within 20 minutes. The sun is that strong!

[serene56]

I need a lesson on sunscreen.
We spent Saturday at the beach at the Jersey shore. I sat on the beach for 1 1/2 hours. I applied a 15 spf 30 minutes before going to the beach---I burnt. it stings--not hurt--and boy was I freezing.
Now how often should I be applying this sunscreen.? I am sure the Aruba sun is more bruttal then the Jersey shore.

[cindyo]

Ah yes, you are basically on the equator....Start with 40-50, apply every 3-4 hours or after swimming...take it easy, thats all I gotta say !!!!

[rob o]

Originally Posted by serene56

I need a lesson on sunscreen.
We spent Saturday at the beach at the Jersey shore. I sat on the beach for 1 1/2 hours. I applied a 15 spf 30 minutes before going to the beach---I burnt. it stings--not hurt--and boy was I freezing.
Now how often should I be applying this sunscreen.? I am sure the Aruba sun is more bruttal then the Jersey shore.

Let me open by saying I have absolutely no medical background. That having been said, first the "lesson".... SPF is sun protection factor, and it's roughly the equivalent of protected hours versus no protection. Thus, SPF 15 and 15 hours of sun is the same as no sunscreen and 1 hour of sun.

In your case....with 1-1/2 hours, SPF 15 and "stinging" instead of a burn, coupled with "freezing" sounds like sun poisoning. I had this once after taking antibiotics for an infection. Some antibiotics, some medications, can make you "photo-sensitive", and susceptible to burns/sun poisoning.

If anyone out there can correct me, or add to what I've said, that would be great!