Sun....In Cancun

[thebaboun]

Hi guys,

I have an important question. I was living in Montreal for a while and now I am in Cancun...big weather change. I was wondering if I should WEAR A HAT or if I can go out there in the sun (every day) while having some sunscream

If I can use sunscream....how many times should I put it every dayand what factor should I use ?

the sun is really strong here, but I do not know if a cream could be enough for that, or if I would really have to wear a hat!

thank you!

[Laser Man]

I'd say use both sunscreen and a hat.  Try an SPF 30.  There've been news stories that the SPF's higher than that are not very effective. 

[Chavster]

I just got back from the Sinai peninsula in Egypt a couple of days ago. The sun/heat/UV is much higher there than in Cancun, and I wore a cap occasionally but most of the time my head was exposed, and I used a high factor (SPF30 and SPF50) sunscreen. I was there for just over 2 weeks and I didnt have any problems, and I was probably out in the sunshine for 5-6 hours a day. I'm very dark skinned though, and I used to live in the middle east, so my skin is kind of used to intense sunshine. I think the general rule should be 'if in doubt, cover up'. Better safe than sorry 

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Sunscreen to be effective has to be reapplied on a regular basis during the day--see package instructions.  Also, make sure you buy one that is effective against both UV-A and UV-B sun rays.  Because sweat will reduce the effectiveness of the product, no matter what they say, in extreme sun such as Cancun and similar places, a good hat is also wise if you're one who burns rather than tans easily.  

[Laser Man]

I burn easily, so sunscreen and a hat are a must for me.  Another reason for the hat is to keep the direct heat of the sun off the scalp and keep you a little cooler.

If you are going to be active and sweat a lot or go in the water, then you'll have to reapply sunscreen frequently.  Also remember that sunscreen blocks the sun for a period of time, but even with sunscreen, over exposure can lead to a burn.  So use caution until you feel adjusted to the different climate.

[Daven]

I'm molting. I decided last week I wanted to finally get rid of my white head while I knew I would be out in the AZ sun for 4 hours last Saturday. I put "Deep sun tanning lotion" on every hour that morning, needless to say, I came away from it with a pretty good burn.  WEAR A HAT WITH SUNBLOCK!  LOL

Interesting fact, SPF 30 is NOT twice the strength of SPF15, the numbers really don't mean anything, that's why the FDA is changing that this year.

[tomgallagher]

A hat and sunscreen are both a must and, oh yeah, don't drink the water.

[Laser Man]

The protection provided by an SPF number depends on your skin and coloration. A person with darker skin will get longer protection from a 15 than a fair skinned person will get from a 30. That's what's so confusing about it. Plus none are truly sweatproof. That's a false claim. Hence I say be prepared with both sunscreen and a hat. Better to be careful and develop great coloration over a little longer time than to burn and peel!