Baru di Bali

Going for a holiday is fun, but getting sunburned or over-heated isn’t. It would be such a waste to just stay in your hotel/villa during your vacation in the currently super hot Bali. Don’t worry, we have listed ten ways for you to still be able to have fun without getting sunburned. Here it goes…

1. You can Still Enjoy the Sun

   The best time of the day to catch some sun is between 8am and 10am. At this time of the day the sun is not quite as strong as it is from lunchtime onwards. Choosing the early morning to be out in the sun is one way to avoid over-heating and sun-damaged skin.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

   Wear a hat and cool, protective clothing when going outdoors. White clothes are best because white reflects light and this helps to keep you cooler. Wear clothes made from natural materials such as cotton, to allow good airflow between your clothing and your skin. This will help the skin to evaporate perspiration and keep you cooler. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours (more often when sunbathing, swimming or surfing). Since it's hard to put sunscreen around your eyes, wear large sunglasses for a physical barrier.

3. Apply the Suitable Sunscreen

   Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen even if you are just walking down the streets of Kuta or Seminyak. Choose a natural sunscreen lotion (preferably with an SPF of 15 or more that contain both UVA and UVB) so you do not apply potentially dangerous chemicals to your skin.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

   Make sure you stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water in an extreme climate like currently Bali has. This helps to keep your body and your skin hydrated. Three liters a day is considered an average for adults. Heat stress, sunstroke and dehydration can creep up on you with very unpleasant results. Don’t forget, the kids also need to stay hydrated as well.

5. Cover your Backs

   Don't forget to protect the hard-to-reach places, such as the backs of your knees, back of your neck, elbows and back of your ears (if you have short hair). Feet should also be included if you are wearing sandals, flip-flops or going bare-foot. Even these places can get very sunburned.

6. You can Still get a Tan

   Don't lie in the sun purposefully seeking a tan. This is not only damaging to your skin but will definitely burn you the first few times you try it at the beginning. If you want to tan, do it gradually and sensibly, with short exposure. And you know what, you can even get a tan in the shade; rays of light will reflect on surrounding things, leaving you with a darker skin. Keep in mind that you still need to apply sunscreen in the shade!

7. Pay Attention to your Children

   The most harmful effects of sun exposure occur during early childhood. Keep babies under 1 year out of direct sunlight. Once infants turn 6 months of age, begin using a sunscreen for added protection.

8. Keep Exhausting Activities to a Minimum during the Day

   If you’re exercising do this at the coolest times of the day; again, early morning is the best or late afternoon before sunset. It is not a good idea to exercise strenuously in full sun either, as this can cause over heating.

9. Empty Stomach is a Bad Idea

   If you have outdoor activities planned during the day, don’t go out with an empty stomach. Although many tour operators provide snacks and lunch, you should at least have a salad or fruit platter before you leave your hotel/villa. Heat from the sun plus an empty stomach can easily commence headache which, if it keeps on going, can cause you to faint.

10. Ok, so you're not Listening

    In case you get too carried away and forget to protect yourself, here are some steps you should do as soon as you get back in your hotel/villa:
    • Have a tepid bath or shower (not too cold, it will cause a headache).
    • Place a wet, cold flannel or towel on your head and neck.
    • Another good way to cool down is to put your feet in an ice cold basin.
    • Have frequent sips of cool water.
    • Rest.
    • Loosen any tight clothing.
    • Apply a soothing moisturizer to your skin. Should any of these steps not work out, you must consult the nearest medical expert.