Sun, Sea and Heat stroke

If you’re heading out to warmer climates this summer, it’s vital that you protect your skin from the harmful rays – Especially, if you are pale like me! I was badly burnt in Thailand earlier in the year and stupidly underestimated the strength of the sun, after being on the beach less than 1 hour I ended up with heat stroke, quite badly and a very sore burnt back. Even at 25 years old I should definitely have known better, in my mind I could hear my mum 6000miles away telling me off! Oopsy.

I’d never been anywhere that hot before and soon had to push my factor 30 up to factor 80! I wasn’t even aware they made factor 80 – I looked like a Greek statue and had to apply it like I was cementing a wall! Anyway, not only using sun screen helped but covering with clothes will also help to block out the harmful rays – Good examples of fabrics contain full percentages and/or blends of heavy weight natural fibers like cotton, linen and hemp or light-weight synthetics such as polyester,nylon, spandex and polypropylene. Natural or synthetic indigo dyed denim, twill weaves and canvas are also good examples. However, a significant disadvantage is the heat retention caused by heavier weight and darker colored fabrics – So do stick to lighter colours to reflect heat.

ROYAL ROBBINS
Expedition Light LS Shirt

ROYAL ROBBINS
Women’s Essentials Tank

I was doing OK with my trusty factor 80 – I had also burnt my face quite badly, which eventually went all swollen and I looked like the elephant man, only female and more pink – I do have a photo but I’m not posting it on here! I was quickly put onto a prescription strength ibuprofen cream and tablets, antihistamine and some form of ‘calms’ as it was quite unpleasant! I was told to stay out the sun for a couple of days which proved quite difficult in Thailand! I made sure I sat under the trees on the beaches, and any dips in the ocean were done so with shorts, my boyfriends t’shirt, sunglasses and a nice big hat – Not quite the ‘beach babe’ look I was going for!