Safe Sun Tips for Koh Chang

The one thing everyone can agree on about Koh Chang is that we get a lot of sun here. The sun is way more intense than any North American or European rays and so one has to learn to cope with the rays or one can have a fairly bad experience – very quickly. We here at the Koh Chang Sun want you to have a great holiday so don’t spoil your fun with a sunburn…

  Here are some tips to avoid getting burned:

1. Although there are several sun-enhancer products available unless you feel like going to the hospital do not use them unless your skin is the same as a shaved cows… The sun here does not need any “help” to make you tan. Try using some sunscreen instead.
2. Sun block should be at least at a 15 SPF level or above and include both UV A and UV B blockers. You can find them just about everywhere on the island. Look for a waterproof sun block if you headed out to the beach for swimming.
3. Certain medications can enhance the suns rays, check with your doctor if you are some medications like tetracycline and others.
4. From 11:00 am to about 3:00pm the sun is at its’ most intense. If you want to hit the beach and have some time there try to go when the sun is not at its most intense.
5. Find a shady spot for relaxing and do quick trips out onto the beach. This will help your sunscreen last longer and reduces the chance of you getting a burn.
6. Work up to getting out in the sun if you do not have a good base tan. Twenty minutes for a few days is way safer than a marathon 4 hour bake session.
7. When on the water be aware that the sun is much more intense and take much more care.
8. Hats, long sleeve T-shirts and sunglasses are sometimes a good idea.
9. When applying sun block be sure to get your ears, under your throat and other areas you might forget about…

If you do get a burn:

1. Stay out of the sun and cover up.
2. Many places have aloe vera and other products that can lessen the impact of a burn. Sometimes a bit of aspirin or other pain killers can help with the initial burn.
3. Keep your fluids up and drink some water or juices, avoid alcohol. You are going to be a bit dehydrated and so staying in a cool, dark place for a while will help.
4. If you blister please go to a medical professional to avoid infections and complications. Also seek medical help if you develop a fever or severe pain.
5. With a real bad burn you can place wet towels on the burn and just let it sit. It helps to take away the pain quite well.
6. Use moisturizers that do not have an alcohol base, they will keep your skin moist and reduce the pain.
7. Act like a local. Thai people stay in the shade, take hats and cover up… time to do the old “when in Rome… act as a Roman” example. Trust us, the Thai people know that covering up and sitting in the shade is a good idea!