One of the reasons for going to Alicante or Gran Alacant on a villa holiday is to come back with that lovely tan that makes you look and feel better!
Safe Sunbathing In Spain
We all know how the Spanish sun lifts our spirits but it is important to be sensible in our exposure to it and, as we all know, there are risks attached to sunbathing without a few sensible precautions. The Alicante sun can be fierce especially during the summer, and being on Carabassi or Postiguet beach with a gentle breeze can allow you to burn without realising it if you do not use adequate protection. But too much sunscreen can block your body’s natural manufacture of Vitamin D which in itself helps to protect from skin, breast and prostate cancer and is invaluable for boosting the immune system in general. Vitamin D also offers protection against osteoporosis and sunlight can, believe it or not, play a part in lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure. One of the other dangers of using sunscreen is the fact that they tend to only screen the UVB rays which cause the sunburn and not the UVA ones which actually inflict the cancer causing damage. Therefore people mistakenly feel protected but in fact end up putting themselves at great risk as is confirmed by the increasing growth in malignant melanomas, despite increased use of sun block creams. Therefore it is important that not to contract a sun phobia, as it does plays a vital part in both our body’s physical and mental welfare and a limited amount of time spent in the Alicante sun does our bodies a lot more good than harm.
Sunbathing In Spain – The Good Effects
As well as sunlight being important for the production of Vitamin D, additionally it plays a role in the production of melatonin which controls sleep patterns amongst other things, so a lack of sunlight could lead to insomnia. In addition, serotonin, the good mood hormone, is only produced in the body in the presence of sunlight.
Safe Sunbathing In Alicante
So, how to enjoy the sun safely when on holiday? Avoid exposure between 1pm – 4pm when the Alicante sun is at its strongest – the Spanish don’t take siestas for nothing you know! And is the reason that many of the holiday villa urbanisations in Gran Alacant recommend that you do not let your children in the pools in Gran Alacant during these hours.
Sitting in the shade in Gran Alacant is obviously better than sitting in Alicante’s full sun, but remember that UV rays will reflect from light reflecting surfaces like sand and water and are nearly as damaging as direct sunlight and being under water is no protection from sunlight, it will come through, so wearing a dark T shirt whilst snorkelling on Carabassi beach or on Tabarca Island is recommended.
Ensure you remain hydrated at all times in the summer in Gran Alacant, and drink water, fruit juices rather than tea, coffee and alcohol either at your holiday villa or whilst on the beach.
Use a sun block cream of at least SPF15 and apply it 15-20 minutes before going into the Alicante sun, preferably before leaving your holiday villa or holiday apartment in Gran Alacant. Swimming on the Alicante beaches and sweat reduces the efficiency of sun screens (even water resistant ones) so ensure you reapply it often. It is also a good idea to wear a hat or cap at the height of the Spanish day, especially if you are fair skinned.
Sunbathing With Children
Take particular care with children in Alicante sun. Ideally they should have their arms, necks and legs covered with lightweight material in addition to the sun block. Remember to protect your eyes with good quality UV resistant sunglasses and never, ever fall asleep in the sun!
This way you can enjoy the Alicante sunshine without getting burnt! Happy holidays in Gran Alacant!
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