Skincare Using Sunscreen

In order to get adequate protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays you should use enough SPF 15, or higher, rated sunscreen to form a film on the area of skin that will be exposed to the sun. It is important to make sure to apply it 30 minutes before you go out into the sun so that there is time for your skin to absorb it. Also, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-4 hours or after any activity that wears it off (like swimming, drying off with a towel, exercising, or perspiration) to avoid getting burnt and sun damaged skin. Daily sunscreen use effectively protects areas of the skin exposed to sunlight from getting burnt.
A cloudy Dominican day only filters out 20 percent of ultraviolet rays; leaving a remaining 80 percent that can cause a serious burn if no precautions are taken. So, if you are concerned with skincare, make sure to put sunscreen on even if you’re not going to be in direct sunlight.

Sun Tanning Tips

If you choose to lay on the beach and tan you should make sure to use a tanning lotion that has a broad spectrum nonacneginic element to keep your pores clean and prevent them from enlarging from sun exposure. In order to limit your UV exposure and risk of serious skin damage, avoid tanning from 11am-3pm. If you take any medications, make sure it doesn’t cause heightened sensitivity to the sun. And if you use moisturizing body lotion on your skin afterwards it will help your skin to retain its elasticity, keep your tan longer, and slow signs of sun damage and aging.

Despite taking protective measures, at some point you will get sun burnt, but you want to avoid frequent sunburns. Otherwise, your skin will start to show signs of sun damage. The good news is that there are quite a few sun damage, and sunburn, remedies and treatments that you can use.

Aloe Vera, also called a “burn plant” according to my dictionary, is naturalized in many areas of the island and easy to find. Just cut open one of the leaves and put the natural salve directly onto the burn, or go to the nearest pharmacy and buy a bottled version that you can keep in the fridge and apply when needed.

There are a variety of herbal salves are other skincare products that can sooth a sunburn. They contain a variety of natural substances like hemp butter, macadamia nut oil, and an assortment of aromatic essential oils. They are effective, contribute to skin beauty, and smell good.

If you are particularly sensitive to getting burnt, you may want to take extra precautions. Sun protective swimwear, sun protection hats, and long sleeve loose clothing, are good options to use to unwanted skin damage.

What is Sun Damage?

Overexposure to the sun can make skin become dry, leathery, wrinkled, and show other signs of aging. Chronic exposure can even cause carcinoma, lymphoma, and melanoma skin cancer for those who have fairer skin and freckles, or a genetic pre-disposition.

Sun Damage Treatment Methods

There are many natural cosmetics, organic beauty products, natural body creams, facial treatments, and anti aging creams that help remove wrinkles and other signs of skin damage.

Skin peels are among the most effective facial treatments because they take away dead layers of skin, which makes your skin firmer and lessens the signs of wrinkles (like a nonsurgical facelift!).

Well, that’s pretty much standard for most foreign travel and the Dominican Republic is no exception to the rule. However it goes a little further than that. You likewise need to be careful with anything washed that you will be eating and don’t forget that the fancy drink you sip on the beach likely has ice in it. Here are a few tips to help keep you away from the local clinic.

Water: Most of the larger motels and all-inclusive resorts are well aware of tourist sensitivity to the water and they don’t want you sick. If you are in a heavy tourist area and the restaurant or hotel is a larger one that caters to tourists, then the ice you get in your Piña Colada, Rum and Coke, etc. is likely safe. If in doubt ask them if they use bottled water for their ice.

Bottled water is extremely common here, you will find it in the stores and your hotel will likely have a water dispenser where you can get water. Do not drink the tap water no matter how nice the establishment is! When you order a coke you will often get a bottle,  however I do occasionally see  “on tap” coke machines , YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH THESE. On Tap machines use a carbonation bottle, a syrup bottle and then tap water. You will often see filters next to the machine where they filter out the water. Personally I won’t take the chance! I recommend you stick to the bottled soft drinks. On tap bear is safer, the beer comes from kegs where the beer was processed and sealed from the factory. Still, it’s most likely you will get your Presidente beer from a bottle.

Fruits and Vegetables: Another problem you need to be aware of is any of the uncooked vegetables washed in water. A very common side dish is sliced cabbage, which is the typical Dominican salad. When at home we careful soak our vegetables in a solution of water with a little bleach in it. I never trust that they take the same precautions. I know of too many people who have eaten at large all-inclusive resorts and have taken a chance with the salad only to find themselves visiting a clinic the next day.

Fruit is usually safe. The better establishments are usually careful to clean all their dishes with bleach and wash the outside of the fruit before cutting it so there is little chance of transferring bacteria to the food.

Cooked Foods: Likewise cooked food is usually safe. To be sure, it is good to order your eggs and your meats fully cooked, runny eggs and rare meat is inviting problems.

Finally: If you start to feel sick, or have sharp stomach pains it is good to have it checked out. There is usually a clinic nearby that can run a couple tests and treat you and the cost is very low. Waiting is usually not a good idea.