Redhead Advice

[TaruDjinn]

/ginger jokes on lol

So, Im a redhead. Not the palest guy around but Ive got a pretty fair complexion. Anyways, me and a few friends are going to Ayia Napa (Cyprus) this Summer for two weeks. Apparantly, its hot as shit out there and we're going at the warmest time of the Year (Late June).

I'm from UK so unlike some American states I have never been subjected to really warm temperatures, never mind mediterranean climates. I have been to Mexico, but it was sporting event and I stayed inside whenever possible becaused I didnt wanna mess up my competiton by sunburn. Came back as pale as I left, but didnt spend much, if any, time in the sun.

Anyhoo, I dont want my holiday to be ruined by sunburn agony and I want to make the most of the sun when Im out there. I couldnt care less if Im tan or not, but it would be nice. I've tried Google, but it just gives me skin cancer warnings and to use lots of sunscreen...but thats pretty much a given.

One forum did suggest going to sunbeds for like 1 month before my holiday to build up an underlying tan or something to that effect, I dont know if this is true or holds any water? Ive never used sunbeds before, dont have the faintest idea how or when to use them, if Im a redhead do I use sunscreen for sunbeds?

Also, Im a complete newbie to Sunscreen and stuff, if I buy like the highest factor am I pretty much protected? Can I walk around without fear of being burned alive!?

Basically what Im asking BG is, if any redheads could shed some light on my situation? Any redheads from like Florida or some other hot ass state can give me advice? Or even better, been to an extremly hot country similair to Cyprus? Any advice in general or dermatologists browsing BG lol? As I said...google is surprisngly weak with information on this matter...

I can post my pic if needed, like I said Im pretty fair skinned, but Im no Edward from Twilight...also I have no freckles as I've read somewhere that comes into consideration...

Thanks!

[finamenon]

God damn what a disappointment.

Here I open the thread expecting some question about advice for picking up a hot redhead.

Also don't stay in the sun long.

[Cyn]

High SPF waterproof sunblock and a wide brimmed hat go a long way.

[Lyn]

Just go ahead and post your picture.

[Tajin]

If you don't care about a tan, get the highest factor and dont spend long periods of time exposed to sun, if you're going to swim get a waterproof sunblock (duh lol), also you get tanned faster by being on the water than just lying on the beach.

[dudeguy]

[jmc]

Ya, so im a ginger too........ well daywalker by southpark terms.


Just go ahead, and try your best to not get a sunburn..... don't even bother attempting a tan, aint gonna work out probably.

[zoobernut]

Gingers don't tan they just grow more freckles. Don't try to tan just follow the advice given to prevent a burn.

[Acturus]

I'm a fair-skinned dude who's worked very hard to maintain his basement-dwelling complexion, despite being a competitive swimmer through all of middle and high school, and who still lives in Florida, enjoying the beaches.

Contrary to popular belief, the SPF level isn't as important as most people think.

Sunlight has UVA (which ages the skin) and UVB (which burns the skin) rays. The SPF number is only concerned with UVB rays, and anything with SPF30 or better is more than enough.

If you're concerned about long-term effects and UVA rays, look for sunblocks with zinc or avobenzone in them.

Re-apply OFTEN. Pale dudes who want to maintain their paleness should reapply every hour they are in the sun. I'm not kidding. Waterproof/sweatproof sunblock is a given.

My personal preference is Bullfrog Quick-Gel SPF36. It dries quick, isn't greasy, and the bottle fits in most pockets. I don't care for the spray-crap, though. It's harder to cover the exposed areas, and you still have to rub it in.

Beware overcast days too. Overcast days can still give a sunburn because the UV rays can get trapped between the surface of the earth and the cloud cover. Really clowdy days aren't a big deal, but slightly overcast days can still cause sunburns.

On that note, if your skin is pink, you've already burned. There is a delay between getting a sunburn and feeling its effects. This is why people like me see a LOT of beet-red tourists at the theme parks. They don't start putting sunscreen on until they're already pink.

Worst hours to be in the sun are between 10AM and 3PM in most tropical/temperate areas of the world. The sun is at its peak then. If you're trying to get a little tan, go out between 9 and 10 AM or after 3PM and catch some sun.

A normal first degree burn (sunburn) takes 1-2 days to heal. Just because the pink goes away after a day doesn't mean you're not primed for a worse burn the next day.

Good luck, ginger.

[ZarakiKujata]

I think you should get some serious GTL in before your trip.

[archibaldcrane]

You should obtain a soul between now and the trip - having a soul is the best protection from the sun.

[lolBST]

Probably as pale as you are, been sunburned more times than I can count, everything from the nice little burn to big ass blisters and skin you need to slather aloe on every couple hours to not be in pain.

Get some waterproof sunscreen, SPF 30 or so. I forget what it is, but after a certain SPF, it really doesn't so anything. I've gone to Mexico, Dominican, Florida, Hawaii, and I take pride to come back as pale as I left if I can, rather than get sun poisoning like my dumbass brother does every other time.

Reapplying every hour is a little much though from my experience, every 2 or so unless you are sitting in direct sunlight is fine.

The big thing was already touched on too. Clouds do not mean you will not get burned. I was maybe 11 when I was out in our pool on an overcast day for an afternoon and wound up with some nice blisters the size of half dollars. The sun is evil...come back as pale as you left and be proud!

[Acturus]

Reapplying every hour is a little much though from my experience, every 2 or so unless you are sitting in direct sunlight is fine.

There are always conflicting opinions on this (and many aspects of sun protection), and it depends on the sunscreen, the person, and the weather.

I found this at Howstuffworks from last summer. Not a medical article by any means, but good advice:

I spent the past weekend boating, floating and jet skiing around a lake in picturesque Kentucky. And while it was highly relaxing, a constant question nagged at me as I lolled about in the warm, waterfont sun. Had I applied enough waterproof SPF 45 sunscreen to ward off those vicious UV rays? Or was I a sitting duck in water, just asking for a blistering burn?

Not wishing to ruin my getaway weekend by scorching my skin in the sun, I reapplied lotion like a maniac. And while I managed to dodge any significant sunburn, the experience made me wonder just how often you’re supposed to reapply.

Don’t wait until you notice your skin turning pink; by then, the damage is already done. You should put on sunscreen 30 minutes before even stepping outside to give the lotion time to soak into the skin. The Canadian Dermatology Association advises reapplying sunscreen 20 minutes after initial sun exposure for added protection. From there, the general rule of thumb is reapplying every two hours.

But if you’re swimming, sweating or toweling off frequently, the two-hour guideline won’t cut it. To stay adequately protected, reapply every 15 to 30 minutes or immediately after getting out the water. Keep in mind that the sun’s rays are also strongest during prime swimming hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Slathering on SPF 50 doesn’t provide some kind of ironclad protection, either. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that SPF 15 sunscreens generally filter out about 93 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97 percent and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. Also, don’t ditch the sunscreen on hazy days since 70 to 80 percent of the sun’s rays penetrate clouds and fog.

So it turns out that I wasn’t maniacal about putting on sunscreen after all. No matter if skies are overcast or if sunscreen boasts a sky-high SPF, you should keep on a fresh coat if you want to guard your skin from sun damage.

It brings up something I forgot before. Apply the sunscreen with enough time for it to soak into the skin before stepping into the sun. The quote above says 30 minutes, I'm good with as little as 10.

But the key is that sunscreen doesn't just start working the moment it hits your skin.

[lolBST]

Another point too, water doesn't stop UV rays. Make sure you do your legs too.

[Ryany]

....One forum did suggest going to sunbeds for like 1 month before my holiday to build up an underlying tan or something to that effect, I dont know if this is true or holds any water? Ive never used sunbeds before, dont have the faintest idea how or when to use them, if Im a redhead do I use sunscreen for sunbeds?

Tanning beds work the best at sunburn prevention from my experience. You have full control over your exposure (unlike with the sun's exposure), and can gradually ease your way up. I'd say start out a month before your vacation at around 8-10 minutes your first visit and add a minute or two each visit. Visit 2-3 times per week. My skin is naturally light, but I can go maybe 5 times longer before burning just with a light tan compared to my natural skin. As for sunscreen in the bed, I'd say just start your minutes out low and don't bother with it.

I'm sure someone might respond by saying a tan is a burn, but you know what I mean in terms of avoiding pain and redness.

[Heavencloud]

TANNING BED! Just to get a base!

[Chun Liroy]

LOL. Good thing halflings like me don't have to worry about that shti eh Djinn?

[BunkMonk]

Embrace your fair skin Personally, I think tanning beds make people with fair skin just look strange. >>; Something about the color doesn't look right.

[Ferien]

Roomie's a ginger, went through the same shit all his life whenever he went down to FL or the Caribbean. Just make sure you keep applying sunscreen and you'll be pretty much set. He usually keeps 45 on, reapplies every hour or two, allows him to sunbathe without worrying.

[Askari0]

I'm a ginger living in Florida. Everything I could ever recommend has already been stated. Basically just don't be stupid and you'll be fine.