Sun Protection & After Sun

Spending time in the sun is one of the best parts of travelling, whether you’re relaxing on the beach, exploring a new city, or hiking in the mountains. However, without proper protection, even short periods of sun exposure can lead to painful burns, dehydration, and long-term skin damage. Taking steps to protect your skin helps you stay healthy and comfortable throughout your trip.

Sun protection products shield your skin from harmful UV rays that cause sunburn, premature ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. By using an appropriate SPF (Sun Protection Factor), applying it generously, and reapplying regularly, you can significantly reduce these risks. This is particularly important when travelling to destinations with strong sun or high altitudes.

After sun products are just as important. They help cool, soothe, and rehydrate the skin after time outdoors. As a result, they reduce redness, inflammation, and peeling. Even when you use sunscreen correctly, your skin can still become dry or irritated from heat and saltwater, so an after sun lotion or gel can make a big difference in recovery and comfort.

At TravelHealthUK, our travel health specialists can recommend the most suitable sun protection and after sun options for your skin type, destination, and planned activities. Furthermore, we stock a range of trusted, dermatologist-approved brands that offer effective, high-quality protection for both adults and children.

Our team can also advise you on extra sun safety measures, such as staying hydrated, wearing protective clothing, and managing exposure during peak UV hours. With these precautions, you can enjoy your travels with confidence.

sun protection and after sun

How Does Sun Protection Work?

Sun protection products create a barrier between your skin and the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

There are two main types of protection: chemical filters, which absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat, and physical (mineral) filters, which sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV light away. Most modern sunscreens combine both for broad and reliable coverage.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how well a product protects against UVB rays. The higher the number, the greater the protection. Broad-spectrum sunscreens also shield against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage.

Using sunscreen correctly is key: apply it generously 15–30 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

After sun care works differently. These soothing gels or lotions cool, calm, and rehydrate your skin after sun exposure. They help repair the skin barrier, ease redness and tightness, and reduce the risk of peeling.

sun protection and after sun

FAQs About Sun Protection & After Sun

How can I protect my skin from the sun?
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30, wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am–4 pm).

How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’ve been swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

What is after sun and when should I use it?
After sun products help soothe and hydrate skin after sun exposure. Apply gently to clean skin immediately after sun exposure to calm irritation and support recovery.

Can sunscreen prevent all sun damage?
No, sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of burns and long-term damage but doesn’t block 100% of UV rays. Combining sunscreen with other protective measures is best.

Is it safe to use after sun on sensitive skin?
Yes, most after sun products are formulated to be gentle, but always check ingredients if you have very sensitive skin or known allergies.

Buy Sun Protection Online

At TravelHealthUK, we make it easy to get the sun protection you need for your travels. Our convenient online shop lets you order sunscreen, after sun, and other sun care products at a time that suits you. There’s no need to visit a store, saving you time and effort. We deliver high-quality, reliable products straight to your door so you can enjoy your trip safely and comfortably.

Sun Protection