Embarking on your tropical vacation in Naples means heading straight to the beach. To make sure you enjoy that much needed beach time, we’ve rearranged our list of tips to maximize your trip. Let us help you avoid an unfortunate sunburn on the first day of your beach vacation!

There are 10 safety tips you’ll want to take to heart for a fantastic vacation to Naples, FL.

1. Start with a Sunrise

Catching a sunrise conditions your skin to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Begin your day with enough infrared light to reduce the risk of burning later. So enjoy your breakfast outdoors or go for that morning walk!

2. Gradual Sun Exposure

Start slow with shorter beach days, gradually increasing your sun exposure. Gradual sun exposure minimizes the risk of sunburn by allowing the skin to acclimate to increasing levels of sunlight. 

When you start with shorter periods of sun exposure, your skin has time to adapt and produce melanin, the pigment that provides some natural protection against UV rays. This gradual approach helps build resilience, reducing the likelihood of sunburn when compared to prolonged and intense sun exposure.

3. Wear Protective Clothing

Consider swim rash guards and a hat. Especially for children that refuse to let you rub the sunscreen into their skin, a thin protective layer of SPF clothing will protect their skin from too much sun exposure.

4. Limit Time in the Water

Take breaks often to reduce the risk of sunburn caused by the sun reflecting off the water onto your skin. Being in the water for more than 30 minutes at a time can cause damage when you least expect it. 

Even while wearing a hat, the sun reflects off the water and can cause sunburn on your covered face. Get back onto the beach to reapply that sunscreen!

5. Bring a Sturdy Beach Umbrella

Everyone needs a little reprieve from the sun while enjoying a beach day. Some days on the sand may be hotter than others. We recommend bringing an umbrella or tent for extended enjoyment of the sand and gulf while providing essential sun protection. 

Our favorite beach umbrellas are made by Beach BUB.

6. Pack a Cooler with Ice

Grab a bag of ice for your cooler from Publix!  A cooler with ice serves as a valuable companion on a beach day. It keeps beverages refreshing and cold, offering a convenient way to stay hydrated and cool in the sun. The cooler can preserve your fresh snacks, ensuring they remain enjoyable throughout the day. 

Beyond refreshment, the cold temperatures from the ice can be soothing and offer relief, especially if applied to areas of the body to cool down after sun exposure. Pro-tip: Try storing your skin products in the cooler for soothing applications and easy access throughout the day. 

7. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Staying hydrated supports the healing process of sunburn by maintaining skin health and aiding cell repair. Proper hydration also helps cool the body and reduces the risk of dehydration, easing the discomfort associated with sunburn.

8. Bring Healthy Snacks

Eating foods with lots of water, such as fruits and veggies, can keep you hydrated. This helps your skin stay moist and less likely to get sunburned. Also, foods with antioxidants can protect your skin from the sun’s rays, lowering your chances of getting burned and keeping your skin healthy overall.

9. Early Beach Visits for Sun Exposure

If you’re not accustomed to regular sun exposure, arrive early before peak sun hours for a gradual introduction. Plan breaks before noon to avoid prolonged exposure. We suggest early mornings at the beach followed by lunch at one of Naples popular lunch spots.

10. Skip the Sunglasses

Exposing your eyes to the natural light will prepare your skin for the sunshine. Foregoing sunglasses allows more natural light to reach your skin, promoting the production of melanin, a natural pigment that provides a degree of sun protection. 

While caution is essential (put them back on if needed), a measured exposure can help prepare your skin by stimulating melanin production and enhancing its ability to adapt to sunlight.

By taking a few tips from this list, you’ll maximize your enjoyment of Naples’ beautiful beaches while prioritizing your sun safety.

Visiting Naples?

Check out these vacation rentals that are located near Vanderbilt Beach. Complete with beach gear for your convenience!  You’ll find that Naples Florida Vacation Homes is the perfect “home base” for day trips. Choose from daily, weekly, or monthly vacation home rentals — you select the dates that fit your schedule. 

Naples Florida Vacation Homes sleep from 2 to 10 people and include fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. Shop at the convenient local grocery stores and have fun making and packing lunches and snacks for your hikes, biking, and boating adventures — and save money, too!