Can you name a country that is the perfect combination of rich culture and tradition, mouth-watering cuisine, bustling cities, and white tropical beaches that are dubbed a paradise on earth? You probably can because that country is Thailand. Amid the excitement and awe surrounding this stunning Southeast Asian country, however, it is easy to forget the perpetual presence of the sun and the powerful but sometimes damaging effects of getting a suntan.
Thailand is a subtropical country that lies close to the equator where the sun’s activity is in overdrive all year-round; therefore, getting a suntan in Thailand is almost inevitable. Even during the cloudy, rainy seasons, the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate clouds and tan your skin.
We have all heard that long periods of sun exposure can have some dangerously adverse effects on our bodies, which is true if done improperly. However, people tend to forget that taking in short doses of sunshine has a significantly positive impact on our physical and mental health. All we need to do is play it smart, play it safe, and invest in a little tube that is neatly placed at the forefront of safe suntanning in Thailand: sunscreen.
Is Sunscreen Expensive In Thailand?
Sunscreen is quite expensive in Thailand. You can expect to pay upwards of $15 for as little as 80ml (2 fl.oz.). If you are anywhere near Watsons or Boots (the two leading healthcare chain stores in Thailand), you might be lucky enough to come across great deals for sunscreen and buy them at discounted prices. But bear in mind, you will only find these stores in the cities, which isn’t usually the ideal destination for people holidaying in Thailand.
The further away you are from a city, the more expensive sunscreen becomes. So if you find yourself on an island a boat ride away from the mainland, you can expect to pay a little bit more as island shopkeepers have to pay a hefty fee for importing goods, a type of tax, if you will, which does raise the price of sunscreen.
The bar graph shows the remarkable difference in prices of leading sunscreen brands in both the U.S. and Thailand. The price of sunscreen is almost double if you buy it in Thailand, showing just how expensive it can be if you buy it there.
Which Sunscreen Is Best For Thailand?
In a climate as hot and humid as Thailand, the best sunscreen one can go for would be a broad-spectrum sunscreen as they provide balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is important to note that UVA penetrates our skin deeper and causes premature skin aging or wrinkling as we say in laymen’s terms, whereas UVB contributes to sunburns and skin damage. Both, however, play a significant role in skin cancer development when no preventive measures are in place.
Of course, the sun protection factor, or SPF, should also be considered. SPF15 filters out about 93.3% of UV rays, SPF30 filters out around 96.7% of UV rays, and SPF50 or higher blocks about 98% of UV rays. Note the slight difference in the percentage of protection from UV rays, so your skin tone might be a more helpful guideline in picking the SPF. People with a lighter skin tone prone to sunburns should opt for SPF50, while others with a darker complexion can go for SPF30. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours regardless of SPF, especially if you are outdoors for long periods.
There are hundreds of different sunscreen products, so it can be hard to know which one is the “best” one. A good way to shortlist the products is to categorize their features to better gauge which one is best suited for you.
Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin
Try not to let acne-prone skin deter you from using sunscreen. Many companies have adapted their sunscreen formula to cater to those with this skin type. Opt for mineral sunscreens because, unlike traditional chemical sunscreens, they sit atop your skin rather than being absorbed, which saves you from those pesky clogged pores. Mineral sunscreens with tea-tree oil, salicylic acid, or niacinamide are perfect for dealing with acne.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Thailand is home to many coral reefs, so if you want to do your part in protecting them, pick a reef-friendly sunscreen. And don’t worry, they do just as good of a job as chemical sunscreens in blocking UV rays. The main ingredient that has been shown to have harmful effects on our reefs is oxybenzone. So before you buy your sunscreen, just flip the bottle over to the ingredients list and watch out for this culprit.
Water-resistant Sunscreen
Nothing can be completely water-proof, not even sunscreen, so try to avoid being misled by such labels, but instead, look out for ‘water-resistant’ sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreens maintain their SPF levels for as long as 80 minutes in the water, giving you just enough time to enjoy your swim before the next application.
Anti-Pollution Sunscreen
Keep in mind that the further away you are from the beaches and the islands, the higher the pollution levels, especially in major cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Air pollution and smog also have detrimental effects on our skin and can speed up aging. Fortunately, lathering any type of lotion on our skin acts as an anti-pollutant to some degree. But to guarantee maximum protection, mineral sunscreens might be a better option as it does not absorb the rays or pollutants that end up in our skin’s deep layers but rather acts as a shield. Look out for sunscreens with soothing and revitalizing ingredients like zinc oxide (a key ingredient in mineral sunscreen), vitamin B-3 (niacinamide, as mentioned earlier, is a form of vitamin B-3 and is also found in mineral sunscreen), vitamin C for inflammation, while vitamins A and E repair collagen in our skin.
Are There Natural Ways To Boost Your Tan?
The answer is yes. Believe it or not, lathering store-bought products on our skin isn’t the only way to achieve that gorgeous sun-kissed glow.
You may have read about beta-carotene or seen it as an ingredient in your sunscreen or tanning oil, but what is it really? It’s a red-orange pigment that is especially found in colorful vegetables like carrots. When consumed, our body converts this pigment into vitamin A which is known for supporting skin health.
But wait, there’s more. Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant that maintains healthy skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All this may sound too good to be true, trust me I know. Remember that beta-carotene converts into vitamin A when consumed? Well, that vitamin A is also known as Retinol, which is one of the leading ingredients in skin-care routines (after SPF* and moisturizer).
So slice up some carrots, grapefruits, or even pumpkin if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy this natural way to boost your tan and sustain that healthy glow.
*do not use beta-carotene as a replacement for SPF, but rather as an extra dose of loving for your skin.
Most Picturesque Beaches For Suntanning In Thailand
It is no surprise that millions of people flock to Thailand every year with the determination to experience its culture, eat delicious and authentic Thai food, and you name it, get that glowy sun-kissed skin. You can (safely) get a suntan anywhere in Thailand but why not do it in the most picturesque, stunning beaches to make your tanning experience one hundred times better. In a perfect world, we could visit all the beaches, but for simplicity’s sake, here are the top four.
Koh Phi Phi Le’s Maya Bay
One of the most famous beaches in Thailand is Maya Bay of the Phi Phi Archipelago located in the Andaman Sea. An exquisite combination of white-sand, crystal clear water and Leonardo DiCaprio’s lingering presence from his role in his famous movie “The Beach” which was shot in Maya Bay. If you want to immerse yourself in unimaginable beauty, then this might be the place for you. But we can’t ignore the fact this island destination is famous, so you may have to fight off a few tourists to get that perfect tanning spot.
Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan
The island of Koh Phangan hosts Thailand’s famous “Full Moon Parties”, but Bottle Beach is a secluded beach only accessible by a long-tail boat. Here you can enjoy ample sunshine and when you’ve been energized from all the vitamin D your skin has absorbed, you can hop back onto the boat and dance your way into the night at Koh Phangan’s many nightlife events.
Klong Prao beach, Koh Chang
A little less touristic than the first two is Klong Prao beach in Koh Chang. Perfect for if you want a little downtime and still bump into the occasional traveler. Don’t worry, Klong Prao beach is also characterized by white sand, coconut trees, and plenty of space for you to suntan safely.
Koh Mak Resort beach, Koh Mak
Koh Mak is the place to go for all those who want to go off the beaten path and visit one of the lesser-known islands in Thailand. The long stretch of beach coated with coconut trees and sparkling blue water is the perfect spot to achieve that suntan in relaxing solitude.
Is There A Way To Suntan Faster But Safely?
Some people want to achieve a darker skin tone without spending too much time in the sun. If you are one of those people, here are five ways you can safely get a suntan faster.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen or tanning oil with at least SPF30. SPF30 blocks most of the sun’s UV rays while allowing just enough to get through to tan your skin. Remember to apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors to ensure it has enough time to work its magic.
- Try to move around. While the general image of tanning usually involves lying on a sunbed at the beach, an optimal way to get an even tan faster is to move around or participate in outdoor sports. This way, you don’t notice the intense heat and prevent burning one part of your body.
- Don’t stay out longer than two hours. When our skin is exposed to the sun, it activates cells called melanocytes which produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment responsible for our tan. However, there is a cutoff point in melanin production (2-3 hours) which means you are no longer getting tanner but rather putting your skin in harm’s way by staying out for too long.
- Pre-, and post-sun care. Before you go tanning, it might be good to exfoliate to get rid of dead skin, so it doesn’t flake off after your tanning session. Try to avoid hot showers as much as possible as this can dry out your skin and make you lose your tan. Moisturize and hydrate your skin using coconut oil or aloe vera gel, two key ingredients necessary for a long-lasting tan.
- Timing is everything. The sun is strongest between noon and 3 p.m., which means it’s the best time to suntan faster. Schedule a suntanning session of 10 to 15 minutes to achieve that beautiful glow faster and without exposing yourself for too long.
Safety Precaution: How To Treat A Sunburn
Even if you take all the necessary steps to safely achieve a suntan, slather yourself in sunscreen every three hours, it can still be possible to get burnt, especially for those with lighter complexions. So it won’t hurt to be fully prepared and know what to do in the event of an unforeseen sunburn. Here are some tips for sunburn treatment.
- Cool your skin with cold showers. Take frequent cold showers to relieve the pain and the sunburn. Try to avoid using body soap every time you shower, as this might irritate your skin and dry it out further.
- Moisturize and Hydrate. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected areas as it contains soothing, hydrating, moisturizing, and healing properties. Try to use 100% aloe vera for optimal effects.
- Water, water, water. Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs extra loving and care after being out in the sun a touch too long. There is a considerable loss of fluid from your body when you get sunburnt, so make sure to replenish what is lost with water or an electrolyte drink.
- Avoid the sun until your skin is healed. If you must go out, wear loose, protective clothing. Cover up all the affected areas until the skin heals completely.
- Medication? It may not always be necessary unless you find yourself feeling pain or discomfort, then you can take an ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain. If the sunburn is severe and you have a fever, please see a doctor.
Conclusion
Thailand’s sun may be powerful and intimidating, but there is no reason to be afraid of it and avoid it altogether. Prepare yourself with the sunscreen suited to your skin type and complexion and apply it generously every two to three hours. Avoid being in direct sunlight for more than an hour at a time. Drink plenty of water, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible things that Thailand has to offer.
