When you are holidaying in some exotic destination, it's very wise to take precautions so you can avoid the dreaded holiday sun burn! Before you set off, do a little research about the location and if the sunlight is pretty intense pack a high grade SPF sun tan lotion.

The issue is that prolonged time in the sun for long extended periods without fully protecting yourself with sunscreen every time one goes to lay out in the sun can put you at risk for skin damage and skin cancer. It would be ideal for proper research to be done on locations you travel to that has intense sun during the peak hours of the day.

Apart from slapping on lots of sunscreen, there are other things that you can do. Wearing a hat with a wide brim will give your face and shoulders shade from the sun. Putting on lip balm with sunscreen also protects your lips from the sun as well and using a sunscreen that's PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) free because many sunscreens had this stuff in it which caused major skin allergies and stained clothing when someone had sweated the sunscreen off. Consider a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen when you plan on going swimming.

Always try to apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. It takes up to 20 minutes fro the skin to absorb the sunscreen. Apply the sunscreen everywhere and don't miss any important places and apply light amounts to the soles of your feet so that it doesn't make them slippery when you're walking around. Always use fresh sunscreen because over time sunscreen loses its potency and anything after 3 years old is to be tossed out.

The potency of the lotion won't be effective so replace your sunscreen every so often so you can be sunburn free on many more holidays to come. Covering yourself up can keep the chances of sunburn down usually light clothing works best. Wearing sunglasses helps protect your eyelids from burns because you can't put creams and lotions near your eyes if your face is burned and select a pair that protects your eyes from UV rays and cataracts.