It is very easy to get sunblock in Thailand. There are many varieties available at the local pharmacy and at most 7-11 shops. The best sunblocks have both UV-A and UV-B protection. These are called Broad Spectrum sunblocks. The difference between a sunblock and sunscreen is that most sunscreens only block out UV-A rays.
How to apply your sunblock.
Generally speaking you should use:
1 teaspoon for your face
1 tablespoon for your arms and legs
1-2 tablespoons to your torso, depending on your size.
It is best if you apply your sunblock 15-20 minutes before going out into the sun. This allows the product to form a shield on your skin.
Most sunblocks wear off after about 80 minutes. If you are sweating or are in the water they wear off even faster. It is best to re-apply every two hours.
Here in Thailand we are very close to the equator and the sun can be intense.
During the high season, UV-B rays are the strongest. If you are visiting from a place that doesn’t have a warm climate it is best that you be carefull so you don’t over expose yourself to the sun. I understand that most of you want to leave here looking tan but roasting yourself isn’t a good idea. I have found that the best way to get a nice tan is to start out with a high SPF when you first go out into the sun. Spend just an hour or two exposed to the rays. You can gradually reduce the SPF number over time. The sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm so it is wise to use extra protection and spend some of your time in the shade of under an umbrella. Also keep in mind that sand, water and pavement reflect the sun and intensify your exposure, even if you are in the shade or wearing a hat. You should also wear some knid of sun protection on cloudy or hazy days as the harmfull UV-A rays can penetrate these conditions.
Many medicines including heart, high blood pressure medications, and certain antiboitics, antihistamines or antidepressants can cause a photosensitive reaction to your skin when using sunblock. Even certain fragrances such as musk, citron, lavendar or sandalwood can cause reactions to your skin. You can develope a rash or allergic type reaction.. Always consult your physicain before any sun exposure.
Here is a simple guidline as to what kind of SPF to use.
Fair skin 30-50
Light skin 15-30
Medium skin 10-15
Dark skin 10-15
Although there are products available at lower SPF, we think that the safest ones are SPF 10 and above.
The best sun protection products are called Broad Spectrum Sunblocks.They contain Physical or Chemical sunblocks. Physical Sunblocks, like Zinc Ozide and Titanium Dioxide, reflect or scatter the radiation. Chemical Sunblocks absorb the energy before it has time to affect your skin. Chemicals only block a small region of the UV Spectrum so most companies combine chemicals to make a Broad Spectrum product.
The best Broad Spectrum sunblocks usually contain one or more of the following:
Avobenzone (PARSOL 1789) – UVA protection
Dioxy Benzone – UVA/B protection
Homosalate – UVB protection
Octocrylene – UVB protection
Oxybenzone – UVA/B protection
Titanium Dioxide – UVA/B protection
Sulisobenzone – UVA/B protection
Zinc Oxide – UVA/B protection
The best products available in Thailand are:
Banana Boat Sport Broad Spectrum Sunblock - This is an SPF 30 or 50 and is hypo allergenic. It is a no tears formula and PABA free. Recommended by the American Cancer Foundation
Banana Boat® Sport Performance® Clear UltraMist® Sunscreens - Broad Spectrum products with SPF 15, 30, 50, and 110. Hypoallergenic with no oil or fragrance.
Ton Tree Athletes Formula - This Broad Spectrum product made in Thailand with natural ingredients. Available in SPF 15, 30 and 50.
We hope that this information helps you to make the right choices to protect your skin during your stay here in sunny Thailand.