Sun, beach and swimming pool: how to enjoy summer without ending up looking like a prawn

Summer in Menorca is picture-perfect: turquoise waters, dreamy coves and bright sunshine that looks like something out of a film. But (and here comes the plot twist), that same sun that brings our holidays to life can also become a silent enemy if we don’t know how to take it sensibly. And no, it’s not enough to say, ‘I don’t burn, I just turn red for a couple of days’.

So if you want to show off a cover-worthy tan without going through the ‘XXL prawn’ phase or suffering consequences that even the best after-sun lotion can’t fix, read on.

Why can the sun be a problem?

The sun isn’t bad, but it is if you expose yourself to it without protection. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation — the culprit behind premature ageing, spots, burns and, in the most extreme cases, skin cancer — hits hard in summer, especially on islands like Menorca where the reflection of the water and sand multiplies its effect.

And here’s the catch: at the pool, where the water cools you down, and at the beach, where the breeze blows, we tend to think that ‘it’s not so hot’. Spoiler alert: it is hot. You just don’t notice it until it’s too late.

The ‘dangerous’ hours: when the sun is at its strongest

From 12:00 to 16:00 is when the sun is in ‘final boss mode’. UV radiation reaches its peak and, even if you’re under a parasol, the sand and water reflect up to 80% of that radiation. So yes, even in the shade you can get burnt.

Pro tip: Take advantage of those hours for a nap in your room, a quiet lunch or some spa time. Your skin (and your future self) will thank you for it.

How to protect yourself (and tan well)

The goal is not to run away from the sun, but to get along with it. Here are the basics:

Choose the right sunscreen:

✅ SPF 30 or higher, always. And if you have fair, sensitive skin or are in the first few days of exposure, start with SPF 50.

✅ Apply it 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours (yes, every two hours. Don’t be stingy with the cream).

✅ If you swim or sweat, reapply when you get out of the water, even if it says it’s ‘resistant’.

✅ Don’t forget areas such as your ears, insteps, lips (use a lip balm with SPF) and behind your knees.

Complement with:

✅ Sunglasses with UV filter.

✅ Cap or hat (bonus if it has a wide brim, it gives you a bohemian look and protects you more).

✅ Lightweight but covering clothing, especially on walks or hikes.

What happens if you don’t protect yourself?

In addition to turning into a breaded after-sun croquette at night, you face:

✅ Sunburn: red, tight skin with blisters. It hurts, ages your skin and can leave spots.

✅ Heatstroke: fever, headache, nausea, dizziness. You don’t have to run a marathon to get it, just spend some time in the sun without protection.

✅ Dehydration: being in the sun exhausts the body more than it seems, and without enough water, the crash comes before the tan.

What if you’ve already been burned? Sun first aid

If the damage is already done, don’t panic or jump into a cold shower. Do this:

▷ Moisturise your skin with after-sun lotion or pure aloe vera (preferably cool).

▷ Drink water as if you were a cactus in the desert.

▷ Avoid going back into the sun until your skin has recovered.

▷ Do not burst any blisters. If you see signs of infection or general discomfort, it is best to consult a doctor.

Top products for recovery:

▷ After-sun lotion with aloe vera or calendula.

▷ Cream with panthenol or vitamin E.

▷ Refreshing mists with thermal water.

▷ Cold gel wipes (yes, they exist and are a must-have for your beach bag).

Final tips for tanning beautifully (and not burning yourself):

▷ Start with short sunbathing sessions, 15-20 minutes, and gradually increase the time.

▷ Exfoliate gently before starting your holiday for a more even tan.

▷ Hydrate yourself inside and out, with creams and plenty of water.

▷ Include foods rich in beta-carotene: carrots, mangoes, tomatoes, spinach… Your skin will notice the difference.

And remember: a tan you take care of lasts longer, while a burn peels off in two days.

Conclusion

The sun in Menorca is a delight… if you know how to enjoy it. It’s not about being afraid of it, but respecting it. With protection, good habits and a little common sense, you can show off a tan worthy of an advert without any post-sun drama. So put on some cream, protect yourself, and enjoy the summer as it deserves to be enjoyed: with happy skin and your enthusiasm intact.

See you under the sun… but with a hat on. 😎