Summer vacations are there to help you relax and forget about all your everyday troubles and worries. However, you should never forget to take care of your skin because it’s the only one you’ve got. So, here is the ultimate SPF guide for summer on Mykonos – stay safe and protect yourself while having the time of your life on one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.

Why Is Sunscreen So Important When Spending Time on a Beach in Greece During Summertime?

We’ve all been hearing it since we were little – apply sunscreen before going out in summertime. But why? What can a simple cream do, and is it really that important? The answer is yes, it is that important.

Sun protection factor (SPF) protects you and your skin from the sun’s harmful UV radiation that’s been known to cause burns, hyperpigmentation on the skin, faster aging, and many other skin conditions, including cancer. Think of it like applying a protective layer on your skin or a filter, if you will.

Don’t Leave Private Villas in Mykonos During the Warm Months of June and July if You Didn’t Pack Sunscreen in Your Beach Bag

The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, both extremely harmful to your skin. These rays are at their strongest during summer months, which is why people tend to be extra careful while they’re on summer holiday on a Greek island.

Even though you should apply sunscreen every day of the year, these harmful rays are especially strong in June and July. Another thing worth noting is that you will travel to and be situated not only on one of the most beautiful Greek islands but the windiest one as well.

Don’t Let the Wind Trick You

There is a reason why Mykonos is called The Island of the Winds, and while the strong wind is great for toning down some of the summer heat, it may also cause you to not notice you’re exposed to strong sun rays. Mykonos is known for two things – legendary nightlife and extreme sunburns.

Since you’re not feeling hot because of the wind, you’re not going to remember to reapply your sunscreen, and you can end up with some nasty sunburns. The funny thing about these winds is that you can burn very quickly and easily even if you don’t feel the heat due to strong winds blowing because UV rays are not affected by temperature.

So, if you think you don’t need SPF because it’s not so hot outside, you couldn’t be more wrong. In conclusion, don’t step outside of your luxury Mykonos villa rental without applying sun protection, or you’ll end up looking like a crab.

A woman holding her hat and looking at the sea

Winds on the island could fool you into thinking the sun exposure isn’t that strong

Here Is the Ultimate SPF Guide for Summer in Mykonos, Greece

When you decide to buy sunscreen before your trip, you can be overwhelmed by choices. These days, there are so many brands offering different types of sun protection that it could get confusing.

Surely, wearing any kind is better than not wearing anything to protect your skin, but you should be aware of the fact that some types are more effective than others. Here are the 4 most popular types of sunscreen:

  • Lotion – by far the most popular kind, offers the best coverage and protection.
  • Stick – second best option, very practical as you don’t have to use your hands to apply it, but there is a higher chance of missing some spots.
  • Spray – very popular because it’s convenient, easy, and fun to apply, but offers the least amount of coverage and protection because the spray usually isn’t evenly distributed on the skin or gets blown away by the wind, and aerosol sprays can also contain harmful ingredients.
  • Powder – always has a very low factor, usually no more than 15, and it’s very difficult to apply evenly, it’s not meant to be worn alone but over other forms of sunscreen.

There Are Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Perfect Sun Protectant

For starters, you should always aim to buy and wear those sunscreens that are labeled “broad-spectrum,” meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. And, of course, there are different levels of protection – the most common ones are SPF 15, 30, 50, and 75. Dermatologists recommend applying at least 30 for the beach if not a higher factor.

Don’t buy into the story that the number on the sunscreen bottle refers to how many minutes you will be protected. It refers to how strong the product is at blocking out harmful sun rays. The higher the factor, the better protected you are. Here is how much protection the most popular factors offer:

  • Factor 15 successfully blocks 92.5% of UV rays,
  • Factor 30 blocks out 97%,
  • Factor 50 blocks out 98%,
  • Factor 75 is the most efficient, blocking out between 98% and 99% of harmful UV rays.

Also, make sure to choose the right product for your skin type. Depending on whether you have dry, oily, combination, or normal skin type, you will find that different products are better suited for you.

Different types of SPF products

The higher the factor, the more it protects your skin

How Often Should Sunscreen Be Reapplied Throughout the Day?

Applying a sun protectant once before you go out is not a done deal. You won’t be protected all day on your trip if you apply it once in the morning. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours. If you’re constantly in the sun, swimming, or engaging in other water activities, even more often than that.

The same goes if you’re tanning by the pool in one of the luxury villas in Mykonos. Apply a generous amount, and make sure every spot is properly covered with a layer of sunscreen, even the surface area of the skin that isn’t in direct sunlight.

What Should You Do if You Get a Sunburn?

On the off chance that you end up getting a sunburn, get out of the sun immediately and cover that area with clothing. Apply cooling and soothing gels and lotions – aloe vera is an excellent option. Stay out of direct sunlight until the sunburn goes away, and make sure to stay hydrated during those days.

A bottle of sunscreen next to a bottle of water at the beach

For optimal protection, sunscreen needs to be reapplied approximately every two hours

If You Want a Perfect Vacation – Book One of the Mykonos Villas for Rental, and Don’t Forget to Pack Sunscreen

There is very little you need for a perfect summer vacation – just a luxury Mykonos villa rental and the best kind of SPF to wear while you’re sunbathing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. So, contact The Ace VIP to set up travel arrangements if you want to have the Greek holiday you’ve always dreamed of.

Rent one of our stunning Mykonos luxury villas if you want a magical stay in Greece, and rely on your private Mykonos concierge to help you with any requests you may have, from renting a car to those impossible-to-get table reservations. And, of course, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen for your day on a luxurious Mykonos yacht rental, you wouldn’t want to burn while cruising the Aegean Sea.