No one likes a sunburn, and the ominous months of sunburn season are upon us. We know we aren’t the only ones that pick up more sun and a worse sunburn when we spend the day at the beach, the lake or by the pool. Why is that, anyway? As it turns out, there is a rhyme and reason and it’s not the most obvious and typical reason you might be thinking. It’s actually a combination of factors that allow the sun to wreak even more havoc on your skin. Here are the real truths as to why you definitely get more sunburnt at the beach, lake or even pool.

YOU'RE PROBABLY WEARING LESS CLOTHING.

If you’re at the beach, you’re likely clad in only your swimsuit, instead of shorts and a t-shirt that you’d otherwise be wearing outdoors to run an errand or walk the dog. This is a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most obvious reasons why we get more sun when we’re at the beach or by the water. While it seems impractical to actually put more clothes on at the beach or lake, especially in hot temperatures, if you’re fair skinned and burn easily, it might be a good idea to bring along a cover up or wide brimmed beach hat. The more surface area you can cover, the better.

YOU'RE SIMPLY OUTSIDE IN THE SUN FOR LONGER AMOUNTS OF TIME. 

You don’t stay inside when you’re on vacation. (If you do, you’re doing it wrong.) And unless you live on the lake, visiting is a day-long commitment. Outdoors. In the sun. You aren’t simply going on a run or watching a baseball game. And most people don’t realize that the amount of time spent on the beach or on a boat is a big reason why they come home looking like a lobster. Take some breaks — sit under an umbrella or a palm tree, or cool off in a beachside bar with a piña colada in hand.

YOU'RE PROBABLY GETTING IN THE WATER... AND WASHING OFF YOUR SUNSCREEN.

Is swimming, splashing around and cooling off not one of the main points in traveling to the beach? Of course it is! Even if vacationers are responsible and slather on their sunscreen the minute they hit the sand, that sunscreen is eventually coming off as the day goes on. I know what you’re thinking — yes, many sunscreens, like these, are waterproof or water resistant. But that does not mean bullet proof. They still come off after prolonged time in the water and while sweating. There’s a reason why sunscreen labels advise us to reapply often and especially after swimming, but unfortunately, we often forget to do that. We’re only human! But that’s an easy fix. Reapply that sunscreen after each dip in the water or every hour — whichever comes first.

AND YES, THE WATER DOES INTENSIFY THE SUN'S RAYS. 

And the reason you’ve been waiting to hear, confirmed — yes, the sun does reflect off of the ocean (or lake or swimming pool) and its rays are intensified as they reach your skin, making your more susceptible to a sunburn. Not only that, but the sun’s rays reflect off of beautiful white sand, too. But this isn’t the sole reason why you experience more sun and worse sunburns at the beach. This science, combined with all the factors mentioned above, are to blame.

So basically, mind your Ps and Qs when spending time at the beach or around water, and you’ll be golden — not sunburned. ;)

But if you do catch a sunburn on vacation, be sure to have a natural and soothing solution at your fingertips. Tropical Sands Aloe Vera gel is alcohol-free, biodegradable and contains minimal ingredients — it’s pretty much the purest aloe vera gel you can get before squeezing the magical stuff out of an actual aloe vera leaf.

An even smarter beach-goer would go as far as to choose a sunscreen that protects their skin and is safe for the coral reefs and oceans. Mineral, biodegradable sunscreen is the wise thing to do. Get yours here.