Santa Cruz, California has the some of the most spectacular beaches around. Toss in the iconic Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk, west coast sunshine and let the good times roll! Just one little important reminder:
When you’re going to play in the sun, play safe. Pack along a strong sunscreen SPF and know the sunbathing basics.
Santa Cruz beaches are pretty incredible with long, sandy stretches, awesome seascapes, charming features and picnic and barbecue areas. Surfing is wickedly fun at Santa Cruz beaches. And of course, fantastic outdoor festivals and events attract a lot of people.
Some of the best Santa Cruz Beaches in the area include—Cowell Beach/Main Beach; Lighthouse Point/Its Beach; Sunset State Beach; Panther Beach; Castle Beach; Rio del Mar State Beach; Capitola Beach; Pleasure Point Beach; Twin Lakes State Beach and Bonny Doon Beach (clothing optional at this sunbathing spot).
Even if nakedness is not an option, a darn strong sunscreen SPF should be brought along at all times. SPF matters when you’re catching UVA and UVB rays.
Here are some sunbathing rules to follow:
The Food and Drug Administration says a sunscreen works most effectively when:
- applied about a half-hour before heading outside
- applied liberally on all exposed skin (Many dermatologists suggest at least a teaspoon of sunscreen just for the face.)
- re-applied at least every two hours or more often if you’re sweating
- reapplied after swimming
And don’t forget to check the back of your strong sunscreen SPF. For instance, When Consumer Reports has conducted sunscreen testing, all of them come back effective for UVB protection, but products vary widely in the amount of UVA protection they provide. The following ingredients need to be present in a sunscreen for it to provide adequate UVA protection: avobenzone, mexoryl, zinc oxide, or combo of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
More advice from Consumer Reports: Choose a sunscreen SPF with the highest protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the sunscreen is very water resistant or waterproof. And select an SPF of at least 30.
There you have it. After rubbing in a generous amount and waiting for 30 minutes before you head outdoors, go explore Santa Cruz beaches and the Santa Cruz boardwalk. So much to see and do!
And if you’re planning on a move to the Santa Cruz, California area, take a note of this: Visit realtor Gregg Camp at property in santa cruz to find the perfect luxury home. And yes, Santa Cruz beach lover Gregg wears a strong sunscreen SPF.