Known for its stunning islands and perfect year-round weather, the Maldives is a destination you must absolutely add to your travel bucket list. As highlighted in a previous post on things to do in the Maldives, there’s an activity for every type of traveller out there, from surfing and scuba diving for the thrill-seeking adventurers to cocktails and sunset views to suit a more laid-back lifestyle.
Regardless of which experiences you wish to add to your itinerary, visiting the Maldives involves packing essentials for sun protection. After all, this sunny archipelago can experience high levels of ultraviolet radiation, which can compromise your health through sunburn, premature skin ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. So, whether you plan to dive deep into the waters of the exclusive Virgin Island or spend your time sunbathing on beaches like Bikini Beach, below are UV protection essentials to bring with you.
Sunscreen
First on the list is, of course, sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 to provide broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. In addition to SPF, consider the ingredients when choosing sunscreen, as health experts recommend avoiding chemicals like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and oxybenzone since they can stress sea life and affect coral reproduction.
This is especially crucial if you plan to do aquatic activities like diving and snorkelling in the Maldives, which is home to more than 2,000 distinct coral reefs. You can thus opt for a reef-safe mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 50+, hydrating ingredients like pentavitin, and next-generation UV filters for a gentle formulation for all skin types.
Sun Hat
Besides applying generous amounts of sunscreen all over your face and body, it also helps to wear a sun hat to reduce not only UV exposure but also the heat from the sun. By providing shade and regulating your body temperature, you can prevent heat stroke and ensure a stress-free holiday in the Maldives.
Brands like Flannels and M&S offer options like bucket hats and wide-brimmed hats, which are not only protective but also fashionable for a tropical paradise like the Maldives. These hats are also made of lightweight and breathable materials like polyester and raffia for optimal comfort.
Sunglasses
In addition to damaging your skin, UV rays can also penetrate the eyes and contribute to eye conditions like eye strain and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes). Thus, remember to wear sunglasses so you can take in the Maldives’ natural wonders and scenic views, especially at sunset, without hurting your eyes.
Even if you already wear glasses to correct your vision, eyewear brand Ray-Ban offers prescription sunglasses options to help you balance sun safety and clear vision. Protective frame styles include the best-selling classics like the square-shaped Wayfarer, browline Clubmaster, and teardrop-shaped Aviator, with options to get tinted or polarised lenses for maximum visibility.
UPF Swimwear
Lastly, you can maximise coverage from the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers or shorts made of lightweight fabrics, but it’s a different case for swimwear. In this case, you can wear swimwear with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which is a measure of how the fabric can effectively block UV rays from penetrating your skin.
This study in Sage Journals highlights the growing push for ultraviolet protection factor measures to be built into our swimwear, to provide a barrier to the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Once you’ve packed all these essentials for your next holiday in the Maldives, remember to be sun-smart by staying hydrated, seeking shade whenever possible, and knowing the signs of dehydration and heatstroke.