Moving to a sunny country and already picturing a year-round golden tan? Beware! Protecting your skin is essential when living abroad in high-sun regions. UVA and UVB rays may be invisible, but their effects are significant. Over time, they accelerate skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most serious form. The good news is that adequate sun protection doesn’t mean giving up life outdoors. With the proper habits, you can enjoy your time abroad while safeguarding your skin. From common myths to practical prevention tips and region-specific advice, this guide gives you everything you need to stay safe in the sun.
Some misconceptions about sun-related risks are hard to shake.
Myth 1: “If I’m tanned or have dark skin, I’m protected.”
While darker skin does reduce the risk of sunburn, it does not eliminate the danger. People with phototypes 5 or 6 have higher melanin levels, but they are not immune to the harmful effects of UV rays. As for a tan, it does not protect against sunburn, and even less against skin cancer.
Myth 2: “I can get vitamin D from the sun without any risk.”
It’s true that exposing yourself to sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes a day in summer (or year-round in tropical regions) allows your body to produce vitamin D. However, seeking sun exposure specifically to boost vitamin D levels is not always a good idea. When the UV index is high, your skin is at risk. Moreover, air pollution can interfere with vitamin D synthesis. If you are deficient, supplements taken under medical advice remain the safest option.
Myth 3: “I don’t need protection in the shade or on cloudy days.”
Even if you don’t feel the heat on your skin, UV rays penetrate cloud cover. Shade from a parasol does not entirely block UV radiation either. Sand, snow, water, and even concrete reflect the sun’s rays.
Check the UV index before going out
We recommend installing a weather app that shows the UV index, such as The Weather Channel app. The World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us that sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer and recommends sun protection when the UV index reaches 3 or higher.
Cover your skin
One of the most effective preventive measures is wearing light, protective clothing and accessories. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV400 protection, scarves to cover your head or shoulders, and cotton T-shirts are some of the ways to stay protected without sacrificing style. UV-protective clothing is also available. For instance, if you live in a sunny country such as Thailand or Mauritius, you can swim wearing a UV-protective T-shirt.
Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential when protecting your skin from the sun abroad. A minimum SPF 30+ is recommended. Apply it before going out, then reapply every two hours, as well as after heavy sweating or swimming.
Avoid the hottest hours of the day
Whether abroad or at home, avoid sun exposure during the two hours before and after solar noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky (which does not necessarily coincide with clock-time noon). According to the WHO, UV radiation is strongest during these hours.
Moisturise and nourish your skin after sun exposure
Apply a moisturiser, aloe vera gel, plant-based oil, or shea butter to help your skin recover.
Pay attention to your diet
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps keep your skin healthy. Focus on fruits and vegetables high in beta-carotene, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Monitor your skin
Check your skin and moles regularly. The Skin Cancer Foundation has published a series of graphics to help identify warning signs. If you notice anything unusual, consult a dermatologist without delay. Having good international health insurance makes it easier to cover consultation costs abroad.
In tropical and equatorial regions, UV levels are extremely high. Expats living in countries such as Kuwait, Australia, or Morocco need to be especially cautious and should stay in the shade or indoors during the hottest hours of the day. High-altitude regions such as the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Alps also pose increased skin risks. Extra vigilance is also required in Mediterranean countries and in arid or desert regions.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using at least SPF 30 sunscreen.
To help protect marine life, choose an ocean-friendly sunscreen.
Protecting your skin from the sun when living abroad relies on habits you likely already follow in your home country, combined with a clear understanding of the sun-related risks specific to the region where you live.
About Expat.com
Expat.com is the leading platform for life abroad, connecting a global community of over 3 million members. It provides free, reliable information, expert guidance, networking opportunities, and practical services to support every stage of the expatriation journey. Whether you're preparing to move or have already settled overseas, Expat.com is your go-to resource for a smooth and successful expat experience.
Moving to a sunny country and already picturing a year-round golden tan? Beware! Protecting your skin is essential when living abroad in high-sun regions.
Expats and prospective expats looking for accommodation often overlook the fact that housing quality varies widely from one country to another. Moreover, the home you choose will directly influence your health during your time abroad.
One challenge many expats don’t anticipate when seeking medical care overseas is how their pain may be misinterpreted. Dealing with pain in a foreign country can be complicated by cultural differences that shape the way pain is perceived and expressed.
A move abroad usually comes with a long checklist: housing, work, visas, and paperwork. Soon after, you will be faced with a new climate, different light conditions, and a new way of life.