When we visit Disney World, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the crowds, wait times, prices, and amount of walking you’ll have to do. However, while those variables can change, one obstacle remains a constant: the sun.
A sunny day in Magic Kingdom!
Sunxiety, or the fear of the sun or damage from the sun, is absolutely a real thing. Plenty of folks feel obligated to completely cover up when outdoors or avoid the outdoors altogether. We get it. Our reporters visit the Disney World parks every day and with that have come some gnarly burns on occasion and the fear of skin damage. As we learn more and more about both the positive and harmful effects of prolonged sunlight exposure, we’ve become more mindful of how we prepare for park days.
When overcoming sunxiety, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Sun safety requires cognitive awareness about things like the time of day, the sunscreen products you’re using, when to apply them, and other skin care methods. Let’s get into some tips and tricks that will help YOU overcome sunxiety so that your next Disney World trip can be the best one yet!
Umbrellas can be your best friend
Useful for more than just blocking rainfall, an umbrella can be a saving grace when shade is impossible to find. On those busy days when all the shade is taken or lines saddle you out in the open, a UV-blocking umbrella can save your skin.
UV Umbrella in Hollywood Studios
A mini UV-blocking umbrella like this one that you can buy on Amazon is ideal for park days. Mini travel umbrellas like this are perfect for when you’re on the go as they are incredibly lightweight and collapsable.
UV Umbrella
As for the purpose of the umbrella, this one in particular includes an inside layer made from a black glue fabric that reflects most UV rays. The coating on the underside of the canopy absorbs any remaining UV rays which gives this umbrella an overall UPF rating of 50-plus. Ultimately, something like this is a wise investment if you’re looking to combat harmful UV rays.
Throw in some anti-aging benefits with your sunscreen
Indulging in sun safety can also have some serious anti-aging benefits. With the right kind of sunscreen, you can protect your skin and even look younger!
©Amazon
One sunscreen we can recommend is Supergoop!’s Daily Dose Sunscreen Serum with SPF 40 and vitamin C. The vitamin C in the sunscreen is extra effective when worn with SPF and helps brighten the skin. The hydrating, oil-free formula helps filter out UV and blue light — two major causes of dark spots. Additionally, this serum goes really well with any other SPF-infused moisturizer, primer, or cream you might already be using!
Worried about for face? This sunscreen has you covered!
Sometimes when we visit Disney World, we forget that our face needs protection too. Hats and sunglasses are absolute essentials, but so is the right facial sunscreen.
©Amazon
If you have sensitive skin, Amazon will have several options for you, such as this La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen. This face sunscreen is made with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection SPF 50 with iron oxides and tinted mineral with no white cast. It’s billed as non-greasy, fast-absorbing, having a matte finish, water resistant for up to 40 minutes, and suitable for under-makeup-use.
If the goal is to avoid sunlight, don’t forget to take your vitamins
It’s true that the sun can be harmful, but it also provides a ton of benefits, such as vitamin D, which is vital for better moods, sleep cycles, and general well-being. If sunxiety keeps you out of the sun completely, one of the best things you can do to soften the blow is take some supplements.
©Amazon
Over on Amazon, this NatureWise Vitamin D3 pack is ideal for picking up the nutrients you might be missing. These dietary supplements help bolster your immune support, muscle function, and bone health, especially if you might be vitamin D-deficient and suffer from sunxiety. Great for every season, these supplements could be useful for people who aren’t sunxious and just want the extra boost. Disney World can be demanding, after all, and you want to be as healthy as possible before taking it on.
Get ready to conquer the Disney World sun before your next visit and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney World tips and tricks!
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We have taken to visiting in January, and even so, I am a big believer in sunscreen and having those sprayer fans (or at least the cute little Mickey handheld fans featured here on DFB). My son always has to get a little tinge from the sun before he’ll start using sunscreen in January, but he eventually gives in. The sky monster seeks to roast our flesh. Prepare!