No Sunburns on your Big Day!
For so many of us, getting married on an island is the ideal destination wedding.
Getting married in Aruba? You're in for sun, sea, and stunning views. But also some seriously strong UV rays. The last thing you want on your big day is a lobster-red sunburn or awkward tan lines showing up in every photo. A little planning goes a long way, especially when it comes to protecting your skin and the island’s delicate coral reefs. Here’s how to stay sun-safe while looking your best for that walk down the sandy aisle.
Aruba’s beautiful beaches and nearly unending days of sunshine assure flawless nuptials. But nothing can put a little sting into your wedding day like a sunburn. Aruba’s cooling trade winds can be deceiving—those rays are strong and sunscreen is your best friend on the island and should be applied daily while enjoying the outdoors.
Please note that Oxybenzone-based sunscreens are banned on Aruba, as the chemical is harmful to our precious coral reefs.
Wear reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen.
Opt for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are safer for Aruba’s coral reefs and gentler on skin. Slather it on at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours—or more often if you’re sweating or taking a pre-wedding dip.
Local brands to consider when buying sunscreen
Arubalife Organics
Hand-crafted by local entrepreneur and owner of Arubalife Organics, Julienne Heronimo offers her Reef-Safe Organic Sunscreen Butter with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, bee’s wax, and non-nano and uncoated zinc oxide. The ingredients are all biodegradable as well. While not waterproof, it is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and should be reapplied after swimming or exercising. The SPF is 30, providing UVA/UVB protection.
You can order Arubalife Organic’s Reef-Safe Organic Sunscreen Butter online at arubalife.com. The products can be delivered to your address in the U.S., or you can save space in your luggage and have them delivered to your hotel on your arrival date.
Aruba Aloe
Aloe has been cultivated on Aruba since 1840 and at one time the island was the largest exporter of aloe in the world. Today, Aruba Aloe (founded in 1890), produces a wide-range of aloe-based products, including a line of sunscreens and sun-care products. In 2018, Aruba Aloe introduced a mineral-based sunscreen that’s safe for our environment and offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. It’s also hypoallergenic and contains locally-grown, moisturizing aloe vera gel.
There are several Aruba Aloe boutiques on the island, as well as an online store you can visit at https://arubaaloe.com/.
Cover up when possible.
Lightweight, long-sleeve cover-ups, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses help you avoid weird tan lines and squinting in every photo.
Beware of pre-wedding tans.
Skip the sunbathing and spray tans. The real sun + spray tan chemicals can equal blotchy disasters. Aim for healthy skin over crispy color.
This and much more wedding inspiration can be found on our page:
