Navigating Sunstroke & Sun Poisoning… Without Derailing Your Vacation
A sun-drenched vacation should leave you glowing—not in recovery.
Let’s unpack the misunderstood realities of Sunstroke and Sun Poisoning; what they are, why they hit harder than you expect (especially after a dip in the ocean), and how to prevent and recover from them with ease. Explore the science behind these heat-related illnesses, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if they strike—plus evidence-informed prevention strategies to keep your time in the sun safe, healthy, and uninterrupted.
The Not so Cool Facts
Let’s get some misconceptions cleared up: Sunstroke and Sun Poisoning are real, physical conditions—not just a ‘bit too much sun.’
Sunstroke is your body’s cooling system going into crisis mode. It happens when internal temperatures soar above 104°F (40°C), and it can mess with everything from your heart rate to your consciousness.
Sun poisoning is a severe inflammatory reaction to UV overexposure. It goes beyond a basic sunburn—it can bring blisters, chills, nausea, and peeling days later.
These aren’t things you can power through with a mojito and a smile. They need care and attention, fast.
Why It Hits So Hard
You didn’t do anything wrong. You were just enjoying your time in the sun: swimming, lounging, relaxing.
You probably weren’t drinking enough water (sparkling doesn’t count, sorry). When your body is dehydrated—even slightly—your skin loses its natural resilience. It becomes drier, less elastic, more vulnerable to inflammation and cellular breakdown. In that state, UV damage penetrates deeper and lingers longer. A burn that might have been mild with hydrated, nourished skin becomes redder, angrier, and more prone to blistering or peeling.
You missed a sunscreen reapplication between drinks or after time in the ocean or pool. However, being in or around water actually amplifies your sun exposure. Water reflects up to 100% of UV rays, so you're not only getting hit from above—you're also catching rays bouncing up from the surface. Add to that the fact that water washes off sunscreen (even the water-resistant kind wears down), and you’ve got a perfect storm for skin damage and dehydration.
Or you assumed the gentle breeze meant you were ‘fine.’ It’s also no coincidence that when the seasons change, so do our routines. The cold can keep us indoors, making us more sedentary, while the holidays (hello, stress and family dynamics) pile on even more emotional weight. Combine that with our bodies adjusting to the drop in temperature, and you’ve got a recipe for feeling like you’re trudging through sludge.
But Here’s the Twist
This doesn’t have to ruin anything.
In fact, it might be a reminder—your body asking you to slow down and recalibrate. Vacations aren’t marathons; they’re rituals of rest. And rest sometimes looks like lounging indoors, misting your face with rosewater, and letting your nervous system melt into cool linen sheets.
There’s beauty in that too.
How to Shake THE SUN
If you’re already feeling it, here’s your gentle recovery protocol:
Hydrate deeply- Water + electrolytes + patience, with your Hydrator Insulated Tumbler
Get out of the sun- Air-conditioning is medicine. So is shade.
Cool the body- Cold compresses, aloe vera, cucumber slices—go full spa.
Soothe the skin- Use fragrance-free moisturizers and healing oils like calendula or rosehip.
Rest- Really rest. Read. Nap. Reset.
To prevent it in the first place:
Apply SPF like a ritual.
Wear breathable, beautiful layers.
Honor the peak sun hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is indoor time.
Pack smart: bring an electrolyte packet, cooling mist, aftersun and your Heritage Stitch Baseball Cap
Let the sun kiss you, not consume you. Let the glow stay on your skin—not in your symptoms. You’re on vacation. It’s time to care for yourself - because your largest organ most definitely is.
