A sail on the open sea may be thrilling to the soul, but being under the powerful rays of the sun can wreak havoc on your skin. In fact, exposure to the sun is the leading cause of premature aging and skin cancer. You can reduce the adverse effects of the sunlight by following a few easy tips.

. Use plenty of sunscreen.
No matter how dark your skin is, it still needs protection from the sun. Apply sunscreen generously to your entire body 15 to 20 minutes before going out into the sun.

Be sure to reapply it several times throughout the day, especially if you perspire or if you plan to go into the water. And pay special attention to your face, ears and nose.

. Use a moisturiser
Exposure to the sun also causes moisture depletion which can make your skin dry, so a moisturiser is critical. Natural aloe vera is great to combat moisture loss and it also helps to soothe the skin. Look for facial products that have moisturising ingredients and avoid harsh soaps.

. Cover up
You might want to forego the midriff-bearing top and skimpy shorts if you're sailing for a lengthy period. Opt for clothing that will keep your skin covered while you're out in the sun and toss on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for good measure.

. Check your prescriptions
If you're taking prescription medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor if you need to take special care in the sun. Several prescription drugs can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn, especially antibiotics, birth control pills and diabetes medications.

. Don't forget your lips
The sun can be even more damaging to your lips than the rest of your body so always wear lip-gloss or lip balm that contains sunscreen and be sure to reapply it often.

. Drink lots of water
Water is the skin's natural re-hydrant so drink up.

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