Image by VViktor CC0
With the holiday season well underway and temperatures soaring in the UK, we thought this list of tips that sun-worshipers tend to ignore would be rather timely.
- Wear sunscreen to suit your skin type – never choose anything less than SPF 15.
- Make sure your sunscreen provides UVA protection as well as UVB protection.
- Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before exposure to the sun.
- Reapply sunscreen regularly, and always after swimming.
- Wear clothes that protect from the sun.
Crazy Fact: A regular t-shirt actually offers less protection than an SPF 15 sunscreen. Choose clothes that are tightly woven, or have been given a dedicated SPF rating – especially for children!
- Stay out of the direct sun between 11am and 3pm when it’s at its strongest, or at least limit your time exposed during these times.
- Wear sunglasses to prevent cataracts caused by sun damage – make sure they have a protection rating.
- Buy a new sunscreen at the start of each season, its shelf life is reduced when exposed to hot temperatures.
- Apply sunscreen even on a cloudy day or when sitting in the shade. The rays are still strong and can damage your skin.
- Check the SPF of your cosmetics, if it is less than 15, or has no SPF at all, use with sunscreen.
Top Tip: Get on the fake tan, but don’t be fooled into thinking your skin is protected because it is darker! How long you can stay in the sun isn’t actually determined by how dark your skin is; it is down to your skin type. So, a person who is classed as Type I (very fair) who has darker skin is just as vulnerable to the effects of UV damage as they are without a tan.