Sun Skin Safety
As we enter the long awaited summer, here are some top tips on how to enjoy the sun safely
The issue
Many of us are moving out of lockdowns or enjoying new found freedom. The summer months for many are a warm, welcome relief allowing us to spend a lot of time outdoors catching up on things we’ve missed over the last year. Some lucky colleagues live in warmer climates all year round!
That’s why we all need to be aware of how to look after our skin and protect against dangerous radiation. As the impact of climate change continues to grow we are seeing warmer and warmer summers, with higher levels of UV radiation as a result. The result means it’s ever more important to build in a new skincare routine to protect ourselves so we can enjoy the sun safely.
Facts
In the UK, skin cancer rates have increased by 38% (44% in the US) in the last decade, and incidence rates are projected to rise by a further 7% by 2035. This may come as a surprise, but getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of skin cancer.
In preparation for the summer months we’ve covered a few key dos and don’ts when it comes to our habits in the sun. Time to go myth busting…
Do's & Don't's
DON’T
just rely on sunscreen. Whilst key to sun protection sunscreen shouldn’t be the only protection. Make sure you spend time in the shade and cover up with clothing and hats during the highest UV times of the day for the best protection
DO
apply sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather! It’s a common myth that UV is at its strongest when the weather is at its hottest. That’s not technically true as the level of UV does not always correlate to the temperature outside. Using your local weather app, you can check the UV range from day to day. It’s important to remember when the UV index is 3 or more, the sun is strong enough to cause damage to fairer skin types.
DON’T
think cloud cover protects you. Over 90% of UV rays can break through light cloud and cause sun burn so getting burnt is often most likely during cloudy days when we think the sun isn’t strong enough to cause damage. Always check in with the UV index for a guide.
DO
make sure your sunscreen is up to scratch and reapply regularly! With so many sunscreens on the market it can be hard to know what to go for. It’s important to make sure you are buying a product that is going to protect you. The key things to look out for are a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 (but ideally higher) and has a start rating of 4 or 5. Despite the claims of water resistance and single application, it’s always recommended you regularly re apply throughout the day for the best protection.
DO
buy new sunscreen every year. Once opened, your sunscreen will only be as effective for about 12 months, and even less if you’ve been storing it in a warm place like your car. Ditch that old bottle at the back of cupboard and get a new bottle before your holiday, especially if the consistency has changed.