Despite advertising campaigns and events like Sun Awareness week, 35% Brits have been sunburnt in the last year while in the UK according to a survey carried out by the British Association of Dermatologists.
Brits are more likely to be sunburnt abroad, with 46% of people who have travelled overseas in the last twelve months admitting to getting sunburnt while away.
These figures are pretty staggering given the danger of sun exposure.
We aren’t saying don’t go in the sun, it makes you feel good and is the only natural way to increases those all-important Vitamin D levels, but when you are bearing your skin to the elements, take care.
While keep sun aware might seem boring and a faff when you could be busy on your tan, getting into good habits is the way forward and could save your life.
Whether you’re young or old, the best way to enjoy the sun, and stay safe is to use a combination of sun cream, clothing and shade.
Stay in the shade when the sun its most powerful which generally speaking is between 11am and 3 to 4pm. This is the perfect time for lunch inside or under a terrace, to have a nap in your room or do some shopping and cool down under the air conditioning.
Long sleeves, a hat and sunglasses are all great ways to cover up and can easily be packed into a beach bag.
When choosing sunglasses, don’t just go for ones that look good. If you want protection for your eyes, buy a pair with the CE Mark and British Standard award. They all need to have a UV 400 label and ensure 100% UV protection appears on them too to be totally safe in the sun. You can also go for wrap around styles as these protect the side of the eyes and are perfect when taking part in water sports.
As well as good quality sunglasses, a cap or hat can offer further protection especially if you are sightseeing.
It is interesting to know that sunscreens don’t protect us 100% from sun damage so this is why it is best to use these, as well as going in the shade and covering up.
If you do want to be protected and have peace of mind as you enjoy a morning coffee in the sun, your cream needs to have an SPF of at least 15 (UVB protection) and a star rating of at least 4 stars (UVA protection). If you are applying old cream, just check the expiry date. Most products have a shelf life of about two years so check the label and if it has passed the use by date, bit in and buy new.
When it comes to application, cover all your body and don’t’ scrimp! Apply generously at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun for the first time in the day and reapply regularly especially after swimming or playing sport and sweating. Behind your ears, the back of the neck and feet are all areas to take care of and are so easily missed in the hurry to get in the pool.
You might be wearing cream but this doesn’t make your skin untouchable. Don’t sit and bake in the midday heat just for the sake of vanity, you really could live to regret it.
We have said it before and we will say it again, try to avoid burning your skin as it really can increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer. If burning does happen, apply an after sun lotion, take a cool shower, apply sun cream liberally when you next go outside and when you do, stay in the shade because you don’t want to make it worse.
Have fun this summer, but look after your skin and stay safe.
Team Pure Beauty
