Don’t wait till your skin feels uncomfortable before taking action. Once your skin is burned the damage has already been done, so:
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Cover up with loose-fitting clothes, a hat and sunglasses. Tightly woven fabrics will provide the best protection from the sun.
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Try to avoid direct exposure to sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest.
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Always use a sun protection lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Very fair-skinned people and children need to use lotions with an SPF of up to 40.
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Apply sun lotion at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
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Reapply it every couple of hours.
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Reapply immediately after swimming, even if your lotion is a
waterproof variety.
Did you know...
Useful links
- Sun safety & skin cancer booklet - facts, prevention and early detection
- Seven sun facts - Great advice from the experts
- Sun safety Q&A - Find answers to some commonly asked questions about skin care, sunscreen and sunburn
- Summer safety for young children - While it's important to be prepared for any dangers that children might face during the summer, it's also important to let them run around and have fun.
- Protect your skin and eyes in the sun - Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and too much sun can increase your risk. Exposure to sunlight can also affect your eyes. Here’s how to protect your skin and reduce the risks to your eyes.
- How to treat sunburn - Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much exposure to UV light can make your skin red and painful, which can later lead to peeling or blistering.
