Sun Safety

As summer is on the way and the promise of sun, warm weather, and long evenings loom, we thought it was a good idea to address sun safety. We know it’s not a glamourous subject, but it is essential. The sun can cause cancer, prematurely age your skin, dehydrate you, the list goes on. The point is, by following a few rules, you can help protect yourself and still enjoy the sun.

Suncream

Yes, we know we sound like your parents, but we should all know the dangers of UV rays by now. Slap on a suncream with an SPF factor of 30 or more and at least 4-star protection from UVA rays. Make sure you apply an even layer across all uncovered skin. Oh, and make sure the bottle hasn’t expired. They have expiry dates, you know.

A Hat

Slapping on a hat with a wide brim that covers your face, neck, and ears is your best option here. While a baseball cap can help shade the top of your head, remember it doesn’t shade your ears and neck, which are very susceptible to burning. Try to find a hat with a UPF rating or a close weave for optimal protection.

Clothing

Wearing clothing is an easy way to protect yourself from the sun. A t-shirt is a great way to cover your shoulders, which is a common body part that burns. There is clothing available that has UPF protection which is an even better way to make sure.

Sunglasses

Your eyes can be damaged by solar UV radiation. A pair of sunglasses with a European CE mark indicates it has a good level of protection, and a pair with a high EPF rating will have the best protection. We know you want a pair of sunglasses that look good, but make sure to get ones that will protect your eyes too.

Shade

Sure, you want to spend time in the sun, up your vitamin D and top up your tan, but heading into the shade, particularly during the warmest time of the day (11 am – 3 pm), will keep you away from the UV penetration when it’s at its strongest. Also, make sure to follow the above four measures and do not rely on shade alone.