YOU should always take precautions against the Sun's UV rays, even in the UK. On this page, we give you a few simple ideas on how to stay safe in the Sun, both here and abroad. But, we do some UV, and we should always strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.
Both young and old should use Sunscreen in the UK that is at least SPF 30, to protect against UVB, and have at least 4-star UVA protection. You can get some brilliant advice on the NHS website on how to use Sunscreen.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when using sunscreen:-
- Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay in the Sun for more than 2 hours, and after you have gone swimming, sweating or toweling off.
- Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures. Be sure to check your sunscreen’s expiration date.
- Some makeup and lip balms contain some of the same chemicals used in sunscreens. If they don’t have at least SPF 15, don’t use them by themselves.
Please note that certain sunscreen ingredients can trigger skin allergies in some people, so always do a dab test before using any new sunscreens. To do this, just put a very small amount on your arm and see if you react to it, before applying all over yourself. Should you find that that area that you have applied with sunscreen is showing signs of irritation, (mild redness with our without a stinging sensation, or even if you get a stinging sensation without any redness.) Contact dermatitis can occur after applying sunscreen and is more common in people who have a history of eczema or sensitive skin. If you have a sunscreen allergy, metal oxide sunscreens such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide may be suitable. Do not use that cream if your skin reacts. We strongly recommended you ask your Doctor for advice if you have. More information about contact dermatitis and sunscreen can be seen by visiting:- Cancer.Org.AU.
In the UK you should try to spend time in the shade between:- 11am and 3pm, between:- March to October, in the UK.
Also, you can add to your protection with your clothing.
Wear a hat made from a tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, that has a brim. It should shade your face, ears and the back of your neck and help to protect your skin from UV rays.
You should also look at getting wrap-around sunglasses, that are labeled with the CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts.
You can get lots more information on how to protect yourself in the Cancer Research UK's website.
