Applying sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine is a good habit to build up since UV light is always present throughout the day. The intensity level of UV light is increased on more sunnier days, but even on cloudy days the sun's light can cause damage to your skin.
At any age, spending time in the sun exposes your skin to ultra violet radiation (UV rays), which can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer. However, there are many things you can do to protect against UV rays, reduce the risk and keep everyone safe in the sun.
UV exposure during the first 10-15 years of life makes a disproportionately large contribution to lifetime risk of skin cancer. Babies and children have lower concentrations of the skin pigment melanin and thinner skin. They are therefore more susceptible to the dangers of UV, and getting sunburned as a child increases the risk of skin cancer in later life.
- Keep out of direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm. Play in the shade of trees and use a sunshade to avoid exposure.
- You can protect your skin from UV rays by covering them with clothes. Hats with neck flaps at the back can also help protect your neck and sunglasses are another great way to protect your eyes.
- Cover exposed parts of your skin with sun screen. Reapply regularly (approx. every 2 hrs), especially after sweating or swimming. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection and should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade. Therefore, try wear a sun cream containing the highest SPF possible.
- If you get a sunburn do not go out into the sun unless your skin is covered with linen/cotton clothing, and drink fluids regularly to stay hydrated. Avoid getting a sunburn as sunburn can be very painful, itchy and uncomfortable.
Check out our Sun & Travel section for all your suncream needs to stay protected this summer.