Summer is here, and there's nothing more you'll want to do than spend some time outside since the sun can seem scarce in the UK. Whether sunbathing by a pool, chilling at the beach, enjoying a BBQ, or going for walks in the sunshine, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the excellent weather. However, improper sun care can leave you with sunburn and skin damage which can lead to future skin cancers and age your skin.
We've put together this quick guide to help you look after your skin and stay safe in the sun.
1. Stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest. This is usually between 11am and 3pm in the UK, but you should check the weather and sun strength in other countries if you're jetting off on holiday. If you can't find any natural shade, it will be worth bringing a parasol to places like the beach.
2. Whilst it might not be what you want to do, cover up where possible and wear a hat and sunglasses. Wearing long sleeves, skirts, or trousers can protect against the sun's rays. Try wearing linen when out and about to keep cooler whilst covering up.
3. Wear a suncream that is at least Factor 30. Not only should your suncream have a high SPF, but you should also choose one with a 4-star UVA protection rating. This will protect your skin from Ultraviolet A radiation as well as UVB.
4. Don't apply your suncream too thinly. The NHS recommends adults use two teaspoons worth when covering their face, arms, and neck, and two tablespoons if applied to the whole body. If you're not sure you're applying enough suncream, try using a higher factor.
5. Reapply your suncream regularly. You should aim to reapply your suncream after swimming (even if it's water-resistant), after sweating, after any occasion where you might rub it off, or every 2 hours.
6. Apply suncream to all exposed skin. This includes the face, neck, and ears. If you have thin or little hair on your head, you can apply suncream to this area, too, although you're probably better off wearing a hat.
7. Keep children under six months out of strong direct sunlight. Their skin is much more delicate than yours, and you'll need to be extra careful regarding children and sun care, as kids are less likely to want to apply suncream regularly.
8. Keep hydrated. Drink more water when it's hot outside so you can help your body regulate its temperature and replace fluids lost through sweating. You should avoid excess caffeine and alcohol as these can dehydrate your further.
You can browse our entire Sun Care collection to make sure you're stocked up on both sunscreen and after sun to cool and protect the skin. Once you've got all you need, browse our articles below for some summer ideas.
