How to prevent Sun Burn

Whatever you do when you go outside it is always good to consider protecting your skin.  It is easy to think that the sun won't hurt you, but a growing number of people ignore good advice and end up getting sunburn.  This can be really painful.  I was particularly reminded of this by an article in a national newspaper about a mother that went abroad with her family and faithfully put factor 50 sunscreen on her young sons throughout the day, but they still got very badly burnt.  A close family member had a cancerous mole on her leg and now has to be very vigilant when out in the sun.  So when you go outside always make sure you are prepared and look after your skin.  

Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn doesn't just happen on holiday – you can burn even when it's cloudy. 

Sun safety tips

Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.
Make sure you:

• spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• make sure you never burn
• cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• take extra care with children
• use at least factor 15 sunscreen

What factor sunscreen (SPF) should I use?

Don't rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun's at its hottest.  
When buying sunscreen, the label should have:

• a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVB
• at least four-star UVA protection

UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters "UVA" in a circle, which indicates that it meets the EU standard.
Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of two to three years.
Don't spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen.

What are the SPF and star rating?

The sun protection factor, or SPF, is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection.
SPFs are rated on a scale of 2-50+ based on the level of protection they offer, with 50+ offering the strongest form of UVB protection.
The star rating measures the amount of ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection. You should see a star rating of up to five stars on UK sunscreens. The higher the star rating, the better.
The letters "UVA" inside a circle is a European marking. This means the UVA protection is at least one third of the SPF value and meets EU recommendations.
Sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection are sometimes called broad spectrum.

How to apply sunscreen

Most people don't apply enough sunscreen. As a guide, adults should aim to apply around:

• two teaspoons of sunscreen if you're just covering your head, arms and neck
• two tablespoons if you're covering your entire body while wearing a swimming costume

If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. If you're worried you might not be applying enough SPF15, you could use a stronger SPF30 sunscreen.
If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice:

• 30 minutes before going out
• just before going out 

Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears – and head if you have thinning or no hair – but a wide-brimmed hat is better.

Swimming and sunscreen

Water washes sunscreen off, and the cooling effect of the water can make you think you're not getting burned. Water also reflects ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing your exposure.
Water-resistant sunscreen is needed if sweating or contact with water is likely.
Sunscreen should be reapplied straight after you've been in water – even if it's "water resistant" – and after towel drying, sweating, or when it may have rubbed off.

Children and sun protection

Take extra care to protect babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life.
Children aged under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.
From March to October in the UK, children should:

• cover up with suitable clothing
• spend time in the shade – particularly from 11am to 3pm
• wear at least SPF15 sunscreen
  
  

Clothing and sunglasses

Wear clothes and sunglasses that provide sun protection, such as:

• a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears
• a long-sleeved top
• trousers or long skirts in close-weave fabrics that don't allow sunlight through
• sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms with the CE Mark and European Standard EN 1836:2005 
  
  

Who should take extra care in the sun?

You should take extra care in the sun if you:

• have pale, white or light brown skin
• have freckles or red or fair hair
• tend to burn rather than tan
• have many moles
• have skin problems relating to a medical condition
• are only exposed to intense sun occasionally – for example, while on holiday
• are in a hot country where the sun is particularly intense
• have a family history of skin cancer

People who spend a lot of time in the sun, whether it's for work or play, are at increased risk of skin cancer if they don't take the right precautions.
People with naturally brown or black skin are less likely to get skin cancer, as darker skin has some protection against UV rays. But skin cancer can still occur.

Protect your moles

If you have lots of moles or freckles, your risk of getting skin cancer is higher than average, so take extra care.
Avoid getting caught out by sunburn. Use shade, clothing and a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect yourself.
Keep an eye out for changes to your skin. Changes to check for include:

• a new mole, growth or lump
• any moles, freckles or patches of skin that change in size, shape or colour

Report these to your doctor as soon as possible. Skin cancer is much easier to treat if it's found early.
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