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How to stay sun safe this summer
Whether you are a regular sun-worshipper or prefer to stay cool in the shade, it’s important to protect your skin properly from the effects of the sun.
As well as leaving your skin sore and tight, sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. And you don’t have to be on a beach overseas to suffer from sunburn. Even on a cloudy day, the UK sunshine could cause sunburn if you aren’t careful.
Whether at home or abroad, stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, or cover up with clothing and sunglasses if you are out and about. Take extra care with children too, and always use at least factor 15 sunscreen.
How to choose sunscreen
As well as a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, your sunscreen should offer at least four-star UVA protection. Remember that a bottle of sunscreen will expire after two to three years, so make sure you replace any old sunscreen ready for the summer.
Choose a natural sunscreen which contains no harmful chemicals and preferably organic.
How to apply sunscreen
Not applying enough sunscreen or applying it incorrectly can leave you unprotected from the sun’s harmful rays. Aim to apply roughly two teaspoons of sunscreen for just your head, arms and neck, and two tablespoons if covering your entire body.
Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun, and again right before you go outside. Make sure you reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating. And make sure you cover all exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears.
How to soothe sunburn
Sunburnt skin can be soothed with aloe vera gel, which naturally cools and hydrates damaged skin.
Apply liberally at least twice a day. Stay out of the sun until your skin has healed and any redness has disappeared.
How your diet can help protect your skin
Certain foods can offer extra protection against the sun. Like tomatoes, which contain a UV-fighting antioxidant called lycopene.
Foods which contain beta carotene, like carrot and sweet potato, can also provide natural protection from the effects of the sun. Or you could introduce more beta carotene into your diet with our beta carotene supplement, this provides 14mg of beta-carotene plus 1mg of copper to aid skin pigmentation so you have a great natural skin colour. (Or wards to that effect!)
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