Advice on Sun Care

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Sun Care
Tanning Technicalities
Protecting Against Pain
Caring For Kids
Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions

One of the best things about summer is feeling the warmth of the sun on your back. Unfortunately too much sun and too little protection increases your risk of sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer. But if you look after your skin, you can enjoy the sun without the risks. Read on and we'll tell you how.

Tanning Technicalities

The tanning process starts when the sun's ultraviolet rays pass through the layers of skin and stimulate the production of melanin - a substance that gives skin its colour. As cells containing melanin rise to the surface of the skin they become your suntan. A tan is part of the skin's natural defence against sun damage, but by the time you get a tan some damage has already been caused to your skin. And if you sunbathe without protection or get sunburn you risk causing even more damage to your skin.

Protecting Against Pain

The sun gives out two sorts of ultraviolet rays - UVA and UVB - which can cause skin rashes, wrinkles, sunburn and even skin cancer. Anyone who spends time in the sun, either working or sunbathing, at home or abroad, should protect their skin against sun damage. Sunscreens protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays and are rated with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and a star rating.
A SPF of 15 or above will give you the best protection against UVB (burning) rays.

A four star rating will give you the best protection against UVA (ageing) rays.
Some people can get an allergic reaction to the chemical ingredients in sunscreens (usually PABA - para-amino-benzoic acid). If you are affected, look for a sunscreen that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free or ask your pharmacist about mineral only products.

Caring For Kids

Children are particularly vulnerable to sunburn. They have thinner skins than adults and they need a lot more protection. Keep babies under 12 months of age out of the sun altogether. Toddlers should be kept in the shade as much as possible and kept covered up with a T-shirt and hat. Choose a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 25 - and make sure it's water-resistant if your children like to play in the water.

Top Tips

Avoid the sun when it's strongest – between 11am and 3pm.
Cover up with a T-shirt and wide-brimmed hat– clothing is the best sunscreen of all.
Wear a good quality pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Apply sunscreen frequently and generously, particularly on vulnerable areas like the ears, nose, nipples, lips and bald patches.
Seek out some shade – but don't rely on it for total sun protection. Water, sand, glass and concrete all reflect sunlight, so you'll still need sunscreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the label on my tablets say not to sunbathe while taking them?
Certain medicines, including some antidepressants, diuretic (water) tablets and antibiotics, can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and if you sunbathe you could develop an itchy rash or painful blisters. So it's important to check the warning label on your medicine or ask your pharmacist for advice. If you want to go out in the sun while you are taking the tablets, wear a hat and clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, and use a total sun block on any uncovered skin.

I always get prickly heat rash around my neck and chest in the summer. Can anything be done about this?
Prickly heat is an itchy skin rash that develops in hot weather as a result of the sweat glands becoming blocked. It is caused by temperature not sunlight, so you can still get it on hot, cloudy days. Wear loose fitting clothing and take frequent cool showers or swims to prevent the body overheating. If the rash persists, talk to your pharmacist who may recommend antihistamine tablets or a soothing cream..

How do I choose a good quality pair of sunglasses?
Sunglasses should protect your eyes from harmful rays, so the most important thing is to check for adequate UV protection. Choose UV400 lenses or those with the British Standard label BS2724:1987. Choose lenses to suit your activities: polarising lenses for driving, the beach or if you are extra-sensitive to glare (mirror lenses also deflect glare well); or polycarbonate lenses if you are keen on sports, as these are much stronger than glass.