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Feels like sunshine

Vicki Crawford

Written by Vicki Crawford, marketing advisor

In the UK the sun's rays are the strongest between 11 am and 3 pm from mid-March to October. Now that summers are warmer, here are some tips on how to stay safe in the sun:

Using sunscreen correctly

  • Use at least factor 30 sunscreens
  • Use a high star rating cream with four or five stars
  • Make sure you apply enough cream, thickly and evenly
  • Reapply throughout the day. Once is never enough
  • Make sure the sunscreen hasn’t expired. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of two or three year

Sunscreen will not protect you on its own, so check out the other steps below and be sure to use them together

Spend time in the shade

  • Seek shade when the sun is strongest between 11 am and 3 pm
  • Create shaded areas using canopies and umbrellas
  • Remember, as the sun moves, so too will those shaded areas
  • Find natural shaded areas such as trees
  • Spend time indoors

Not only will the shade help protect you from the sun, but it will also give you a break from the heat. Remember, you can still burn, even when it’s cloudy.

Don’t be afraid to cover up

  • Choose clothes that are loose-fitting
  • Choose a wide brimmed hat that will help protect your face, ears, and neck
  • Wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection

The more skin you cover, the better protection you have against the sun.

Staying cool inside and out

  • Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids often and don’t wait until you are thirsty
  • Don’t use rainwater to fill your paddling pools as it could have harmful bacteria in it
  • If you’re using a hosepipe connected to an outside tap, let the water run through before you use it. This will help reduce toxins in the water and let it run cold as the sun can heat the water in the hosepipe
  • Keep windows shut and close the blinds/curtains to keep the heat out
  • Use an electric fan. You can even place a bowl of ice water in front of the fan to blow cooler air

Whilst we can always try our best to stay protected, there may be times where our efforts aren’t enough. Be on the lookout for sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke and a heat rash.

Keep up to date; check the weather and follow the advice when warnings are issued.

Remember, sun safety is for everyone.

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