We all love a bit of sunshine, and here in the UK, it is tempting to go outside and fry because we have to make the most of the sun while we can.
Sun safety is so important though, and a few simple tweaks to your normal daily routine can literally save your life.
Aside from the risk of skin cancer (I know everyone thinks it won’t happen to them – the people who have it probably 
thought the same), sun damage can cause premature aging of the skin and of course anyone who has ever suffered from sun burn/sun stroke will appreciate sun safety.
Here are my top sun safety tips to help keep your skin safe:
Sun Safety Tip 1: Wear Sunscreen
I really can’t stress this one enough. Even if you’re not planning on sunbathing, or it’s not that hot, you should still wear a good sunscreen whenever you go out on any exposed skin (especially your face, no one wants a burnt face).
An SPF 15 is fine for daily use if you’re not planning on being outside for long periods. An SPF of 30+ is recommended if you are planning on being in the sun for a longer time. And for children, 50+ as their skin is much more sensitive.
Even if you choose to skip the sunscreen, make sure your children are wearing it – remember: you know the risks and are making an informed decision to not wear it. Your children aren’t.
I would recommend carrying a sunscreen in your bag if you’re outside for longer periods of time. Reapply regularly, and don’t forget to reapply every time you come out of the pool/sea if applicable.
Sun Safety Tip 2: Cover The Top Of Your Head And The Back Of Your Neck
The top of your head and the back of your neck are the most likely places to lead to sun stroke if they are over exposed to the sun. Sun stroke is not a fun experience.
If you have thick, long hair, then the back of your neck may be covered if it’s down. If not, consider wearing a higher collar. And don’t forget to wear a hat to protect your scalp when you are in the sun for a long time or if it’s particularly hot.
Remember not to sit too long with your back to the sun to protect your neck.
Sun Safety Tip 3: Avoid Noon – 3pm If Possible
Between noon and 3pm, the sun is at it’s highest and it’s hottest. If possible, try to stay out of it during this period. If you want to remain outside, try to sit in the shade.
Most dermatologists recommend not sunbathing at all, and it’s a valid point, but realistically, most people will choose to sit in the sun (myself included) even though there are risks. These sun safety tips in no way remove the risks, but they will reduce them.
Enjoy the sun and stay safe.
Do you have any sun safety tips to add? Why not share them in the comments 🙂
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As a fair-skinned girl, I know to avoid the sun as much as possible. I have some sunburn horror stories…
Back when I was in my 20s, I worked down the street from Disneyland. We used to get tourists from the UK who were visiting, and they’d be so red. Summers in SoCal can be brutal if one is not used to direct sun.
Sounds painful!
I can imagine the UK tourists, when we get the constant bad weather, we have to make the most of it abroad lol, but it can be easy to go too far without even realising it until you’re burned!
I’m not much for sun-bathing. I have very light skin which rarely tans. When I do get sun, it’s burn, peel, burn, peel, burn, peel…
I’m the same! It’s no good lol
I don’t do well in the sun. The heat makes me really cranky, not to mention what it does to my fair skin. Here where I live, the hottest part of the day is 5pm. Everywhere else I’ve lived it’s been noon – 3pm. Odd, I know.
I love the heat and the sun, although I’m really fair too so I have to be very careful. That is odd, good though because work is done unless you work weird hours like me!
Sometimes it pays to spend most of your time indoors!
Yes, that’s true!