Everybody loves the sunshine, but with changes in climate and the Ozone layer, the effects of the sun are becoming stronger. With this in mind there is a growing need to protect yourself and your children from its harmful rays.

Why is the sun so damaging?

Sunlight contains ultra violet rays – UVA and UVB. UVB rays cause the redness and burning associated with sun burn as well as some forms of skin cancer. UVA rays, which were thought previously to be less damaging, are in fact the cause of ageing and Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. With the incidence of skin cancer rising faster than any other form of cancer, there is a real cause for concern.

How to stay safe in the sun?

Whether you are on holiday or not, there are several rules to follow:
Seek Shade:
It is best to stay in the shade between the hours of 11am and 3pm; this is when the sun is at its hottest. If you have to stay out then be sure not to just rely upon a sunscreen to protect you. Do not assume that staying in the shade will provide complete protection from UV rays. Especially as a large amount of UV does not come directly from the sun, but is scattered by the atmosphere. The force of UV rays can still be felt even if the weather is not good, you can still get sunburn on a cloudy day.
Dress Sensibly:
Skin cancer and ageing occur more often in areas of the body exposed to the sun so it makes sense to cover up. Wear a wide brimmed hat and longer sleeved clothing and trousers to cover arms and legs. Make sure that your eyes are protected with sunglasses, these must have a UVA and UVB filter not just dark lenses. If you are on the beach then make sure that beachwear is sun protective too.
Protect Children:
Children tend to be far more active and need a lot of protection. Remember that younger skins are more vulnerable to the sun. Protecting the skin during the first 18 years of life is likely to reduce the risk of cancer by more than 50%. Use plenty of sunscreen on delicate skin whether the children play in the water or not. Keep applying the sunscreen throughout the day. Hats, sunglasses and covered clothing are a must. It is advisable to keep babies out of the sun completely.
Apply Sunscreen:
Be sure to apply a sunscreen with a high SPF. A waterproof sunscreen is essential for the beach. Sunscreen has to be re-applied throughout the day to make sure that it is providing you with the best protection. If you are undertaking any water based physical activities such as swimming then the sunscreen will have to be reapplied more frequently during these activities. Wearing a sunscreen does not mean that you can stay out in the sun longer. The main aim not to burn, this is the cause of permanent damage.
Weather Reports:
If you are on holiday or even if you are not, it is a good idea to get a head start by checking the weather forecast. This can help you to decide how long to stay out in the sun. You have to bear in mind that snowy environments can be dangerous too. Fresh snow reflects up to 80% of the sunrays. As a result, this will significantly increase sunburn. So it is vital for skiers to protect their eyes and exposed skin.
Why not have a look at our guide to weather all around the world:

http://www.uknetguide.co.uk/News_and_Weather/Weather/WeatherForecast.asp

What is SPF?

This is the sun protection factor of a sunscreen. The higher the SPF value the more it protects the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is necessary to slow down the action of free radical damage to the skin. This leads to permanent changes in the genetic make up of the skin and can lead to cancer. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 suggests that you can expose yourself to the sun fifteen times longer without burning, than if you did not use SPF 15 sunscreen at all.
Different types of skin are assigned different sun protection factors. This is because skin types vary in the amount of natural protective pigment known as Melanin. Be sure to check out the correct skin type that you are before buying your sunscreen. No sunscreen gives total protection, but “broad-spectrum” sunscreens usually protect from UVA and UVB rays.

Follow all of these tips to help you enjoy the sun safely.