Be Sun Savvy

Make sure you cover up in the sun! Your tan from the sunny holiday or sun bed might seem attractive now, but in 20 years time you’ll regret it.

Over time exposure to UV radiation speeds up aging skin. It can cause wrinkles, dry skin, loose skin and marks known as “sun spots” or “age spots”.

It can also cause skin cancer!

Most at Risk

• Fair skin that doesn’t tan, or burns before it tans.
• Skin that never burns and always tans
• Skin that is dark and never seems to burn.

Tips for Skin Care

• Stay in the shade between 11am-3pm
• Make sure you never burn
• Try to always cover up in a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
• Use SPF 15+

Applying Sun Cream

• Like many other lotions, sun cream takes time to be absorbed so try and apply it half an hour before you go into the sun.
• Most creams last 2-3 years, but you should check the use-by date.
• It is best to use waterproof sun cream as it is likely to be washed or sweated off.
• Children’s skin is more fragile and thin then adults’, so keep an eye on your child’s skin!
• Apply cream thickly, and make sure all areas that will be “touched” by the sun are covered.

CanceHhelp says “If your whole family only uses one bottle throughout a 2 week holiday, you definitely aren’t putting it on thickly enough. We know it can be expensive, but if you aren’t getting the protection you should, you are just wasting what you have spent. Better to buy more and put it on properly. As a fraction of your holiday cost, it really isn’t very much.”

Checking Your Skin

It is very important to check your skin regularly for any abnormal markings. If they don’t disappear after 6-8 weeks, you should contact your GP.

Make sure you be Sun Safe and cover up!