How to stay safe in the sun - even the UK sun
We all know that we need to apply sun protection whilst on holiday throughout the day, and we know that we need sun protection whilst at home too - even if the weather doesn't suggest that we do.
Yet research by Garnier shows that very few people apply sun protection on a regular basis whilst in the UK.
Their experts day that daily protection between March and September is what is needed to help protect against cumulative sun exposure and subsequent skin damage.
Garnier Ambre Solaire have gethered together a panel of mums to discuss the best ways to make people more everyday sun aware and below are the top questions that they asked.
Dr Jennifer Jones, Dermatology Advisor to Garnier shares her advice with them.
Can you burn in cloudy weather?
Unfortunately it is a myth that you can’t burn through clouds. From our Mumsnet poll, of those who don’t apply sun protection, 24% say it is because the sun isn’t strong enough in the UK to need it. Similarly, 30% agree that it’s not necessary to use sun protection when it’s cloudy. Even on a cloudy day during the summer up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the clouds. As a result it really is a good idea to use sunscreen daily during the summer months.
How much sunscreen should I be taking away on holiday if I apply the correct amount?
On average people should get through about 1 bottle a week especially if they are spending a lot of time in the sun, for example on the beach and applying regularly. The recommendation is to reapply every 2 hours and after being in the water even if it is a water resistant sunscreen.
Will wearing sunscreen stop my body from making Vitamin D?
There is no confirmed link between sun protection use and Vitamin D deficiencies. There is a real danger that if people are out in the sun for any period of time, they will simply forget to apply at all, or when it’s too late. Garnier’s poll of Mumsnet members reveals that 17% of those who don’t always apply sun protection on a sunny day in the UK say it is because they are worried about Vitamin D deficiencies. Currently we would recommend oral Vitamin D supplementation where there is a risk of deficiency.
What SPF should we all be using?
Most health experts are agreed that SPF 15 is the minimum recommended level that adults should use. For children we’d recommend a minimum of SPF 30. People’s skin reacts differently to the sun so it’s important to use the highest possible protection for your skin type. This is especially true for very fair skins and children who really need high protection factors.
How can I tan safely?
There is no way to tan safely. All tanning is DNA damage. Patients ask me: ‘how can I tan safely?’ but this is a paradox. Whilst we must avoid burning at all costs, a tan also signals DNA damage to the skin. Sun protection products are an essential accessory for any sun-safe routine. Avoiding sun exposure at peak hours, seeking shade and covering up with a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses are recommended.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Health Sun Protection