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A Guide to Staying Safer in the Sun
Sun care should mean just that - taking care in the
sun. Whether it’s taking a holiday abroad, in the UK or
enjoying a sunny day in the garden, it’s great fun, so
you’ll want to make sure nothing spoils it! Our skin
always needs protecting when exposed to the sun, whether
at home or abroad.
Everyone has a different skin type, each with their own
specific sun care requirements. So choosing suitable
sunscreens will depend on skin type, the strength of the
sun, the amount of time spent in the sun and the holiday
destination.
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CHOOSING SUNSCREENS It is essential to choose the right
sunscreens and there is a wide range to choose from.
The SPF indicates the level of protection against
harmful UVB rays. Your skin type will effect the level
of protection you require ie fair skin needs much higher
protection and therefore SPF than darker skin.
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Children's skin
Children's skin needs extra protection when it comes to the sun.
The use of high protection sun products is only part of
protecting your children from the sun, if children are to be protected properly during their time
in the sun and reduce the risk of long term skin damage.
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All babies under six months should be kept out of
direct sunlight at all times. Children under the
age of two should be encouraged to stay in the
shade. |
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T-shirts and brimmed hats should always be worn. |
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Encourage children to play out of the sun. |
Application of sun care products is one of the key
factors to effective protection in the sun.
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Apply sun protection
liberally before sun exposure and repeat after 20-30
minutes in the sun. |
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Apply generously and
often to ensure skin appears and feels evenly
covered. |
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Reapply frequently especially after swimming and
towelling. |
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Avoid intensive midday sun (between 11am-3pm).
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Acclimatisation
It’s a good idea to gradually build up time spent in the
sun and to use a very high Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
during the first few days of sun exposure and then, if
appropriate, change to a lower factor. Acclimatisation
to UV rays is necessary if the risk of sunburn is to be
reduced. By allowing the skin to acclimatise slowly,
over the first few days, the skin is less likely to burn
and for those wanting a tan; it is likely to last
longer.
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After
sun
After Sun plays a part in a good sun care regime,
counteracting the drying effects of the sun and wind.
They are specifically formulated to cool, soothe and
moisturise the skin, and so help to prevent peeling.
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Unfortunately the effects of sunburn
do not become obvious until it
is too late and the damage has been done. People are
often fooled into thinking the sun is not too hot if
there is a cool breeze or light cloud. When
redness and tingling occur the skin has been over
exposed to the sun and it is a sure sign that the skin
has been damaged and is highly likely to peel.
Steps can be taken to minimise the risk of sunburn.
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Avoid the sun when it is at its most harmful between
11.00am and 3.00pm. |
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Clothing, hats and
sunscreens should be used to protect the skin and
sunglasses should be used to protect the eyes. |
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It’s worth knowing UV rays can penetrate light
clothing, if you are sensitive to the sun, choose a
denser material to give you extra protection. Some
fabrics are specially designed to protect the
skin from the adverse effects of the sun. |
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If sunburn does occur, it may help to use an after
sun product to cool and soothe the skin. But, if the
symptoms of sunburn are severe, a doctor should be
consulted. |
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Sun screens with low factors can only provide very low
protection for tanned skin, people with naturally
darker skin and skin acclimatised to the sun.
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