sun safety

A tan is the body's way of protecting you against the sun. Follow these tips to minimise the risk of damaging your skin:

1. Do not stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours.
2. Use a sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 15) and reapply regularly.
3. You get no extra protection from applying a low factor sun cream twice - two SPF7s do not equal SPF14.
4. Remember sunscreen alone is not enough, and is of little benefit if you only use it to be able to sunbathe for longer.
5. The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm. Avoid being in the sun during this period.
6. If you must be in the sunlight during this period (for example, if you're on a trip) covering up. Wear sun protective fabrics (tightly woven materials such as cotton), loose fitting clothing and a sun hat.
7. Protect yours and your children's eyes with proper sunglasses. Look for the Kitemark.
8. Being in or around water increases your chances of burning due to reflection. Use waterproof sunscreen and reapply after swimming.
9. Take extra care with children. They should wear waterproof sunscreen and T-shirts when swimming. You can also buy children's beachwear designed to give greater sun protection.
10. When you apply insect repellent over sunscreen you stop the sunscreen sticking to your skin, and cut the effectiveness of both by at least half. If you need both either buy a sunscreen with built in insect repellent or wear a higher factor sunscreen next to your skin, with a generous layer of insect repellent over the top.
11. Don't use old sunscreens, their effectiveness decreases dramatically after they have passed their use by date.
12. Consider using a cream that contains a physical barrier to the sun, usually titanium dioxide "war paint" type sunscreens. This is particularly useful for children.