Top tips on sun safety

Here are our top tips for staying safe in the sun.

1. Spend time in the shade especially when the sun is at its strongest which is typically the middle of the day.
2. Keep covered up. Wear appropriate clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, neck and ears and loose-fitted clothes (in a close weave material such as cotton) with sleeves to cover your arms and shoulders. A long skirt or trousers can protect your legs.
3. Wear good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes. Sunglasses that have the CE Mark and European Standard EN 1836:2005 sticker on them or a UV 400 label or 100% UV protection written on the label are best.
4. Use sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 (a SPF of 30 is recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists) and which has at last four-star UVA protection which is often indicated by the letters UVA in a circle on the packaging.
5. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and then again immediately before leaving. Re-apply frequently and generously throughout the day especially after swimming.
6. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

For more on sun safety, holidays in the sun and holidays in the tropics see our guides.