Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer. Sunburn doesn’t have to be red-raw, peeling or blistering. If your skin has gone red in the sun, it’s sunburnt.
Most people think about sunburn as something that happens on holiday or in hot, sunny places. But more than half of people suffering sunburn are burnt here in the UK. Many cases happen when people are out and about, rather than deliberately sunbathing. You may be outdoors watching sport, doing the gardening, walking round town or just sitting in the park.
So don’t let sunburn catch you out – whether at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen, applied generously and regularly to protect your skin.
UV Safety
Here are a few top tips from Cancer Research UK on how to enjoy the sun safely this summer:
- Protect your skin with clothing including a hat, t-shirt and UV protective sunglasses.
- Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun it at its strongest in the UK.
- Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or more to protect against UVB rays. And for protection against UVA rays, look out for the star rating – the more stars, the better.
- Keep babies and very young children out of direct sunlight. Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. all children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun.
No sunscreen, no matter how high the factor, can provide 100 percent protection. And no sunscreen, whether it’s factor 15 or 50, will provide the protection it claims unless it is applied properly. Therefore, it is crucial that you apply sunscreen generously and regularly.
