Sun safety tips for the summer

We may not be facing the 40-degree heat of July 2022, but at some point this summer, we’ll experience hot weather which you'll need to protect your skin from, as well as take other safety precautions with the official start of summer on 20 June.

The NHS advises that during the hottest part of the day, which is between 11am and 3pm, that you take cover in the shade.

If you’re going out into direct sun, make sure you:

Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses.
Wear at least factor 30 sunscreen.
Ensure children wear sunscreen as their skin can burn easily.
Drink plenty of water.

What are UVB and UVA?

There are two main types of ultraviolet rays that reach the earth’s surface— ultraviolet A (or UVA) and ultraviolet B (or UVB)
UVA rays are believed to cause most skin cancers while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn.

Tips for buying sunscreen

If you’re out in the sun, you should wear a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB.

Use at least a 4-star UVA protection, which is indicated by the letters “UVA” in a circle, which also means it meets the EU standard.

Remember to apply it 30 minutes before you head outdoors, and make sure it’s not past its expiration date.

Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and apply more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

Sunglasses safety tips

Overexposure to UV rays can have a negative impact on your eyesight too. UV light can cause eye diseases such as cataracts.

The simplest and most effective way to prevent this is to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Some labels say “UV absorption up to 400nm”, which is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption.

Make sure sunglasses are large enough to block enough sun. They should screen out 75% to 90% of visible light.

Speak to your optician if you need prescription sunglasses and for further advice about protecting your eyes in the sun.