With the temperatures reaching record-breaking levels this year, and parts of our humble island reaching 40°c and then some, it’s set to be a scorcher of a summer, So if there were another heatwave around the corner shepherding in some holiday-hooray time, it’s good to know how to protect yourself from the rays. And you can enjoy them, of course, too.
What makes sunrays so unfriendly to skin and how can you protect yourself?
There are two years types of harmful sun rays: UVA and UAB radiation. Both types of ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer. UVB rays are the reason for burning our skin, while UVA rays can be responsible for aging skin, Either way, you should try your best to protect yourself.
There various ways to protect your skin from radiation, here are some of our top tips to keep your skin safe and soothed:
Sun cream
You may be familiar with its alternative title, ‘sunscreen’, as coined by Baz Lurhmann’s infamous song. Wise, wise words(if you’ve not heard it, give it a listen). We know it’s an obvious, but it’s bay far most effective and simple way to protect your body’s largest organ- the skin.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the amount of UVB protection the cream will provide you with. Ranging from factor 2 to 50+, the higher factor, the highest the protection.
Additionally, UVA protection is indicated by a star rating, Like SPF, these are rated from one to five, with five being the maximum UVA protection. Look out for sun creams with a factor of at least 30 and a UVA rating of four stars or above if you’re hoping to receive a good level of protection.
Things to bear in mind:
– Sun creams have expiry dates, so you should be looking to replace your cream every two to three years ensure their effectiveness.
-Clouds do not stop UV rays from impacting your skin. Always apply SPF, even on the cloudiest of days.
-Keep it topped up. As with most protective creams, sun cream can wear off naturally over the course of just a couple of hours. This could be even sooner if you’ve been for a refreshing dip in the ocean.
2. Take some shade with you
One of the best ways to take a shade with you whenever you go is to bring a wide-brimmed umbrella that gives you plenty of coverage. We all know how unpredictable the weather can be in a good old-blighty, even in the summer. To combat this, a multi-purpose windproof umbrella will keep you covered come rain, wind, or shine! It’s a year-round must-have!
3. Time counts
The full force of the sun’s rays hit us between around 11 am and 3 pm. So, if you’re going to make the most of a sunny day, try to make you have a shaded spot to sit in and maybe some light clothes to throw on during the peak sunlight hours of the day.
4. Accessorise
A day in the sunshine means it’s time to dust off your favourite sunglasses, hats, and even a delicate shawl. No one wants to wear hefty layers when it’s a warm day, but your outfit choices can help to protect your skin. Lightweight, floaty fabric like linens or cotton will help keep you cool, clam, and covered.
5. Keep a keen eye
Even if you’ve not suffered from sunburn, try to get into the habit of regularly checking your skin for moles, marks, or any visible changes in your skin at least once a month. This is especially true for areas that aren’t always visible like your back and legs. If anything looks new or different, you should always be on the safe and get it checked.
Keeping your skin safe and protected means you can relax and enjoy every last minute of our summer sun before (dare we say it) autumn arrives. Whatever your plans, have a stunner of a summer!