How to stay safe in the sun

Now that the weather is warming up and summer holiday season is upon us, it is important to ensure that we all stay safe in the sun, whether you are staying in the UK or heading abroad. There are lots of different health risks associated with getting too much sun without taking precautions, so here we share our tips on how to stay safe and enjoy those sunny days!

Wear sun cream

The number one thing to remember before heading out into the sun is to apply sun cream. No one likes doing this, it’s often sticky and it can be hard work to put it on, but it is the only thing that will protect you from harmful rays – unless you’d prefer to cover up with clothing or sit in the shade.

Try to choose a sun cream that has high protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It is UVB rays that cause burning, but UVA rays are the ones that contribute to those health risks that we all want to avoid. The best SPF rating to choose for most people is 30, as this blocks 97% of UVB rays and will keep you protected without feeling like sunblock.

Stay hydrated

If you are out in the sun all day it is very easy to get dehydrated, so you will need to drink more water than usual. Try to take a reusable water bottle around with you which you can fill up as and when you need to. If you really can’t stand drinking water, try adding some sugar-free squash or slices of citrus fruit to liven it up.

Although the idea of sitting in a beer garden with a cold, alcoholic drink is tempting, this will dehydrate you so try to avoid this if possible, or ensure you drink lots of water too!

Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm

The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm, so it is advised that you stay indoors or in the shade during these hours. However, if this isn’t possible, just make sure you follow the two tips above to ensure you stay feeling healthy.