Advice for Sun Safety

Its great when the sun is shining, it makes people feel happy and the vitamin D we get from the sun is essential for healthy bones.

Being in the sun is great but being burnt by the sun can be serious so it's good to enjoy the sun safely and follow advice.....

- Avoid being out in the sun too long. This includes not staying in the sun until the skin goes red. If you are out in the sun then protect your skin as much as possible to avoid burning.

- Protect your skin when it is sunny, both in the UK and abroad, by spending time in the shade between 11am and 3pm. Where possible, wear clothing that protects areas which may be more likely to burn and apply sunscreen. Use a broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears, and wear a long-sleeved top and trousers. Where possible, choose close-weave fabrics that don’t allow the sun through.

- Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade, rather they should offer additional protection. (Note; none of the sunscreen products provide 100% protection against the sun).

- Choose a ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen which offers both UVA and UVB protection. It should be at least SPF 15 to protect against UVB and offer high UVA protection (in the UK, this is indicated by at least four stars and the circular UVA logo). Use water resistant products if sweating or contact with water is likely. Apply liberally half an hour before and after going out in the sun (don’t forget your head, neck and ears). Re-apply at least every 2 hours and immediately after being in water, even if the sunscreen is ‘water resistant’. Also re-apply after towel drying.

Sky 2


What to look for in sunglasses

Not all sunglasses are adequate. When you’re shopping for sunglasses, choose a pair that has one of the following:
- the CE Mark and British Standard (BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013)
- a UV 400 label
- a statement that the sunglasses offer 100% UV protection

Think about the sides of your eyes, and consider sunglasses with wide or wraparound arms.


You are viewing the text version of this site.


Need help? check the requirements page.

Get Flash Player