Sun Protection - Safe Sunbathing

Cases of skin cancer have doubled in the UK over the past two decades, and each year thousands of new cases are reported. We've all been told a thousand times to avoid too much sun exposure, wear a hat, use sunscreen, and wear UV-blocking sunglasses - but the fact is many of us still feel better with a tan, and nothing will stop us from spending time soaking up the sun.  More about sun safety

One positive health benefit we get from sunlight is that it enables us to produce vitamin D. But unfortunately the same UVB ultraviolet rays that stimulate vitamin D production also cause skin cancer and premature ageing. And while a healthy-looking tan may be attractive, the 'wrinkled prune effect' you could have in a decade's time will be less than alluring...

All sun worshippers can enjoy catching a few rays – but there are a few simple precautions you must take in order to do it safely.
Cover up
The more you cover up, the longer you can stay out in the sun and the less likely you are to get burnt. But if you're going somewhere very hot, or if you burn easily, there are also special sun protective clothing ranges . A cheap sarong bought from a beach hawker may offer you a bit of protection, but you could still get burnt wearing one. An SPF 50 sarong from a specialist supplier of sun protection clothing, however, will offer much more reliable protection -- as will their range of other clothing such as t-shirts and hats.
Don't fry
At the beginning of your holiday, don't sit out in the sun all day long - let your skin get used to it gradually, with a little more exposure each day. Even once your skin is more used to the sun, avoid exposure between 11:00 and 15:00 when the rays are at their strongest.
Slap on the suncream
The rules for sun cream are straightforward: always apply it, and do so half an hour before you go in the sun; opt for a high protection of SPF15 or above (particularly at the start of your holiday - but preferably throughout); re-apply it regularly; and never apply it too thinly. An eggcup-full is recommended for all over the body, every 2-3 hours. If you need insect repellent, apply it on top or the sun cream may not absorb into your skin properly.
A convenient alternative to sun cream, particularly for the sporty or forgetful, is Riemann's P20 Sunfilter. It only has to be applied once a day, and is still 90 percent effective after swimming.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of (non-alcoholic!) drinks while sitting in the sun to prevent dehydration. Dehydration combined with sun exposure can lead to heat exhaustion or even sunstroke, which is potentially fatal.
Check on the children
Most kids rack up some 50-80 percent of their lifetime's sun exposure before they reach the age of 18, so it's important to look after their skin early on. Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun because their skin is thinner the younger they are. Many parents choose a cream with a higher sun factor, swimsuits that offer more coverage, or take a parasol to the beach to provide shade.

Do all of the above, and you can enjoy your holiday in the sun without worrying about the consequences.