Here’s our guide to staying safe this Sun Awareness week.
Ironic or otherwise, the 9th to 16th May is sun awareness week. Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation Spokesperson let’s us bathe in her superior knowledge on how to stay safe and make the most of the rays this year (even if they don’t turn up until the end of August). So whether the sun puts his hat on or is notable in his absence, you’re covered:
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Timing is everything
“It’s advisable to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest.”
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How long is too long?
“The key to staying out safely in the sun is ensuring your skin isn’t burning. The exact time varies from individual to individual, time of day, skin type and closeness to the equator.” Urban Massage recommends My UV Patch from La Roche Posay. It’s the first ever wearable patch that allows users to measure and monitor UV exposure. Just download the app and tell it your skin type and where you are.
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The factor facts
When choosing a sunscreen look for a high protection SPF (SPF 30 or more) to protect against UVB, and the UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA.
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How much?
About 30ml of sunscreen should be enough to cover an adult from head to toe. This is roughly equivalent to a shot-glass full. For face and neck application you should be using approximately one-quarter of a teaspoon amount at each site.
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How often?
Apply plenty of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours and straight after swimming and towel-drying.
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Top it off
Men with reduced or thinning scalp hair may be particularly vulnerable to sun damage in this area and should ideally wear a hat. For women, ensure that sunscreen is applied adequately to the margin of the hairline if you’re not wearing something on your head.