Sun Protection

People often underestimate the need for sun protection. Even on a cool day in the UK the sun can do damage to your skin in a short space of time during the summer. And, many adults will use sun protection for their kids but will not take similar measures themselves. This doesn't just lead to inconvenient side effects such as sunburn but can also be a factor in getting skin cancer later down the line.

So, what should you do to get the right sun protection for adults and children?

1. Wear a suitable sun cream - make sure to apply a suitable sun cream to both adults and children before you go out into the sun. Choose a cream for adults that suits their skin type and a high factor specially formulated block for kids. If you are at the beach or going swimming then apply a waterproof one and keep reapplying it regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you towel yourself/the kids dry after a dip then reapply as you'll have wiped the sun cream off.

2. Wear a hat - wearing a hat in hot weather can protect both adults and children from getting sun burn on their heads and it can also prevent sun-induced headaches and help keep you cool.

3. Keep kids dressed - don't let your kids strip off in the sun all the time. Dress them in loose comfortable clothes to give them extras protection. Watch out for problem areas like their neck and shoulders as these can burn easily.

4. Keep in the shade - it's best not to expose yourself to the brightest sunlight as this can be the most damaging. So, look to find some shade between 11am and 2-3pm when the sun is at its hottest. Babies should be kept in the shade at all times where possible.

5. Wear sunglasses - UV protection sunglasses can help minimize damage to the skin around your eyes and to your eyes themselves.

6. Wear lip balm - the sun can damage your lips so both adults and kids should wear protective lip balm.