Over the past month, UK searches for ‘sun burn’ have skyrocketed by +116%*, as the UK has experienced one of the warmest April temperatures in over a decade.* Interest in ‘sun stroke’ has also soared by +361% within the past month*, highlighting that Brits are seeking sun safety advice as temperatures are predicted to rise.
With the Met Office predicting highs of 28°C in the coming weeks, Dr John Burke, Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health insurance has shared his top tips for safely enjoying the warmer weather this spring.
DOCTOR REVEALS FIVE WAYS TO MAXIMISE SUN PROTECTION THIS SPRING
- Avoid direct sunlight between 11am-3pm
Dr Burke reveals, “One of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays is to find shade under trees, umbrellas, canopies or indoors, especially during peak hours.
UV rays are invisible and cannot be felt on the skin (the heat of the sun comes from infrared rays instead). UV rays penetrate deeply into our cells, causing changes that can lead to sunburn, skin ageing, eye damage and skin cancer.”*
Dr Burke shares that a simple way to find out when the sun’s rays are at their strongest is to look at your shadow: ‘If your shadow is shorter than your height, this means that the sun’s UV rays are strong and you should seek shade and protection from the sun. You can also check weather apps to see the UV index in your location.”
- Clothing to protect your skin
Dr Burke states that “Keeping covered up is another great way to protect your skin from the sun. Opt for materials with a close weave, as the closer the weave, the more the material will protect your skin from UV rays.
Where possible, opt for clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) number on the label. A UPF label indicates that the material offers an effect level of protection against UV rays.”
To maximise protection, Dr Burke recommends:
- Wear long sleeves – Long-sleeved shirts offer more protection than short-sleeved shirts
- Choose darker colours – Dark fabrics absorb more UV radiation than lighter shades.
- Avoid wet clothing – Damp fabric loses UV protection, so always change out of wet clothes.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat – It shields not just your face, but also your neck and ears.
- Pick the right sunglasses
Dr Burke comments, “As well as damaging the skin, overexposure to UV rays can cause damage to your eyes. According to the Association of Optometrists, 40% of adults are unaware that UV rays can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer.* Therefore, it’s essential that you protect your eyes from the sun.”
Dr Burke reveals that wearing the correct sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes this spring. Ensure that your sunglasses have at least one of the following marks:
- The CE Mark
- A UV 400 label
- A statement that the sunglasses offer 100% UV protection
Dr Burke continues, “The style of sunglasses can also impact the degree of sun protection, for instance, larger framed sunglasses or wrap-around sunglasses offer more protection than small frames such as aviator sunglasses.”
- Always check your sunscreen for these three things
Dr Burke shares, “Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun, however, it will not completely protect you from sun damage, and it is not a way to spend longer in the sun. Sunscreen should always be used alongside seeking shade and covering up.“
Dr Burke advises to always check for these three things on the sunscreen bottle before applying:
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 and higher – SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks around 98%, so the higher the SPF number, the better.
- Look for broad-spectrum protection – If the label says broad-spectrum protection, then the sunscreen protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays
- Expiry date – Most sunscreens have a shelf life of two to three years, so ensure your sunscreen has not expired before you use it. Active ingredients can become less effective, so checking the expiry date is vital.
5. Apply sunscreen effectively
Dr Burke highlights how “Sunscreen should always be applied to clean, dry skin as it will be able to absorb properly and offer optimal protection.
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every 2 hours or more frequently if you’re sweating, exercising, or swimming. It is important to be aware of the need to reapply any sunscreen after swimming. As no sunscreen is completely waterproof, and will wear off after exposure to water. Even water-resistant sunscreens, which are designed to remain effective for a certain period of time after water exposure, need to be regularly applied.”
