Be safe in the sun

Britain seems to be a nation of sun worshippers. Every summer, you will find thousands upon thousands of people flocking to airports up and down the country in order to head abroad for a couple of weeks lying on a beach or by a pool, soaking up the suns rays.

Many people will argue that they look (and feel) better with a tan, but I’m sure we all have our own stories of how we fell asleep and got sunburned or tales of people we saw on holiday who looked like lobsters. While it may make for an amusing tale, there are risks that come with overexposure to the sun, not least that excessive sun might cause skin cancer.

According to the British Skin Foundation, 200 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK every day. However, as many as four out of five cases are preventable – and taking proper care in the sun can help.

Know your skin type

The type of skin you have is determined by your genes and affects how your skin will react in the sun and how likely you are to develop skin cancer. The British Skin Foundation and the British Association of Dermatologists classify people into the following skin types:

• Type I have pale skin, burn very easily and rarely tan. They generally have light coloured hair or red hair and freckles
• Type II usually burn but may gradually tan. They are likely to have light hair, and blue or brown eyes. Some may have dark hair but still have fair skin.
• Type III burn with long exposure to the sun but generally tan quite easily. They usually have a light, olive skin with dark hair and brown or green eyes.
• Type IV burn with very lengthy exposures but always tan easily as well. They usually have brown eyes and dark hair.
• Type V have a naturally brown skin, with brown eyes and dark hair. They burn only with excessive exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens easily.
• Type VI have black skin with dark brown eyes and black hair. They burn only with extreme exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens very easily.

Protect your skin

According to the British Skin Foundation, Types I and II are at the most risk of developing skin cancer, so need to take particular care in the sun. They offer the following advice for ALL people wanting to enjoy the sun safely.

• In sunny weather, seek shade between 11am and 3pm – this is when the sun is at its most intense.
• Wear sun lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that also provides UVA protection, and reapply frequently. Make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle – in most cases that will mean applying 30 minutes before you go into the sun. And make sure that you use generously.
• Cover up with clothing and don’t forget to wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears.
• Never let your skin burn, whatever your skin type.
• Kids need extra care – use high sunscreen, clothing and shade.
• Keep babies out of the sun.

Eye protection

You should also not forget that your eyes could be damaged by too much exposure to the sun. Make sure that you wear sunglasses when you are outside. But ensure that your sunglasses provide UV protection – they should be clearly marked when you buy them.

By following these basic rules you should not only make sure your holiday isn’t spoiled by painful sunburn, but you could also protect yourself from something more distressing further down the line.

Related information

Winter sun – suggestions for short haul or long haul trips to take to escape the British winter

Beat jet lag – tips for reducing the stress of the journey and getting your body used to a new time zone

Last-minute travel – factors to consider when you book a holiday at the last minute