How to stay safe in the sun on your summer holiday

Every summer, thousands of Brits travel abroad to enjoy the sunshine. For some, hot weather and brilliant sunshine are the key ingredients to the perfect summer holiday.

In order to enjoy the sun properly, it's important to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Getting burnt to a crisp can be uncomfortable and harmful to your health. Too much sun exposure can also lead to heatstroke.

Protecting yourself in the sun

  • Don't allow yourself to get sunburnt
  • Keep out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day - between 11am and 3pm
  • Apply plenty of high factor, water resistant sunscreen prior to sun exposure and reapply after swimming
  • Avoid prolonged periods of sun exposure - wearing sunscreen doesn't mean you can spend endless hours in the sun
  • Apply a high factor lip balm to protect your lips
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays
  • Wear a sunhat - it'll protect your face and it can be a great fashion statement!
  • Wear loose clothing so the sun can't get to your skin
  • Keep your shoulders covered
  • Seek shade if you start to feel unwell
  • Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
  • Keep an eye on your moles - if they start to look larger or a different colour consult your doctor
  • Take extra care of babies and young children in the sun as their delicate skin is more likely to burn
  • Protect your skin while you are young to reduce the leathery, wrinkled effect your skin will take on when you are older due to too much sun exposure
  • Wear sunscreen on the slopes when you are skiing - remember that you don't have to be in a hot country to catch sunburn

Sunburn increases the risk of catching skin cancer. Stay safe in the sun by protecting your skin. If your skin is protected, and you avoid sunburn and heatstroke, then you are more likely to have a relaxing and enjoyable summer holiday.

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