Long Hot Summer: Staying Safe in the Sun

Most people will want to make the most of the warm summer months by using the soaring temperatures to get a sun-kissed tan, whether that’s abroad or here in the UK. 

The sun is guaranteed to put everyone in a good mood, people become carefree and just want to soak it up all day!

There’s nothing better than a clear-blue sky and the hot summer sun, but sadly, here in Britain, we don’t get many of those days. This makes it easy to forget the risks associated with sun exposure however, UV rays are the number one cause of skin cancer. As well as this, overexposure to the sun can also result in sun burn and even heat stroke.

We explore ways you can protect yourself and your family by staying safe in the sun.

Sun Cream

Sun cream is designed to protect your skin from UV rays emitted by the sun. It is advised that you use a sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above. A value lower than this will often claim that the product will protect your skin from burning but not from the harmful rays that have been known to cause melanoma skin cancer.

SPF measures how well the sun cream protects the skin from UVB rays which are the main cause of sunburn. The UVA seal indicates that a product also protects against UVA rays. Since both types of ultraviolet radiation have been linked to cancer, you should look out for this when purchasing sun cream. The UVA seal will look like a logo on the product with ‘UVA’ inside a circle.

Sunglasses

The sun has the potential to not only damage your skin but also your eyesight. It is therefore just as important to shield your eyes from the sun as it is to protect your skin. You can do this by remembering to wear sunglasses.

Although not all sunglasses are designed for this purpose, it is important to consider how well your sunglasses will block UV rays before purchasing them and you can usually find this information attached to the item.

It is advised to look for sunglasses that protect you from 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light. Both UVA and UVB rays can tan yet harm the skin. UVA, however, has been found to penetrate the skin deeper and does not get filtered as easily. This heightens the risk factor for developing skin cancer and can be harmful, even on a cloudy day.

Similarly, you can opt for a hat that offers protection from the sun, or opt for extra protection and wear both. 

Finding shade

Generally, the sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm so whenever possible, during this time do not forget to take a break and find some shade.

Hydration

Heat causes the body to sweat more, meaning you're losing more bodily fluids at a quicker rate. This simple reason is why it’s important to stay hydrated when you’re in the sun, so remember to drink plenty of cold water even if you don’t feel thirsty!

Holiday First Aid Kit

If you’re going on holiday, a first aid kit may not be at the top of your priorities when it comes to preparing and packing your suitcase. However, a first aid kit is essential and ensuring you arrive at your destination equipped will put you at ease in the event of an accident.

Depending on where you’re travelling to will determine what you need to pack in your holiday first aid kit, but packing the following items will ensure you’re prepared for almost any minor, holiday accident: 

•             Plasters

•             Bandages

•             Tweezers

•             Aloe Vera gel

•             After sun lotion

•             Insect repellent

•             Skin rash cream

•             Hay fever medicine

•             Painkillers

Stay Safe

Whilst it’s important to have fun and enjoy the Summer, it is equally as important to ensure you are staying safe. This means taking the necessary precautions in ensuring you and others around you are kept safe in the sun.

Being British makes it easy to enjoy the sun, so where will you be catching the rays this year? Are you opting for a summer holiday on a far-away shore or a staycation to make the most of the anticipated British sun? Head on over to our Twitter page @imptraining and let us know your summer plans for this year.