Are you looking forward to getting that tan this year and keeping away those annoying summer pests? If so check out this quick and simple guide on how to remain safe in the sun and look after your health whilst looking good!
It's a sad fact that each year in the UK over 60,000 people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer. We don't intend to scare you off from getting that glowing tan, because there are plenty of things you can do to achieve one as safely as possible.
The internet is jam-packed with information on safe sun exposure but we thought we'd bring the information to you in one easy guide to help keep you safe this summer.
Sun Protection Factor
The most common misunderstanding concerning sun safety is the meaning of a cream's SPF (sun protection factor). Bupa explain this conundrum clearly:
SPFs are measured by timing how long skin covered with sunscreen takes to burn compared to uncovered skin. For example, SPF 15 means it will take 15 times longer to burn when wearing the sunscreen
Bupa have some very informative pages on sun exposure including information on RAFT's (Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust) investigations into UVB rays and those nasty UVA rays.
The Department of Health recommends that people use a broad spectrum sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher - in conjunction with other methods. These methods are listed below.
To stay safe in the sun:
- Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- Don't rely on sunscreen alone
- Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Wear sunglasses that block UV light to protect your eyes
- If on the beach, wear sun-protective clothing, including swimsuits and wetsuits
- Remember to take extra care with children's skin
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more
- Never burn, as sunburn causes permanent damage
If you are concerned about the risk of skin cancer the Bupa website has information on the symptoms to look out for and more importantly the causes. Their main advice is to go to see your doctor with any concerns you may have.
The Perfect Golden Tan
Want a 100% safe way to achieve that perfect golden tan? Why not get it from a bottle? The fake tan industry is booming as people are coming round to the idea of opting for that safe, sunless tan. With so many manufacturers out there it can become very confusing which one to use. There are tinted moisturisers, creams, lotions, sprays, mists and foams.
Where do you begin? Well, many people believe the more expensive, the better the outcome, explaining the popularity of brands like St Tropez, so it really is a question of trial and error. However, there is a great guide from the BBC on how to select, apply and maintain your streak-free safe sun tan with tips on skin preparation, application and even touch ups.
If you don't fancy self-application then there are plenty of salons around that will do it for you.
Skin Health
Skin health is of great importance at this time of year, regular exfoliating and moisturizing keeps the skin healthy and therefore more resilient to the elements. Using aftersun cream is recommended following exposure to the sun to help smooth and replenish skin. However, it cannot repair more serious skin damage like sunburn. If someone is suffering from sunburn keep him or her out of the sun (of course!). Then cool the skin with cool water and give them frequent sips of cold water.
Hay Fever
Another affliction that affects 20% of people in the UK is Hay fever; also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is caused by an allergy to airborne substances such as grass or hay pollens and affects the upper respiratory passages (nose, sinus, throat and eyes). More information is on the NHS website
The symptoms can be similar to a cold; a runny nose, watery eyes and repeated sneezing attacks. These symptoms happen as a result of your immune system overreacting to a normally harmless substance, pollen. The NHS say, "When your body comes into contact with pollen, cells in the lining of your nose, mouth and eyes release a chemical called histamine that triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Hay fever is most common during the spring and summer months, but when you get it depends on the type of pollens you are allergic to. During May and June, grass and flowers are in pollen, these are the most common source of hay fever. From March to May in the springtime the most common cause is tree pollen, and some even suffer into the autumn months due to weeds, late flowering plants and mould spores. Luckily there are plenty of things that you can do to help minimise your suffering.
The NHS website has some great prevention guides and information on medicine to take. They mainly recommend the following:
- Antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays
- Steroid nasal sprays and drops
- Eye drops
- A cream that blocks pollen
There is also a very comprehensive Q&A section there to help you with any questions you may have regarding hay fever.
Holiday Pests
Oh yes, those pesky little mosquitoes plague holidaymakers everywhere they go. There are all sorts of items on sale to help repel them; from scented candles and sprays to creams, smoke bombs and roll-ons. DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a very effective insect repellent. DEET forms the active part in most modern insect repellents, so ensure that the product you are buying contains it. You will need varying contents depending on where you are planning to go, for example if you intend to go to the tropics or a jungle, then a DEET content of around 50% is recommended. Generally though, products will contain around 20% DEET which is fine for most destinations.
For the treatment of bites and stings, it is recommended that you use something with a witch hazel extract in it, to provide effective and fast relief once a bite or sting has occurred. Most chemists, supermarkets and pharmacies sell repellents and bite/sting relief.
Retailers that have current sun care promotions
Boots are offering up to 1/3 off Ambre Solaire, up to 50% on Johnson and much more online and in store. Click here
Sainsbury's have many 2 for 1 offers on in their Suncare range online and instore, click here.
Tesco have lots of half price and special offers on skin care online and in store, click here.
Superdrug have a 'Stunning for Summer' BOGOF (buy one get one free) section on their homepage, and offers in store; click here.
We really hope this helps all you HelpHounders, to go on and have a great Summer, but just be aware of your health and remember to follow these simple guidelines for protecting your skin. (Or just nip down to the local shops and get your tan from a tin!)