Stay safe in the sunshine this summer
1. Wear sunscreen every day
Sunburn can happen in as little as 15 minutes, even on overcast days so get in the habit of always wearing sun protection. Research shows one in two sunburns occur during activities such as gardening, reading, picnics in the park or having a barbecue — far higher than those who get sunburnt at the beach or pool.
2. SPF30 or SPF50+
Does a bigger number on the bottle mean more protection? According to scientists SPF50+ only offers marginally better UVB protection than SPF30+. Always use sunscreens that are water-resistant and SPF30+ or above.
3. Apply correctly
Use one teaspoon of sunscreen per limb, another for the front and back of the torso, and half a teaspoon on your face and neck. Don’t forget lips, ears, around the eyes, neck, scalp, lower back and backs of hands.
4. Reapply frequently
Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, and always after sweating, swimming, or drying off with a towel.
5. Cover Up
Using sunscreen alone is never enough. Wear a long-sleeved top, wrap-around sunglasses and a hat with a broad brim that will protect your ears and your neck.
6. Seek shade
Where possible, take breaks in the shade, especially during times of peak UV radiation (11am-3pm).
7. Stay hydrated
We lose around 2.5 litres of fluid daily through a combination of breathing, sweating and urination. The hotter it is, the more we sweat and the more fluids we need to replace.