Safe Sun

Safety: Safe sun

Have a healthy respect for the sun on a beach holiday. Keep the spectre of skin cancer at bay by sticking to the basics - slap on the sun cream, slip on a hat and shades and wear a long-sleeved top when temperatures soar around midday.

Protect yourself

Know your skin type and get a sun cream to suit it. Some lotions can irritate the skin. Use no less than SPF 15 for the first few days of a holiday, when the skin is most sensitive.
If you're desperate for a deep tan, get a head start before your holiday to reduce the time you spend in direct sunlight. Try natural methods such as medically approved tanning pills or creams.
Keep reapplying sun cream. It's easy to forget to do this after swimming, water sports and other beach activities.

Warning signs

As a rule, UV rays are most intense between 11am and 3pm. Don't stay in direct sunlight for more than 30 minutes at a time. If you experience any of the following, you're probably suffering from overexposure and dehydration.
• You scrunch up your face and the skin feels taut
• You feel light-headed or have a headache
• Pressing your fingertips into your skin leaves white splotches
• Facing direct sunlight makes your skin feel sore
• You are constantly thirsty
• Being touched makes your skin 'sting'

Combating sunburn and heatstroke

The moment you think you've been overexposed to the sun, retreat to the shade or cover up and wear a hat and sunglasses. Otherwise the discomfort of sunburn will increase and you could cause long-term damage to your skin. Headaches and shivers, in and out of the sun, are classic signs of heatstroke.
• If you feel light-headed or have a headache, drink water immediately
• Apply after-sun lotion regularly to soothe burnt skin
• Cut back on alcohol, which dehydrates further
• Stay out of the sun

Babies and children

Use sun block SPF 30 or above for babies and young children. SPF 30 waterproof creams are ideal for active youngsters. Remember to reapply lotions regularly, especially when swimming.
• Have your child drink water regularly
• Keep checking their backs, shoulders, ears and faces
• Avoid chapped lips by applying balms with a high SPF
• Make sure your child or baby has a hat