We get it, everyone loves basking in the when it's shining. It feels nice on the skin, you get a little glow on and soak up some Vitamin D. We hate to break it to you, but sunbathing also poses the risk of sunburn, skin ageing and skin cancer.
Why the Sun is Harmful
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be harmful to our skin and eyes. While a little sunlight is essential for life and helps our bodies produce vitamin D, excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause several health issues:
Sunburn: UVB rays cause sunburn, which can damage the skin and lead to longer term issues and skin sensitivities.
Premature Ageing: UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to premature ageing, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.
Skin Cancer: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
How to Stay Safe
1. Use Sunscreen:
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
2. Wear Protective Clothing:
Wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin. Look for clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) label for added safety.
3. Wear Sunglasses:
Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from damage.
4. Seek Shade:
Stay in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.
5. Avoid Sunbeds:
The use of sunbeds is on the rise, particularly among 18-24 year olds. Sunbeds emit harmful UV radiation that can increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin ageing.
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial when spending time in the sun. Dehydration can happen quickly, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
6. Don't Bake it, Fake it!
Don't forget, you can get a gorgeous, natural-looking tan without spending hours under harmful UV rays or sunbeds.
Our skin-loving tanning solutions provide a safer alternative that protects your skin's health. Plus, you can maintain a radiant tan regardless of the season.
Our wide range of formats, from our Wonder Serum to Body Glow Gradual Tanner suit everyone, whether you're an experienced Thursday tanner or nervous newbie, meaning your skin can look beautifully bronzed all year round.
Conclusion
Staying safe in the sun requires a combination of protective measures. By applying sunscreen properly, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade and staying hydrated, you can ensure that you enjoy the summer sun safely. Remember, choosing a fake tan will also give you that confidence-boosting glow without baking in the sun.
For more advice on sun safety, read this from the British Skin Foundation: