Wondering how to stay safe in the sun in Birmingham and Beyond?
As lockdown measures are easing, we know that you may be looking to jet off, or enjoy the warmer weather closer to home. Wherever you are, it is important to remain vigilant when it comes to sun safety. We have compiled this useful guide to help you stay safe in the sun in Birmingham and beyond, aiding your vitamin D intake whilst protecting yourself from the sun’s more harmful effects.
Why do I need to stay safe in the sun?
Prolonged sun exposure could result in sunburn, which, according to the NHS, subsequently increases your risk of skin cancer. Despite popular misconceptions, you do not have to be abroad in a tropical destination in order to get sunburnt. It is in fact possible to get burnt in the UK, even when it appears to be cloudy. Therefore, we recommend that you get into the habit of applying daily facial SPF, even in winter, in order to protect the exposed parts of your body from sun damage.
What factor SPF should I use?
SPF ratings range on a scale from 2-50+, depending on the level of protection they offer. 50+ offers the strongest protection against UVB.
When you are looking to purchase sunscreen, it is important that you look for a sun protection factor of at least 30 for the best protection against UVB. Moreover, the label should offer at least 4-star UVA (ultraviolet A) protection. The UVA star rating goes up to 5 stars. UVA protection can also be confirmed through the presence of “UVA” in a circle, which indicates that it meets the EU SPF standard.
Additionally, it is important to check whether the sunscreen is past its expiry date. Generally, they will have a shelf life of 2-3 years.
How much sunscreen should I put on?
You should apply 2 teaspoons of sunscreen for just your arms, head and neck if you’re an adult, and 2 tablespoons to cover your entire body with a swimming costume on. The amount of sunscreen you apply affects the level of protection offered. Therefore, if you are concerned that you may not be applying enough of a lower SPF, you could switch to a higher SPF. Further guidance regarding SPF application can be found on the NHS website.
Tips to help you stay safe in the sun
According to the NHS, you should not solely rely on sunscreen for sun protection. If you are looking to practise sun safety, there are number of methods you can follow alongside applying SPF regularly. These include:
– Spending time in the shade when the sun is at its highest point. Usually, this is between 11am and 3pm in the UK, between March and October.
– Ensuring that you are vigilant with sunscreen, using at least factor 30.
– Taking extra care to protect your children.
– Covering up using appropriate clothing and sunglasses
How can we help you stay safe in the sun in Birmingham?
At Saydon Pharmacy, your health and wellbeing is our top priority. That is why we offer a range of sun-related skincare products, from SPF to aftersun. Our pharmacy team are also available to offer professional advice, whenever you need it. Let us help you so that you can get back to doing what’s important – relaxing and enjoying your time in the sun, safely!
Call or visit us in store for guidance and let us take care of the rest!
This blog post was written on behalf of Saydon Pharmacy by Carla Moore from Pharmacy Mentor.