Summer Skin Protection

"I didn't even burn!" - I seem to be hearing similar phrases to this every time we're lucky enough to experience some sun in England. It is not okay. Everyone knows that the sun is damaging but it seems like these days we all just thing "it won't happen to me" however that is not a risk we should be happy to take.

Now I know, people look at me, a very fair skinned girl, and think that when I try and tell them about the sun's damage that I'm being bitter. Indeed I'm sure I'd look slimmer with a tan as much as the next person but it's just never going to happen. You might think that my motivation for intense skin protection is my white skin but in fact it is from members of my family who have suffered the effects of sun damage on her skin. In our youth we have gorgeous, firm, smooth skin and this is not going to last forever but we have complete control over the extent of this.

The Facts:

• Any change in skin colour is it illustrating damage. Be than burn OR tan. You may think it's a 'healthy glow' 
• Sun cream does not have 100% UV protection however the percentage does increase the higher the factor.
• The darker your skin, the better it is at protecting itself from UV damage, probably a reason people with darker skin think they're safer without sun cream. However this does kind of let the serious tanners off a bit because they are slightly better naturally protected.
• Sun cream takes about 30 minutes to actually form a layer of protection. For example if you go outside at 11am and apply your suncream then, you're completely bare from any protection for the first 30 minutes.
• Even if it's cloudy, UV rays will still filter through.
• Waterproof sun creams still need to be applied after being in the water despite the name's suggestion.
• Moles and freckles increase the risk of skin cancer. (I didn't intend for the cheesy rhyme but) if in doubt, get them checked out.
• Fake tan can be okay. Look into it yourself if you're into that. Oh and I seem to read it everywhere so maybe people aren't aware but fake tan does not have any sun protection in it.

How can we protect our skin and ourselves?

• Suncream. I'm not a fan of the smell of suncream, I always end up putting my hands in my mouth or something and tasting it which is pretty gross and the feeling of being greasy and stick is unpleasant. However I will say it can make your skin look all glow-y in the sun. Factors 30 and above have 97% and above blockage of UV rays. 
• Moisturiser. Kind of similar to sun cream but try and select one with an SPF then you're protected first thing in the morning and it's less sticky than applying sun cream to the face.
• Sunglasses. Ensure they aren't just clear lenses and do have UV protection as the area around your eyes is very sensitive and it's a much better option than getting sun cream in your eye.
• Hats. I bought a massive floppy hat for my holiday last year and although I looked pretty stupid I did find it a good bit of protection when the sun was at it's brightest and I wasn't applying layers and layers of sun cream. Particularly on holiday, when are you going to ever see these people again that have seen you in an embarrassing hat?
• Clothing. Some people have body's like a Victoria's Secret model or like David Beckham in that underwear modelling for H&M, some people don't. Either way, it's not sensible for anyone to be strutting around with their top's off all day/every day when the sun pops out. There isn't a person around who doesn't own a lightweight t-shirt or a thin shirt that you can throw on and off when things hot up or use to cover your legs if they're being directly hit for a considerable amount of time. I'd never say go out in a full tracksuit all day, but for the more sun damaging moments it's a quick and easy option to stop the rays from penetrating.
• Shade. If it's hot enough (wishful thinking) you will still get just enough enjoyment from the weather in the shade as you will in the sun, without the risks. 
• Avoidance. Somehow 11am-3pm is the most appealing time of day to be outside but it is the most dangerous. There is something absolutely lovely about a breakfast in the garden with the sun shining or an evening with a barbecue so take greater advantage of these times than the harsher hours.

SunSmart is an amazing website from Cancer Research UK who basically say what I have done but with much more knowledge and probably better wording. It also tackles things I haven't here like sunbeds and sun burn so check that out for more!

Thank you for reading and let's hope for lots of sunshine :)