The October half term is almost upon us, and whether you’re planning to treat the whole family to a beach break abroad or a quiet staycation in a remote corner of the UK, it’s important that your skin is adequately shielded from the sun’s harmful rays. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the five essential ways to protect your skin this half term.
Choose the right SPF
The most important thing to consider when it comes to sunscreen is the Sun Protection Factor. It is the measure of the sunscreen’s ability to filter UVB rays and is displayed on the front of the bottle. You should consider your skin type, hair colour and location when choosing an SPF product. However, we recommend always using an SPF30 product or higher at the start of sun exposure to allow your body time to adjust to the warmer temperatures.
Cover your entire body
When it comes to sun safety, it’s not enough to simply buy the correct sunscreen. A recent survey by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) found that misapplication of sunscreen, particularly on the head and neck, dramatically increases people’s risk of developing skin cancer. We miss on average 10 per cent of our faces when we apply sunscreen, which is why it is so important to also use other forms of protection such as sun hats and sunglasses.
Apply sunscreen liberally
A key element of sunscreen application is to apply a sufficient amount, about 35ml, to ensure you’re completely protected. We recommend applying it to clean dry skin, at least 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. If you’re using a Once a Day product, then you only need to apply it 15 minutes before.
Re-apply every two hours
If you’re using a regular sunscreen, such as our Press and Protect Sun Lotion, you will need to remember to re-apply it every two hours and straight after swimming, sweating or towelling to maintain a high level of protection. If you’re planning to spend the entire day outdoors, it’s useful to set a reminder on your phone, so you don’t lose track of time and forget to re-apply.
Seek shade
As crucial as it is to apply sunscreen regularly and correctly, it is also essential to take breaks throughout the day and spend some time in the shade, especially when the sun is at its strongest. In the UK, this is usually between 11am and 3pm from March to October. You should also make sure you stay hydrated by drinking at least two litres of water.
