Sun Smart

 
Be safe in the sun - the best form of protection is defence.
 
Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm when it is at its strongest and if you have to be out cover up with sun lotion, light clothes, hat and sunglasses.
 
Always use a sun lotion with an SPF factor of at least 15 but the higher the better. Fair skinned people and children should use a factor 40.
 
Put sun lotion on BEFORE make up, moisturiser or insect repellent
 
Ensure you cover all parts of your body with sun lotion including face, hands and neck and don’t forget your feet and ears.
 
Apply lotion at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every couple of hours. Remember that you have reduced protection in the water. Consider using a waterproof sun lotion or covering up with a tee shirt.
 
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much alcohol when in the sun.
 
Affected By The Sun?

Sunburn
• If you follow the Sun Smart advice you should greatly
reduce your risk of sunburn. However if you do become burnt or even a little red, Calamine lotion will cool the skin and reduce itching. There are also many after-sun lotions and sprays which will both cool and moisturise the skin.
• Sunburnt skin should be kept cool, DO NOT put oils and creams on the area as this can intensify the burn. A cool shower or lukewarm bath can help.
• If you have run out of lotion a quick remedy to cool the skin is plain yoghurt liberally applied.
• In the case of sunburn, drink plenty of fluids but avoid
alcohol and avoid further exposure to the sun.
 
Prickly Heat
• Prickly heat is an allergic reaction to the sunlight. If you are prone to prickly heat, you should avoid the sun and use a high factor sun lotion or sun block. Wear a cotton tee shirt and keep the skin cool. Take an antihistamine tablet to
reduce the irritation. As your skin acclimatises to the sun, your tendency towards prickly heat should reduce.
 
Know Your SPF Factor
 
 • The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sun lotions refers to the protection against Ultra Violet B (UVB) rays.
 • With no protection, most people’s skin will start to burn after 10 minutes exposure to the sun. The SPF factor
allows you to sunbathe for longer without burning
 • For example, an SPF 8 lotion allows approximately 8 times longer sun exposure. So if you normally burn in 10 minutes, an SPF 8 will allow you to stay in the sun for
8 x 10 minutes or 80 minutes. After this time you should cover up rather than re-applying sun lotion as you have reached your maximum time for exposure to the sun. You cannot simply re-apply the sun lotion for another 80
minutes. If you want to be in the sun for longer, you should choose a lotion with a higher sun protection factor.
 • The time it takes for your unprotected skin to burn will vary according to skin type and you should re-apply sun
lotion on a regular basis up to your maximum time for
exposure. After your maximum time for exposure you should cover up.
 • Some sun lotion products are
labelled ‘broad spectrum’ and
protect against both UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and can trigger allergies and cause premature ageing and wrinkling.

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