Sun Protection on Holiday

The family holiday is an exciting occasion. Yet amidst the fun of preparing and packing, it is important to make sure your family has sun protection for your vacation. One of the most essential items to have for any holiday is a high protection factor sun cream.

Protecting your skin from the sun

One of the other most important ways to protect your family on holiday is to make sure they do not get sunburnt, especially crucial if you are holidaying in a hot climate.

Children's skin and that of the elderly, in particular, are sensitive and prone to burning, so pay special attention to more vulnerable members of the family.

Sunscreen is widely available and affordable, and will provide the best protection from ultraviolet radiation.

Skin damage from the sun

Sunburn is a common problem from over exposure to the sun's rays or not wearing adequate sunscreen protection.

As well as painful, sore and red skin, sunburn can cause blisters. Long-term damage can result in premature ageing, freckles, age spots and dilated blood vessels.

More seriously, it can lead to skin cancer. Cases of skin cancer have risen hugely in recent years due to sun damage, which could have been prevented, so protecting your skin is now more important than ever.

Sun protection factor

Fortunately there are lots of ways you can play safely in the sun without damaging your skin. The hottest times of the day are between midday and 3pm, so it is important to avoid over-exposure from the sun during these times.

Either stay in the shade or cover up your skin with clothes, while ensuring to put on the highest (SPF) factor sunscreen. There are lots of sunscreen products designed for adults and children.

Never use a SPF lower than 30 or 50 on children's skin. The higher the SPF, the longer you are protected in the sun, but it is still wise to reapply sunscreen regularly. Some sunscreens are available as lotions or creams, as well as sprays or roll-ons.

Whatever you choose, make sure that the sunscreen is both UVA and UVB protective, as well as waterproof, so that your skin is still protected when you are in the sea or swimming pool.

One of the easiest ways people get caught out is on windy or cloudy days, when it might not feel as hot.

You can still burn on these days, so stay protected at all times.