As the UK braces for a scorching heatwave with temperatures rising above 30°C, it's vital to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. With further hot weather expected across the country this week, many people will be heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. However, it is crucial to ensure you are adequately protected from the sun.
Choosing the right sunscreen can be confusing. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB.
UVA Rays
UVA rays are extremely powerful and remain present even during cloudy weather. They can pass through glass and clouds, penetrating deeply into your skin. These rays cause long-term damage, including wrinkles, sunspots, and skin cancer.
UVB Rays
UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn and reddened skin. While they do not penetrate as deeply as UVA rays, they are equally harmful and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.
Both types of rays cause harm, and SPF provides your defence against them. SPF stands for "sun protection factor" and indicates the degree of protection offered against these rays. For example, if you typically burn after 10 minutes, an SPF 15 should theoretically protect you for 150 minutes. However, in practice, general wear reduces the protection.
Perspiration, movement, and friction from clothes can strip away sunscreen, making it essential to reapply every two hours, regardless of the SPF level.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
The NHS advises using a sun protection factor of at least 30 to guard against UVB rays, along with a minimum of four-star UVA protection. UVA protection may also be identified by the letters "UVA" enclosed in a circle, indicating that the product meets EU standards.
Sunscreen alone is not sufficient. During the hottest periods of the day, seeking shade is strongly recommended. To properly shield yourself from sunburn, combine sunscreen with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that adequately covers both your face and neck.
