Suncare – precautions

The sun is there to be enjoyed. We all love to be outside in the sunlight, enjoying activities and the sense of well-being it evokes.

To be able to enjoy ourselves properly, we do need to take some sensible precautions.
This is particularly relevant when we go on holiday, especially to hotter climates, when we intend to spend a greater time in the sun. Overexposure to the sun will produce ‘sunburn’, this will not help us to get the most out of that long awaited holiday.

So, the golden rule is ‘Avoid Sunburn’

The following suggestions will help you to avoid sunburn:-

Wherever possible
1) Seek shade
2) Put on suitable clothing
3) Wear a hat
4) Apply ‘sunscreen’ regularly
5) Avoid sunbathing during the hours of 11am to 3pm

Do try to limit your time in the sun between the hours of 11am to 3pm, this is when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. If you need to be in the sun during these hours, ensure you cover up as much as possible, wear a hat and slap on the sunscreen.

For those of you who prefer to get a suntan, we suggest you visit our webpage under the heading ‘suntans’ for further advice.

CHILDREN & BABIES
Take extra special care with children and babies. Their skin is thinner and more delicate than adults.
Babies have more skin surface relative to their body mass than an adult, this makes sunburn more serious. They can’t tell you when they’re too hot or the sun is too bright, nor can they physically move themselves out of the sun. Keep babies out of direct sunlight to prevent skin damage and dehydration.
WARNING: do not apply sunscreens to babies 6 months old or younger. Keep them in the shade and dress them in suitable clothing.

Sunglasses: The sun can cause damage to your eyes. Choose a pair on sunglasses that block all UV light and that also incorporate a ‘blue’ light filter, sometimes called ‘blueblockers’. Blue light initiates the release of free radicals in the eyes, this has been linked to macular degeneration, this filter will help protect against this.

Note: For those planning a visit to a water park. Many water parks have insufficient shade and a good deal of the day will be spent in the sun. It is important to take and keep some clothing with you, a hat is a must. An extra towel will come in handy to cover up your legs and feet and take plenty of sunscreen, apply this more regularly as the abrasion of the rides will reduce their effect. If possible take your own portable sunshade.

Although this means more weight to carry, believe us, it’s far more comfortable than the effects of being caught without shade.