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Top sun safety tips for protecting your skin 

Top sun safety tips for protecting your skin

Safe sun for the body Long days by the pool or on the beach are part and parcel of a summer holiday but too much sun exposure can be harmful to your skin. Here’s what you need to know about sun safety and how to ensure your body is adequately protected – whether you’re on the beach, by the pool or sightseeing with the family.

Be aware when the sun is at its strongest

The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm so it’s advisable to not sit or lie directly in the sun around this time. Make sure you’re wearing a hat and apply a high-factor broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and body at regular intervals – especially if you’re getting in and out of the water or feel sweaty from the heat. Children and those with very fair skin are particularly at risk of sunburn so try to cover up with light layers and stay in the shade.

Avoid tanning

Lying directly in the sun with an aim to tan is dangerous and can cause serious skin damage. UVB rays (ultra violet B) are more powerful in the summer months when the sun is at its strongest and also responsible for tanning and burning the skin. They are also play the greatest role in the formation of skin cancer. UVA rays also play a major role in skin damage and penetrate much deeper into the skin than UVB which is why it’s so important to protect the skin adequately from both with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you want to still enjoy a holiday glow, invest in a spray tan or apply a good quality fake tan every few days throughout your holiday.

How to apply sunscreen

For sunscreen to work properly, you should apply it at least 15 minutes before you expose yourself to the sun. While it’s tempting to rush outside and enjoy the sunshine, your skin can be damaged in just 15 minutes so layer up before doing anything else. Cloudy day? You still need sunscreen. UVA rays are present all year around and can penetrate through clouds, glass and water and will still cause skin damage even when the sun isn’t shining.

Top tip: Don’t forget to make sure you apply sunscreen to your hands, feet and ears.

Finding the best sunscreen for you

Finding a sunscreen suited to your skin type will help you to make sure your body stays comfortable all day long. Vichy’s Solar Protective Waters come in a range of formulas that provide the skin with extra hydration and antioxidants, in addition to broad-spectrum protection. Choose from SPF 30 or SPF 50 and don’t forget to reapply at regular intervals throughout the day.

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