Summer is almost here, which means many of us will be looking forward to getting outdoors.

Whilst here in the UK, there’s still a lot of unpredictability when it comes to the great British weather, the summer months offer a welcome break from endless rainfall. But the summer sunshine presents its own challenges.

The stronger sun and longer days bring increased exposure to damaging UV rays. Protecting your skin from the sun should be a top priority for people of all ages during the summer. Here’s how to do just that.

Invest in a good sunscreen

Sunscreen is one product no one should be without during summer. Blocking those harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is integral to the health of your skin and wider wellbeing in both the long and short term.

Use a good quality sunscreen, preferably a broad-spectrum product of SPF 15 or more, every day, even when the weather outside is overcast or cool.

By opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, you’ll filter both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation to realise the highest levels of sun protection.

Top up your sunscreen regularly, most require reapplication every 2 to 3 hours. Remember that swimming and sweating cause the sunscreen to become less effective.

Take care when using sun protection products from previous summers too. Most have a shelf life of two to three years so check the label.

Don’t forget to protect the delicate skin on your lips. In addition to sunscreen, add a coat of SPF 30-plus lip balm for additional protection.

Be smart about sun exposure

Where possible, you should avoid being outdoors during peak sunshine, which is between 11am and 3pm in most parts of the UK.

During these times, the sun is at its strongest and therefore most dangerous. You don’t have to avoid time outdoors completely, just be smart about sun protection and seek out shade. 

Staying cool is important during hot weather. Limiting your time outdoors during these peak times will keep your body temperature manageable.

Dress with sun safety in mind

You’ve probably already got your summer outfits all planned out, but you should prepare carefully for particularly hot days.

Choose your ensemble based on sun protection, selecting long-sleeved t-shirts, and long trousers and skirts to ensure a higher level of protection against UV rays. Darker clothing is another way to up the sun protection factor.

Accessorise with a brimmed sun hat to cast shade on those areas that catch the sun all too easily, such as your face, ears, and the back of your neck.

Finish your look off with a pair of sunglasses, preferably good quality sunnies that block UVA and UVB rays.

Drink up to stay in tip-top condition

Those hot, sunny days can take it out of you, but you don’t have to let rising temperatures get you down when you’re out, about and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Drinking water is a top sun safety tip for all the family. We’ll let KidsHealth explain why:

“When you’re sweating, you lose water that your body needs to work properly. And if you’re playing a sport or running around in the sun, you lose even more water, because you sweat that much more.

So, drink up and don’t wait until you’re thirsty — drinking before you feel thirsty helps keep the water level in your body from dropping too low (dehydration) when it’s hot or you’re sweating a lot with exercise.”

Up your water intake during summer and beyond by reading our fun ways to get more water in your life.