| | Box 11.2 SunSmart – advice on sun protection and prevention of skin cancer
Sunburn can greatly increase the risk of skin cancer. Do not let yourself be caught out – use shade, clothing and sun protection factor15+ (SPF15+) sunscreen to protect you.
Sunburn – Don’t let sunburn catch you out. Whether at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and SPF15+ sunscreen to protect your skin.
Clothes and sunglasses – Cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
Sunscreens – Buy sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreens with a star rating of four stars or more. An SPF 15 is advised as it represents the best balance between protection and price and provides over 90% protection.
Sun beds – Are not a safe alternative to tanning. The more you use a sun bed the greater your risk of skin cancer. Using a sun bed once a month or more can increase your risk of skin cancer by more than half. So when the tan fades, the damage remains.
UV index – Know your skin type and work out your risk of burning. Check the UV Index for the day on the Met Office website (www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/europe/ europe_uv.html). Keep out of the midday sun (12.00–15.00 hrs) and seek the shade.
Vitamin D – Amount of sun needed to make enough vitamin D is always less than the higher amounts that cause tanning or sunburn.
Fake tan – If you really want to change the colour of your skin, it is safer to use a fake tan product on your skin than tan out in the sun or under a sun bed. Fake tan does not protect your skin from the sun.
Protecting children – Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. All children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun and are at risk.
Working outdoors – Protecting yourself if you work outside during the day. Try to avoid unnecessary midday sun exposure, cover up and use sunscreen. | |
