Staying Safe in the Sun

How to Stay Safe in the Sun

DO:

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
• Wear a hat, long sleeves, and sunglasses.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• Take extra care with children.
• Drink lots of water to stay cool.

DON’T:

• Stay out too long in strong sun.
• Rely only on sunscreen – cover up too!
• Forget to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

What Sunscreen Should I Use?

• Look for SPF 30 or higher.
• Look for 4 or 5 UVA stars or a “UVA” mark in a circle.
• Make sure it’s in date!
• Use 6 to 8 teaspoons for your whole body.

How to Put On Sunscreen

1. Apply 30 minutes before going outside.
2. Apply again just before you go out.
3. Put it on your face, neck, ears, and anywhere not covered by clothes.
4. Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming, sweating, or drying with a towel.

Protect Your Eyes

• Wear sunglasses with wraparound lenses.
• Choose ones with the CE mark.
• Never look directly at the sun!

What to Do If You Get Sunburn

1. Gently cool your skin with water.
2. Use aftersun lotion (like aloe vera).
3. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain.
4. Stay out of the sun until your skin heals.
5. Get medical help if your skin swells badly or blisters.

A woman in a grey shirt wipes her forehead and looks tired under a bright sun in a blue sky.

Who Should Take Extra Care?

Take more care in the sun if you:

• Have fair skin, red or blonde hair, or lots of freckles
• Have lots of moles
• Have a skin condition
• Are in a hot country or on holiday
• Have a family history of skin cancer

Even people with darker skin can get sunburn and skin cancer. Everyone should stay safe in the sun!

Keep an Eye on Your Skin

Tell your doctor if you notice:

• A new mole or lump
• A mole that changes size, shape, or colour

This could be a sign of skin cancer. Early treatment is best!