Skin protection

When it comes to sun exposure, the effects that they can have can both be immediate and long-term. Short-term damage can show up as sunburn, redness, and irritation, which can be painful and increase sensitivity. 

However, long-term consequences could be more serious. Repeated exposure to UV rays can accelerate premature ageing, which could lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, and increase the risk of skin cancer over time.^{Footnote [1]}

Some people might think that skin protection is only needed when it’s hot and sunny or while you’re on holiday abroad. But UV radiation is present all year-round, even in the UK. 

Making sure you apply skincare daily can help reduce skin damage. Rather than reserving it for beach days, you should try to make it part of your everyday routine by applying it in the morning.

Practicing good sun safety starts at being aware of when the UV is at its strongest. In the UK, this is typically between 11am and 3pm from March to October, when the sun’s rays are powerful enough to cause skin damage. ^{Footnote [2]}

When you’re outside, making sure you’re seeking shade and covering up, can be simple but effective ways to protect your skin. Sitting under trees, umbrellas, or canopies can help reduce direct UV exposure. It can also help to wear protective clothing like long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses, which can help add an extra layer of defence.

While suncream is an essential part of sun protection, it shouldn’t be relied on in isolation. The NHS emphasises that suncream should be used alongside shade and clothing, not as a way to stay in the sun for longer. ^{Footnote [2]} Using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher can help protect you against both UVA and UVB rays but combining it with other protective measures can give you the most effective defence against damage.

It’s even more important to consider those whose skin might need extra care. Children’s skin is more sensitive, making them particularly vulnerable to sunburn and long-term damage. Older adults or those with sensitive or fair skin can also burn easier and may need additional precautions like staying in the shade and avoiding going out at peak times during the summer.

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a suncream protects your skin from UVB rays, the type of ultraviolet radiation primarily responsible for sunburn. Simply, the higher SPF number, the greater the level of protection against UVB exposure.

However, UVB is only part of the picture. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation that can affect your skin, UVA and UVB. UVB can damage the outer layer of your skin and is what causes sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper, contributing to premature ageing like wrinkles and pigmentation. It can also play a role in the development of skin cancer.

If you’re wearing suncream on a daily basis, you’ll want to opt for a broad-spectrum suncream with SPF 30. ^{Footnote [2]} 

A common mistake when it comes to suncream is underapplying. As a rule of thumb, adults should use around a shot glass (about 30ml) to cover your entire body. ^{Footnote [2]}

You should apply at least 15-30 minutes before you’re exposed to the sun to allow it to fully bind to the skin. And then reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying, even if the product is labelled as water resistant. ^{Footnote [2]} 

Your lifestyle can also make a difference to your skin. Making sure you’re staying hydrated can help maintain your overall body function, as well as eating a healthy balanced diet.

Does smoking damage your skin?

Smoking can affect your body in many ways, and this can include changes to your skin:

• It can make your skin age faster, causing wrinkling and sagging.
• It reduces oxygen to your skin, which can leave it looking tired and dull.
• It can make skin conditions worse. ^{Footnote [3]}

The good news is that these effects can improve when you stop smoking. NHS guidance highlights that circulation can improve after quitting, which can then help deliver more oxygen to the skin. ^{Footnote [3]}