BE SKIN SENSIBLE THIS SUMMER PART 1

Spending time in the sun is good for your health as it provides essential vitamin D. It’s pleasant to enjoy the sunshine, but too much exposure and heat can be dangerous. It is therefore important to know how to take care of yourself when outside during the summer holidays.

Everyone is at risk of sun damage, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable, particularly those with fair hair and skin, babies and children, outdoor workers, and people with a family history of skin cancer. Even a small amount of exposure to the sun can be damaging. It’s vital that all of us take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and actively reduce the risks of skin cancer.

Be UV-aware

UV levels vary with the seasons and time of day, but when it is three or above you need to protect your skin and eyes. We are also exposed to UV rays on overcast days.

Avoiding sunburn

Sunburn can be very unpleasant and may cause long-term skin damage. Just one episode of sunburn, especially in childhood, can double the lifetime risk of malignant melanoma. By following some simple steps, you can help protect yourself against the sun’s harmful UV rays:

• seek shade when the sun is at its strongest (11:00 and 15:00)

• cover-up with sunglasses and hat

• wear sunglasses that have close to a 100% UV protection

• use sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15

• apply sunscreen and lip balm 30 minutes before going out (remember areas such as your head, neck, ears and feet)

• re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.

Sunburn first aid

• if you have sunburn, get out and stay out of the sun

• sponge sore skin with cool water and apply after sun

• wear lightweight, loose clothes to avoid irritating the skin

• drink lots of luids

• relieve pain with ibuprofen or paracetamol

• get medical advice if you feel unwell, or if the skin blisters

Find the right SPF for your skin The sun protection factor (SPF) determines how efectively and how long a sun cream will protect your skin. Find the best suitable sun protection factor for your skin type. This is determined by the amount of time the skin can be exposed to the sun without getting sunburn. Depending on your skin type, location and the time of year, this is ive to 30 minutes on average.

A high sun protection factor (SPF) extends the pleasure of sunbathing and ensures you get a healthy tan. SPFs are broken down into these levels: low (6–10), medium (15–25), high (30–50) and very high (50+).

Visit www.nivea.co.za/advice/sun/which-sun-protectionfactor-do-i-need-104 for more information on what SPF you should be using.

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