23 Jul 2019
Protect your skin this summer
As we reach summer holiday season and with warmer weather in the UK, it is important to protect yourself from sunburn – whether you’re working outside or enjoying time off in the sun.
Aim to get a good balance between getting your vitamin D and looking after your skin, as exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
The following tips from the Employee Assistance Programme’s Wellbeing Focus will help you stay safe this summer:
Avoid peak times
Try to stay indoors between 11am-3pm as this is when the sun is at its hottest and UV rays are strongest – which can be just as strong when it is cloudy.
Wear the right clothing
- Lighter clothing helps to keep you cool and protect you from the sun
- Long-sleeved tops, trousers or long skirts in close-weave fabrics will stop sunlight from getting through
- A wide-brimmed hat protects your face, neck and ears
Use a high factor sunscreen
The minimum sun protection factor you should be using is factor 30. These numbers indicate the level of protection against ultraviolet B radiation (UVB). It is advised to use sunscreen that also has ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection – this is symbolised with stars (usually four) or the words UVA in a circle on the bottle.
Check the expiration date of the cream – if it is past its expiration it will not be as effective. The shelf life of sunscreen is two to three years.
Apply sunscreen properly
You should be reapplying sunscreen frequently – the recommended time is every two hours.
Even if the sunscreen is water-resistant you should reapply after being in the water, as well as after sweating.
To ensure that you are applying enough sunscreen you should use the following guideline amounts:
- Two teaspoons for head, arms and neck
- Two tablespoons for entire body
Wear sunglasses
Invest in a pair of sunglasses as extended exposure to sunlight can cause painful temporary burns to the surface of the eye. Opting for a wraparound style will better protect your eyes and make sure to look for the EU CE Mark on the arms.
By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy the weather without risking damage to your skin.
More information on staying protected this summer can be found here:
For more information on wellbeing, go to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) website. This is a resource for employees to get help and support on a number of topics. It is free to Loughborough University employees and can be accessed here using the code ‘lborowell’.
The EAP telephone service is also available 24 hours a day by calling 0800 111 6387.