STV Health Centre

Whether you’re jetting off abroad or enjoying the sunshine in Scotland, it’s important to be sun safe. 

There are several things you can do to keep yourself healthy and safe, so you can concentrate on enjoying the good weather!

• Apply a generous amount of sun cream (sun protection factor 15 or higher) to your skin before going out in the sun.

• Remember to reapply it every two to three hours. If you are swimming outside remember to reapply your sun protection afterwards.
   
• Cover up your skin and protect from UV rays by wearing a long sleeved top, trousers and a hat to protect your face and scalp from burning. 

• Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight where possible.

• Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection protect your eyes.

• Make sure to keep hydrated flby drinking plenty of non-alcoholic drinks such as water, tea and fruit juice.

You can also make the most of good weather by planning healthy and fun outdoor activities. Check out Active Scotland’s Get Out and Active website for information on outdoor activities in your neighbourhood.

Useful links

• NHS inform's commonly asked questions: Can I use last year’s sun cream?
• NHS inform on sunburn
• NHS inform on heat exhaustion and heatstroke
• NHS inform on dehydration
• Scottish briefing on NICE public health guidance 32: Skin cancer prevention information, resources and environmental changes
• British Association of dermatologists on sunscreen factsheet

Image courtesy of Flickr/ Kevin Hale