Whilst getting a dose of summer sunshine and much needed vitamin D sounds idyllic, too much sun (or too little protection for that matter), can have adverse effects on your health. Too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays and infrared light can be dangerous. If you’re not careful, they can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer.
Therefore, it’s important to protect your skin whilst on holiday. The good news is that skin cancer is preventable in 86% of cases, so by taking steps such as wearing a high level SPF and seeking shade, you can greatly reduce your risk.
What does the SPF level mean?
The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product as advertised. So SPF 50 (in theory!) would take you 50 times longer to burn compared to if you were not wearing any sunscreen at all.
It’s recommended that you wear SPF 30+ if you are going to be outside in the sun for any length of time. You can even burn in winter, so it’s recommended to wear an SPF all year round if you spend any length of time outdoors.
Why is SPF and skin protection important and how can I protect myself?
If you have too much sun (and too little SPF), you can get sunburn and heatstroke, so try your best to maintain a balance of getting enough vitamin D whilst still protecting your skin.
Where possible, aim to spend time in the shade during the hottest parts of the day – typically between 11am and 3pm. And don’t forget to look for a sunscreen with the letters UVA in a circle as that indicates it meets the EU standards!
What to Pack:
When you’re packing your suitcase, it’s essential you remember all the holiday essentials to keep you safe yet stylish.
Firstly – don’t forget your SPF! Arguably the most important item, make sure to pop this in your luggage first. For added protection, you should also look to pack some light beach trousers and cover ups (and maybe even some sunhats) to keep yourself out of direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
You may also want to pack:
- Kindle
- Hand sanitizer
- Facemasks
- Magazines
- Books
- Camera
- Beach towels
- Swimsuits
- After sun
- Beach balls / toys
- Reusable water bottles
Wherever you choose to go on your next holiday, make sure you stay safe with your SPF. By opting for an SPF 30+ and packing some light beach cover ups, you can have as much fun as you like without wreaking havoc on your body. We promise – your skin will thank you for it!