If you believe the experts then this summer is going to be a hot one, not something we often get to say in the UK! A good summer with lots of sun often means more vitamin D, a healthy glow and improved mental health but as beneficial as the sun can be it can also be damaging to our health,especially our skin and our eyes, so here are a few hints and tips from the experts about how you and your children can stay safe in the sun this summer.
Why Sun Safety Matters
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are invisible but very powerful. There are two main types: UVA and UVB. Both can harm your skin and eyes over time:
- UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots.
- UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn.
- Both types contribute to skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous form.
Even on cloudy or cool days, up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds and reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and snow. That means you can get sunburned even when it doesn’t feel sunny.
How to Stay Safe in the Sun
1. Use Sunscreen Daily
“For adequate protection, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended for everyday use. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. If you’re outdoors for extended periods or in direct sunlight, you may want to use SPF 50, which blocks about 98% of UVB rays. For anti-aging purposes, it’s essential to apply sunscreen daily as UVA rays, which cause premature aging, can penetrate even through windows.
In summer months I recommend reapplying every 2 hours as a minimum, as we tend to apply it much more sparingly than is done during lab testing – so a SPF 30 will offer you only SPF 15 in most cases.
Exposure to water will also alter the protection, even if your product is water resistant, so if you’re swimming, perspiring and towel drying, or any other vigorous or abrasive activity, make sure you re-apply. Up to 85 percent of a product can be removed by towel drying.” Says Dr Karishma Hemmady, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics
2. Seek Shade
Wherever possible stay in the shade, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, when the sun’s rays are strongest. When out and about try and sit under umbrellas, trees, or shelters, you can still enjoy the sun without sitting directly in it.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Staying in the shade is not always possible, especially when you are running around after small children. In these instances try and opt for long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts made from tightly woven fabric as they offer the best protection for your skin whilst still keeping you cool. If it is too hot for long sleeved clothing then invest in some sun-protective clothing labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).
We recommend the Helly Hansen Solen range, their sun protection clothing for older children, women and men. Our favourites include:
Women’s HH LIFA® Active Solen T-shirt
These T-shirts give you sun protection and comfort on hot days. They have been designed using the S.Café® process which infuses the shirt’s fabric with used coffee grounds, giving it UPF 50+ sun protection without the use of chemicals. It is available in 4 different colours and sizes XS to XL.
You could team these T-shirts with the Women’s Tofino Solen Shorts. Stylish shorts that are also made with UPF 50+ sun protection, available in 2 colours and in sizes XS to XL.
4. Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat
A hat with a brim all the way around helps shade your face, ears, and neck for a fuller coverage, where possible avoid baseball caps or visors, as they don’t protect the sides of your face or neck.
For children we recommend this cute Pastel Sequin Floppy Sun hat from Monsoon. It’s lightweight, sparkly and available in ages 3-6 and 6-13. Who says you can’t be safe and stylish?!
Or these reversible bucket hats from Hot Dog Watson are also a great choice, not only do they offer protection around the face, neck and sides they also have UPF 50+ Super strength sun protection built in to protect young skin from harsh UVA (ageing) + UVB (burning) rays to factor 50+ and they are even finished off with clever in-built mosquito repellent which lasts up to 30 washes or equivalent dunks in the sea! These hats are available from birth to 10 years and there are lots of patterns and colours to choose from.
When a wide brim hat isn’t an option then try the hats with neck flaps like these uber cool ones from Little Hotdog Watson which once again offer SPF50 protection and mosquito repellent.
5. Wear Sunglasses
It is vital that you protect your eyes in summer so opt for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer the best coverage and help prevent cataracts and other eye issues too.
6. Sun safe swimwear
Whether you’re spending your days on the beach, by an outside pool, or simply in the garden with the paddling pool try and opt for swimwear with full coverage and SPF protection. We love this one from Monsoon which uses UPF50+ fabric that helps to provide protection against ultraviolet solar radiation.
Or for even more coverage you could opt for one of these all in one swimsuits from Turtle Tots which offers sun protection and comes complete with a legionnaire hat that protects your little one’s head and neck.
7. Stay Hydrated
Sun exposure and heat can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water when spending time outdoors. If you have a child that finds drinking water difficult then don’t feel too bad about adding some sugar free juice to it. One top tip we have is to get your child to pick their own water bottle and take it with them on their adventures, the comfort of knowing it’s theirs and that it’s aways with them will encourage the to drink more.
We hope you have an amazing summer and are able to stay safe in the sun using these top tips.