With the sun set to shine, temperatures on the rise, and increased UV rays this week, it’s important to cover up and shield yourself from harmful rays.
Sunscreens help protect you from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays in two different ways. Some scatter the light, reflecting it away from your skin. Others absorb the harmful UV rays before they reach you.
If you are sitting in the sun, it’s important to apply sunscreen to prevent burns and indeed skin cancer. Whether you are heading to the beach, swimming in the sea, or enjoying an al fresco meal outdoors on a restaurant terrace, applying sunscreen should be part of your regime.
It’s crucial to know what type of sunscreen to choose. You need to understand the sun protection factor (SPF), ingredients, and whether you need a particular lotion.
Always look at the expiration date on the bottle. Some lotions can degenerate over time and expired sunscreen will not give you the protection you require. It’s a good idea to make a point of buying a new lotion every year for the family to ensure that it is fully effective and will combat the harmful effects of the sun.
Some people have a sensitivity to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is a common ingredient in suntan lotions. If you are sensitive to that particular ingredient, look for sunscreen labels that state ‘PABA free’ on the label.
It looks set to be a sizzler across Northern Ireland this week. So the message is – stay safe in the sun.
