THOU SHALT NOT BURN!
Follow The Tan Commandments!
1 THOU SHALT NOT FALL FOR THE “BASE” COLOURMYTH Using sun beds to build up a “base colour” so you’re less likely to burn is a common fallacy. As well as offering only minimal protection from burning (about an SPF 4, say experts), studies have shown the intensity of UV rays from sun beds can be up to 10-15 times higher than those of the midday sun, increasing the risk of developing the most aggressive form of skin cancer by as much as 75 per cent. 2 THOU SHALT READ THE LABEL LOTION, SPRAY OR OIL, CHOOSE A “BROAD SPECTRUM” SUN CARE PRODUCT THAT SCREENS OUT BOTH UVA AND UVB RAYS TO PROTECT FROM BOTH LONG-TERM CUMULATIVE DAMAGE AND SUNBURN. LOOK FOR AN SPF OF AT LEAST 15 (50 FOR KIDS) AND A FOUR OR FIVE STAR UVA RATING. THE LATEST PRODUCTS, LIKE LLOYDSPHARMACY SOLERO SUN CARE RANGE, OFFER ADDED PROTECTION FROM DEEPER PENETRATING INFRARED-A RAYS. 3 THOU SHALT NOT USE LAST YEAR’S LEFTOVERS “Check the period after opening symbol*. Although sunscreen can last up to two years, exposure to direct heat from the sun can affect this,” says Boots UK sun care advisor, Clare O’Connor. “If it looks and smells OK, it should be fine. If it has a watery cottage cheese texture and smells odd, bin it.” *The period after opening symbol is how long it will stay good after unsealing. 4 THOU SHALT APPLY SUNSCREEN REGULARLY “All sun products should be liberally applied 30 minutes before being in the sun to ensure they are fully absorbed by the skin,” advises LloydsPharmacy sun care expert, Jo Carey. “Shake before use to ensure the product is fully mixed and then re-apply at least every two hours or after swimming/exercise/perspiring/towelling. Make sure you use a golf ball sized amount (or six teaspoons) to cover your entire body.” 5 THOU SHALT NOT MISS A SPOT IN A RECENT NIVEA SURVEY ALMOST A THIRD OF BRITS ADMITTED THEY BURN EVERY TIME THEY GO IN THE SUN. THE MOST COMMON REASON IS MISSING AREAS WHEN APPLYING SUNSCREEN. THE PARTS MOST LIKELY TO BURN ARE THE “SUN TERRACES” – NOSE, SHOULDERS AND TOPS OF FEET.“SPRAYING TOO FAR AWAY IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE,” SAYS CLARE. “AND MAKE SURE YOU RUB THE SUNSCREEN IN TO ENSURE EVEN COVERAGE.”
6 THOU SHALT NOT NEGLECT SUN CARE AT HOME More than half of those who suffered sunburn were burnt in the UK, according to a Cancer Research UK survey. Don’t be fooled – even on overcast days 30-40 per cent of ultraviolet (UV) rays will still penetrate cloud. Check the UV index as part of the weather forecast (www.metoffice.gov.uk) and each morning slather on sunscreen instead of your usual moisturiser so you don’t forget to apply it later.
7 THOU SHALT WEAR SHADES
EXCESSIVE UNPROTECTED EXPOSURE TO THE SUN CAN LEAD TO EYE SUNBURN (PHOTOKERATITIS), WARNS KELLY PLAHAY OF THE EYECARE TRUST. “BUT DARK LENSES WITHOUT UV PROTECTION CAN BE MORE HARMFUL THAN NO GLASSES AT ALL,” SHEWARNS. “THEY CAUSE PUPILS TO DILATE LETTING MORE UV RAYS ENTER THE EYE.” BUY FROM REPUTABLE OUTLETS (NOT MARKETS) AND LOOK FOR THE BRITISH STANDARDS KITEMARK OR A CE MARK. 8 THOU SHALT AVOID THE AFTERNOON SUN Research by online travel agency www.sunshine.co.uk found that the average holidaymaker heading abroad lies out in the sun for an average of seven hours each day! Seek the shade during the hottest hours of the day (11am to 3pm). Enjoy a leisurely lunch, or pop up the sun umbrella and don a cover up and hat, or consider a siesta in your room. 9 THOU SHALT USE AFTER-SUN - NOT YOUR USUAL MOISTURISER “After-suns provide moisturise to dehydrated skin but also cool and soothe,” explains Clare. “They require minimal rubbing in and contain antioxidant ingredients which help skin recover. Some ingredients in ordinary moisturisers, however, may trap heat in your skin, causing discomfort and more damage.” Try Soleve Sunburn Relief (£7.96 from Boots) – the only product that combines the power of ibuprofen with a soothing moisturiser. 10 THOU SHALT FAKE IT ’ TIL YOU MAKE IT Accept you’ll never be as bronzed as the Mediterranean lady in the next sun lounger and instead fake that bronzed glow. Self-tan has come a long way since you tried to scrub off streaks in the 90s. If you take your time most products create an authentic colour with no orange tones. Try TanOrganics tanning oil – it goes on easily, dries quickly, doesn’t streak, doesn’t smell, lasts for ages and looks really natural. Your skin will thank you for it!