Summer is here and most of us enjoy being outdoors, basking in the warmer weather. Sadly, the sun with its UVA and UVB rays is not always our friend.

Skin cancer in its various forms is on the rise and the time it takes to get an appointment with a dermatologist can often be far too long. Good sun protection is vital all year, but especially in the summer months when so much more of our bodies are exposed to damaging rays.

Sun protection

I cannot praise highly enough the sun care range Ultrasun, which is made in Switzerland. It has sunscreen that caters to every need, from sports to swimming, or just going about your everyday routine. It is a once a day application, which very few other products are, and it also protects from over 95% of UVA rays, which are the ones that cause the most damage.

Children who have particularly vulnerable skin should have sun-screen applied first thing before leaving the house, giving peace of mind that they are protected all day until it is washed off.

For men who often neglect sun protection, there is a very light sports spray version that is easily absorbed, especially if you have areas of skin with lots of hair (i.e. arms and legs). Do not forget bald spots, tops of ears and tips of noses – they all need protection.

Ultrasun might cost a little more but you don’t have to keep reapplying so it is cost efficient in the long-term.

I always have their little lip protection stick in my bag, which is Factor 30 and brilliant on the lips as it protects and moisturises. It can also be gently patted around the eye area or any other unexpected exposed areas.

Boots also has a good range, Soltan, which is a little less expensive and also a UVA five star. I tend to use their face Factor 30 in the winter as
I find it nice and light. You will still get a tan wearing sunscreen, it just might take a little longer.

Vitamin D

People are often concerned that if they use sunscreen it will reduce their levels of essential vitamin D. Various new studies published in the British Journal of Dermatology say this fear is unfounded. It is now claimed you do not need that much sun exposure to synthesise vitamin D, so forget this as an excuse!

Sun umbrella

I recently heard about a sun umbrella from Solbari.co.uk, which costs just £30. It comes in two sizes and blocks out the sun’s harmful rays. It is made of a thicker fabric than a normal umbrella so is able to block out light.

Sunglasses

Eye protection is imperative, but if like me you find sunscreen on your eyelids can sometimes cause irritation then good quality sunglasses are essential. There are so many fabulous sunglasses out there, which look amazing and give both UVA and UVB protection. If you find a wrap around design it gives confidence in knowing the sides and ‘crow’s feet’ area are being protected.

Enjoy the lovely sunshine but don’t pay a price for it with sun damage.