Going on holiday this year – or staying at home?
Protect your family's skin with the latest suncare products, wherever you are.
There's no doubt about it,
being outside in the summer sunshine feels good – the warmth on your skin, the longer days and brighter light all make us feel more relaxed. There is, however, a hidden danger: without suitable protection skin can burn, leading to long-term damage, even skin cancer. Even in the cooler climate of the UK.
However, you can keep you and your family safe by following a few simple guidelines. Don't forget that you can pick up the latest suncare products for adults, children and babies along with your weekly shop.
Grown-ups
Try to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm. Remember, exposure to the sun causes dehydration and and ages the skin, leaving it wrinkled.
Protect exposed skin, even on cloudy days, by using sunglasses, hats and light clothing as well as sunscreen products. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause damage, so use broad spectrum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) products (effective against both UVA and UVB) and reapply regularly. Adults should use SPFs of 15 or above, children 30 or above.
Apply generous amounts of sunscreen up to 30 minutes before going out in the sun and allow it to absorb – use before make-up and other creams. Cover up vulnerable areas – noses, ears and receding hairlines burn easily, as do shoulders and necks. Don't forget the backs of your hands too! Reapply suncare products regularly, or use a once-a-day sunscreen. And at the end of
a hot day, soothe skin with cooling after-sun products.
Babies and Children
Youngsters under two should not be exposed to direct sunlight – protect their delicate skin and eyes by keeping them in the shade. Encourage all children to wear brimmed hats and to keep their clothes on! Slather them with suncare products of at least SPF30: some of these are available in fun colours to help you see where you have applied it
– make it into a game instead
of trying to struggle with
a slippery toddler. Repeat applications regularly, after swimming and towelling or as advised on the packaging.
New this Year
Bergaderm Sunscreen Mousses are quickly absorbed, non- greasy and fragrance-free. With SPFs of 12, 20 and 30, they give up to six hours of protection even when you're swimming.
The Ultrasun Protection Once-a Day range (SPF17, 20, 28 and 30) are applied up to 60 minutes before exposure to the sun and then provide day-long protection. All are water-resistant and oil- and fragrance-free. The SPF28 is for particularly sensitive skin, and SPF30 is ideal for children.
Ambre Solaire Face Cream (SPF60) looks after delicate skin – apply under make-up before going out for the day.
For more advice on safety in the sun, visit Cancer Research UK's SunSmart website at sunsmart.org.uk
Holiday Helpers
If you are heading off on holiday, here are a few items that you can buy with your groceries to tuck into your luggage, just in case…
Painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen – headaches are not uncommon on holiday; they're often your body's reaction
to a sudden reduction in
day-to-day stress levels! For children, there's Calpol or Nurofen for Children.
Stomach settlers: Rennies, Alka-Seltzer, Andrews Salts or Resolve (in case of overindulgence), or Imodium for when you need to get back to your regular self.
Insect repellent: beat the beasties with Jungle Formula in a handy pump spray or,
if you're too late, apply soothing Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream.
Traveller essentials: plasters, Wet Ones Large Wipes, Vaseline Lip Therapy or Lypsyl Original. For nervous flyers, Bach Rescue Remedy.
Pampering skin care: cleanse and tone with Johnson's 3-in-1 Cleansing Facial Wipes (saves space in your luggage). Drench your limbs with moisturising products from Umi, L'Oreal and Dove. Apply Ambre Solaire self-tanning spray to become bronzed overnight.
A glossy magazine or two: something to flick through in the airport and by the pool.
And because everyone knows you just can't get a decent cuppa abroad: pop a few of your favourite Waitrose tea bags into your suitcase.
This article was first published on Waitrose.com in July 2005.