SUN SAFETY

As the sun starts to come out, it’s important to get into good habits when it comes to skin care. We spoke to Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, Consultant Dermatologist at King Edward VII’s Hospital, for top tips on staying safe in the sun.

Everyone – regardless of skin type – should be opting for a broad-spectrum UV protection sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection, which should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside. It is recommended you re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours to ensure you are getting maximum protection.

When applying sun cream, people tend to apply to their face, arms, and chest, but can often forget to protect other parts of their body like their eyelids, scalps, and feet, but these can still burn like any other part of the body. Use sun cream all over your body, and cover up with light clothing, hats, and sunglasses to boost your protection when out and about

During the summer, the sun tends to be hottest and at its most dangerous between the hours of 11am and 3pm. Aim to seek cover in the shade at these points of the day, and drink plenty of fluids, to keep yourself hydrated and avoid the risk of getting heat stroke.

If you do happen to get sunburnt, sponge sore skin with cool water, and then apply after sun to help reduce irritation. Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will also help ease the pain by helping to reduce inflammation caused by sunburn.

Those with lot of moles need to be extra vigilant in the sun, as UV rays can cause moles to become cancerous. Regularly check your moles and if their appearance has changed in terms of size or texture, book an appointment with your GP to assess them. King Edward VII’s Hospital o er a comprehensive Mole Mapping Health Check for just £595

The King Edward VII’s Hospital, Maylebone is a leader in dermatology. They specialise in diagnosis and treatment of all dermatological conditions and offer appointments within as little as 48 hours. 020 4571 2097 kingedwardvii.co.uk