UV Facts and Staying Safe

Whether at home in the UK or on a foreign holiday, it’s important to keep yourself protected against the effects of sun exposure. According to Cancer Research UK, using sunscreen alone may not be enough to prevent skin cancer, so it’s important that you remember to cover up too.

Top Ways To Stay Safe This Summer

1. Avoid sunbeds and spending time outside in the middle of the day.

According to the NHS, sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the Mediterranean sun. Sunbeds dramatically increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Natural sunlight is essential for getting enough Vitamin D, but using sunbeds gives a very concentrated dose of UV light which is incredibly dangerous.

2. The Met Office have released an app to help you keep safe in the sun.

Download it if you have a smartphone. It gives a ‘UV forecast’ so you can plan your day in the sun safely and judge how much protection you need to use to avoid sunstroke and sunburn. The app can be downloaded here for iPhone users, and could save you a lot of hassle this summer.

3. Cover up.

T-shirts, scarves and large hats mean that covering up in the midday sun doesn’t have to leave you sweltering hot.

If you have children, ensure that they wear sunglasses, a sunhat and are covered as much as possible when playing out on a hot day.

4. Have fun and enjoy the sunshine safely!

We don’t get much of it in the UK, so savour it while it lasts! Check out your local council’s website to see what outdoor activities are being held near you. Have a picnic in the garden, visit a National Trust property, or take the train to the coast. Just ensure that there are places where you can seek shade close by, and that you are equipped with hats and suncream.

Food and UV Sensitivity

Did you know that certain foods can make you more sensitive to UV light? Foods that contain psoralen can sometimes increase the risk of sunburn or UV damage, but can also treat skin disorders such as psoriasis. Psoralen in its medicinal form is used alongside UV lights in PUVA therapy.

Below are some of the most common foods containing psoralen:

1. Carrots

carrots