Enjoy the sun safely during UV Safety Awareness Month | Tenant news

Sunny weather is a great excuse to get outside, whether you're relaxing in the garden, meeting friends, going for a walk or simply enjoying some fresh air.

While sunshine can lift your mood, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin and increase your risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Following a few sensible habits can help protect you, your family and your pets.

1. Check the UV index

Before you head outside, it's worth checking the UV index. This tells you how strong the sun's UV rays are on that day. The higher the number, the more likely they are to damage your skin.

You can find the UV index in most weather apps, on the BBC Weather website and in many other weather forecasts.

You don't need bright sunshine to be exposed to UV rays. If the UV index is three or above, the NHS recommends taking extra care by using sunscreen, covering up and seeking the shade. Read more on the NHS website.

2. Avoid the hottest hours

The sun is usually strongest between 1pm and 4pm in England. If you can, plan to spend that time indoors or in the shade. Using a parasol, sitting under a tree, or taking regular breaks to head indoors can help reduce your exposure while still letting you enjoy the day.

3. Cover up

Loose, lightweight clothing can help protect your skin from the sun. Use a wide-brimmed hat to help shade your face, ears and neck, and wear sunglasses with UV protection to help protect your eyes.

4. Don't forget sunscreen

When choosing sunscreen, look for one that's at least Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 with Unltraviolet A (UVA) protection. UVA is long-wave ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It penetrates deep into the skin and is the primary cause of premature aging, wrinkles, and skin pigmentation. It’s also a major driving factor for skin cancers, including melanoma.

SPF helps protect your skin from UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn, while UVA protection helps protect against longer-term skin damage.

Apply sunscreen before you go outside and reapply it every two hours, or more often if you've been swimming or sweating. Remember to cover easy-to-miss areas like your ears, the back of your neck and the tops of your feet.

5. Drink plenty of water

Your body loses more water when it's hot, so it's important to drink regularly throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Most adults should aim to drink around six to eight glasses of fluid a day, but you may need more when the weather is hot or if you're spending time outdoors.

Keep a bottle of water nearby and take regular sips throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty.

6. Look after children and pets

Children's skin burns more easily than adults, so make sure they have shade, suitable clothing and sunscreen. Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Don't forget your pets either. Make sure they have fresh water, somewhere cool to rest and never leave them in a parked car, even with the windows open.They can suffer fatal heatstroke within minutes.

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