Let’s talk about the sun.
We don’t get to see it all that often in the UK do we? Obviously not we’re headed off to sunny Florida in less than two weeks, I’m feeling a little bit like the unprepared, moronic uncle figure who isn’t really sure what he’s doing. Some websites tell you to cover up, avoid the sun in peak times, stay safe! Whereas others tell you to get on out here, enjoy yourself and soak up the vitamin D. Which one is it?
One thing we all seem to agree on is that sun cream is a must. I’m dreadful at using sun cream. Truly, utterly dreadful. I rarely use it and apparently I’m not alone. A recent study, conducted by Piz Buin found out a lot of interesting stats about young Brits not seeing sun protection as a summer essential. According to their study 68% of 16-24 year old Brits were going on holiday in August and a quarter of them were not taking any sun protection with them. While I appreciate that I have slid perilously out of this bracket and gently strolled my way over to the practically thirty section, I still feel like I have this false mentality lurking. In truth, I take sun cream for the kids and I forget it for myself… I wear it IF Adam puts it on for me!!
Now, we know sun cream is all important, but which one?
Well, we take a few different ones on holiday because, without realising it, people often use the wrong sun cream because using one for every member of the family just doesn’t cut it. Personally, I use a factor 15-30 oil spray as I like to try and build some form of tan and look a little less Casper-esque however that doesn’t really work for the children.
Another common misconception for families is that the higher the factor of sun cream the better, not so. Factor 50 does not offer children significantly higher protection than factor 30, it’s all in the re-application. So one bottle of sun cream is never enough for a family of 5, in fact you are better off buying a larger pack and bringing some home for those few and far between sunny days over here.
When it comes to Adam, he has become a true fan of Piz Buin Cool and Protect this summer. Adam would be the first to admit that he is quite the hot totty, and I do mean hot in the rather literal sense. As a child he never quite managed to maintain his body temperature and ultimately would over hear very easily, it’s something that he’s always struggled with so a holiday where the average temperature will be 27C isn’t necessarily perfect for him. Cool and Protect has a natural cooling agent, so not only only will reapplying it spare him a nasty burn but it will also help to keep him cool in the heat.
Sun cream isn’t the only thing you need for sun care. After sun is hugely important to moisturise the skin after sun exposure, as is keeping covered during the “magic hours” of 11am to 3pm – which also happens to be the time that the majority of people head out to the beach or pool after lunch!
To summarise;
- different people need different sun creams.
- Reapplication top trumps factor ever day of the week
- Staying out of the direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm is best, but if not, keep covered and reapply sun cream frequently.
- After sun isn’t just for burns, it’s key for moisturising skin after sun exposure
What sun cream do you use?
H x
It is all about the reapplication, I think people forget that. I try wear SPF regardless where I am, home or on holiday. I try to look for water resistant sunscreen, the higher the SPF from my belief is that it doesn’t prevent tanning or burning it just slows it down but yes SPF for hair and lips too like Lyndsey said – important xo
Sun cream is so important! I am covered in moles and freckles and I cannot believe some people dont put this protection on.
I have to wear factor 50 because I burn so easily, but I’m really bad with reapplying throughout the day. Sunscreen really is so important, it’s really interesting that there are different types with tailored ingredients like the cooling one, I had no idea. x
I have to wear sunscreen whenever it’s sunny (and wear factor 50 on my face every day) as my skin is so fair and sensitive. Such a pain!
I forget how difficult it is to remember sun cream. Mrs P has created a suncream shack near the door so there’s never a reason to forget.
You can never ever be too careful in the sun, all year round x
Its so important to wear sunscreen although my problem is that I don’t wear it enough! I need to start wearing it more often.
Sun cream is so important. I got burned one day this summer and it was painful.
Sunscreen is the bane of my life, I have to wear a factor 50!
Ahh bummer!
I always put sun cream on myself and my little man. It’s so important to stay protected from the sun.
Absolutely!
Good on you for posting about such an important topic. I’m really passionate about SPF, The ageing effects on the skin and the dangers of skin cancer are just too important to skip SPF! xxx
Thanks Laura!
It does seem like younger people tend to neglect sunscreen. I have to bring it with me on every trip because my skin burns so quickly.
Absolutely! We need to teach them better!
I am glad to read so much info about sun protection. You will be surprised how many people use the wrong factor or only apply once and never top up.
Thanks Nayna!
Sun cream is defo so important, even in the later months of the year if the sun’s out, the SPF should be too!
Thanks Milly!
Being a previous teacher working outdoors a lot in New Zealand we had to be really careful to make sure the kids had good sun protection. It was so strict, always wearing sun-hats outdoors and the highest SPF factor. I’ve not been so strict here in the uk with Sylvia but need to be more careful.
It’s hard to be strict isn’t it!
Wow have a wonderful time it’s lovely in Florida. Remember to reapply the cream x
Thanks Mel, I’m sure we will!
I”ve never thought about it like that but different people do need different sun creams don’t they! For me, I like a once per day style sun cream x
Yes, totally!
I swear by Clinique City Block – I’ve been using this for years and it suits me well
Never tried it!
You must be so excited to go away, especially when the sunshine is slowly disappearing here. I need high SPF suncream as I burn quite easily x
So excited – but the sunshine now appears to be clouded by Hurricane Hermine!
I am never without SPF and after sun during the summer – I won’t risk my skins health
Ahh thanks lovely x
I’ve always used the Boots range, perhaps I’ll give the Piz Buin a go in future. Enjoy your trip to Florida x
I love Piz Buin!
A couple of sun care tips I wish I’d known before going to Florida…
Get a head and hair sun spray. My scalp got fried and even brushing my hair hurt like hell.
Spf lip balm. 2 days in and I looked like I had cold sores. Good job my wedding make up lady was amazing at hiding it.
Have an AMAZING holiday.
Oohh thanks so much for these – awesome tips!