HEALTH & WELLBEING: Stay safe in the Sun this Holiday Season

There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan doesn't protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects. Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight. People who spend a lot of time in the sun, whether it's for work or pleasure, are at increased risk of skin cancer if they don't take the right precautions.

Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest, make sure you:

• spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• make sure you never burn
• cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• take extra care with children
• use at least factor 15 sunscreen

If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice:

• 30 minutes before going out
• just before going out
• Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears – and head if you have thinning or no hair – but a wide-brimmed hat is better.

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes applying it straight after you've been in water – even if it's "water resistant" – and after towel drying, sweating, or when it may have rubbed off.