Sun Awareness Week 6th-12 May 2024

Posted by: lynn - Posted on:

Sunshine is not all bad – it helps the body produce vitamin D which is important for helping your kid’s bones to grow and stay strong, as well as helping to prevent osteoporosis later in life. While sunburn may be unpleasant and uncomfortable, it can also lead to skin cancer.

Sun Awareness week will be from 6th – 12th May.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and rates have been climbing since the 1960s. Sun damage which starts in childhood can lead to skin cancer later in life.

Sun Awareness Week is supported by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and the British Skin Foundation (BSF) and aims to get the message out about skin protection to prevent skin cancer happening.

Sun Protection Tips

  • Spend time in the shade during the sunniest part of the day when the sun is at its strongest, which is usually between 11am and 3pm in the summer months
  • Avoid direct sun exposure for babies and very young children.
  • When it is not possible to stay out of the sun, keeping yourself well covered, with a hat, T-shirt, and sunglasses can give you additional protection. You can buy specialist children’s sun protection clothing as well.
  • Apply sunscreen liberally to exposed areas of skin. Re-apply every two hours and straight after swimming or towelling in order to maintain protection.

So, there you have it – keep covered up, stay out of the sun at the hottest time of day and don’t be stingy with the sun cream!

For more information about Sun Awareness Week visit skinhealthinfo.org.uk/sun-awareness/sun-awareness-week/