The websites of Cancer Research UK and the British Association of Dermatologists are sources of up-to-date information on sun protection:

Cancer Research UK
British Association of Dermatology
The general principles recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists for sun protection are as follows:

➜ Slip on a shirt – wear sun protective clothing, hats and sunglasses
➜ Seek out the shade between 11.00am and 3:00pm. Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight
➜ Slap on sunscreen. Use high protection SPF (minimum SPF30) with 4-5 UVA stars. Apply 15-30 minutes before going out, and every 2 hours after that.

Sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection are ideal – these are sometimes labelled ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreens.

Sunscreen can be removed unintentionally by sweating, swimming or towel-drying. This is why regular application is recommended with all sunscreens, including those marketed as ‘once-a-day’ sunscreens.