Our Family Guide to a Great Summer

Experiencing severe sunburn, particularly in childhood, increases the risk of developing skin cancer in later life, so it’s really important to protect everyone from the potentially damaging effects of the sun. Children’s skin is much more sensitive than adults’, so it is especially necessary to be diligent when it comes to applying their sunscreen.

Clothing should always be your first line of defence against damage from the sun. Cover as much of the skin as possible, paying special attention to the shoulders, which burn easily. Consider T-shirts and hats even when in the water, and a wide brim hat is best, as it will shade the head, face, ears and neck.

UV radiation can also damage the eyes, and so sunglasses with good quality lenses that filter out the UV are essential. Styles that wrap around, and so do not allow sun in at the sides, are best.

No sunscreen provides absolute protection, so it should be used with other lines of defence, and not alone. Generously apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more to all areas of skin to be exposed to the sun. A waterproof sunscreen is better, even if you don’t have water babies, as it protects better from sweat. Apply the sunscreen 20–30 minutes before going outside, and at least every two hours and don’t forget to protect their lips using an SPF30+ lip balm. Also check the expiry date of any sunscreen, as out-of-date sunscreen will not be as effective.

It goes without saying that keeping kids in the shade is a good way of protecting them from the sun, especially in the middle of the day, between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.