With the good weather here to stay in Swansea, it’s important to remember to be safe and protected in the sun. Even if you don’t burn, you should always make sure to have good habits when spending time outdoors in the sun.

1. Sun Cream

This is most likely the first thing you think of when you think of sun protection. You need to make sure not only to apply sun cream, but to use it in the right way. When you buy sun cream, try and buy one that has an SPF of at least 30 and 4-star UVA protection, as recommended by the NHS. Make sure to cover all skin that’s exposed to the sun 30 minutes before going out, including easily forgotten areas like your feet, back of your legs and your ears. Make sure to be generous, as putting on too little will make you more likely to burn.

Remembering to reapply is also very important. The rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours, however if you plan on getting the paddling pool out in the garden then you’ll need to reapply as soon as you get out of the water.

2. Accessories

While you may not be planning a catwalk in your back garden, you should try to protect your skin as much as you can with a few accessories. A hat with a wide brim is a great way to prevent burning your scalp, face and neck, especially when you have lighter coloured hair. Sunglasses are also a must to protect your eyes – try and wear a pair that have 99-100% UV light protection. Just because the lenses are tinted, doesn’t mean they are more effective.

3. Shade

The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm, so you should try and stay in the shade as much as possible during this time. If possible, plan your fun in the sun for the early morning or late afternoon – a barbeque in the evening can be just as enjoyable and far better for your skin. If you do plan on going out in the middle of the day, you can use trees and umbrellas as cover from the sun, as well as making sure to go inside every so often for a break from the sun.

Remember, it’s also important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid heat stroke.

What do you plan to do while the sun is out?